A Dictionnaire Kikongo refers to any lexicographical work mapping Kikongo (or Kongo)—a major Bantu language spoken by over 5 million people across the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo, and Angola—to another language like French or English.
Because Kikongo exists both as a “proper” traditional language and as a vehicular lingua franca (often called Kikongo ya Leta, Kituba, or Monokutuba), different dictionaries serve different historical, academic, and practical needs. Key Historical & Academic Dictionaries
Dictionnaire Kikongo-Français by Karl Edvard Laman (1936): This is the most famous and definitive academic dictionary of the language. Published in Brussels by the Royal Academy for Overseas Sciences (formerly IRCB), it includes an extensive phonetic study describing the most important dialects of the Kongo language area. It remains a primary source for historical linguistics.
Dictionary and Grammar of the Kongo Language by W. Holman Bentley (⁄1894): While written in English, Bentley’s early missionary work documented the “San Salvador” variety of Kongo. His later appendix added 4,000 words resulting from his work translating the New Testament.
Lexique Kikongo–Français by Charles Polis (1938): Often cataloged under varying names like Dictionnaire de la langue congolaise, this manuscript compiled extensive linguistic material intended to lay the groundwork for future dictionary compilation. Modern Practical & Bilingual Dictionaries
If you are looking to learn the language or buy a resource today, several options exist depending on the specific dialect and target language you need:
Kikongo-English/ English-Kikongo (Kongo) Dictionary & Phrasebook (by Yeno Mansoni Matuka):
This is a highly practical, 232-page bilingual resource published by Hippocrene Books.
It contains 4,000 dictionary entries, intuitive phonetics for English speakers, and basic grammar rules.
It covers essential everyday vocabulary and travelers’ phrases for transportation, business, and dining out.
Apprendre le Kongo: Un Dictionnaire Grammatical (by John Stedman):
A French-language resource that acts as both a dictionary and a grammar guide.
It specifically highlights the differences and similarities between the three major regional vehicular variants: Monokutuba, Kikongo ya Leta, and Kituba.
Kikongo ya L’Etat-English Dictionary (by Bepona Collection):
A 405-page paperback dictionary mapping everyday words and phrases.
It focuses squarely on Kikongo ya L’Etat, the common state-level lingua franca version of the language used across Central Africa. Linguistic Context of the Entries Kikongo/Kituba English – Kupsala.net
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