Benin Local Phrases

You can learn a few Benin local phrases on your OverlandingAfrica.com tour to help you interact with locals and make yourself understood.

French is the national language, and as such is widely spoken. English is seldom spoken, however with basic French you will be able to chat to locals with no problem almost anywhere in Benin.

Fon is also spoken by many Benin locals, especially in the southern regions. Knowing how to say hello and thank you will go a long way in impressing the locals, but first ask if your new friend speaks the language by saying ‘A se Fongbe a?’ (do you speak Fon?), to which they may answer ‘Eho, Un se fongbe a’ (no, I don’t speak Fon) or ‘Eeen, Un se fongbe bi’ (yes, I speak Fon).

You could also try this Yoruba phrase if you are in Yoruba territories and trying to find your way to the nearest beach: 'Nibo ni eti-okun wa?' (where is the beach?).

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