The Mali Empire primarily spoke Manding languages, with the most notable being Bambara. During the empire’s height from the 13th to the 16th centuries, these languages served as a vital means of communication among the diverse populations within the empire.
In addition to Bambara, other languages such as Soninke and various dialects of Mande were also spoken. The empire, known for its rich culture and trans-Saharan trade, facilitated interactions among different ethnic groups. This linguistic diversity reflected the empire’s vast territory and its inclusive ethos, allowing it to thrive economically and culturally.
It is important to note that despite the dominance of Manding languages, Arabic also played a significant role, especially in trade and scholarly contexts, due to the influence of Islam. However, for everyday communication among the people of the Mali Empire, the local languages were primarily used.