Why Liberia Speaks English: the Surprising American Origin Behind West Africa’s Oldest Republic
By James H. Sterling
Is English the only language spoken in Liberia?
No. While English is the only official language recognized by the state, more than 20 indigenous African languages are spoken across the country, alongside Liberian Kreyol, which functions as the primary informal lingua franca.
Why does the Liberian accent sound similar to the American Southern accent?
The Americo-Liberian settlers who established the nation in the 1820s originated primarily from southern U.S. states like Virginia, Maryland, and the Carolinas. Their regional pronunciations, rhotic vowel structures, and speech cadences became embedded into the local speech of coastal settlements.
What is the most spoken indigenous language in Liberia?
The Kpelle language is the most widely spoken indigenous language, used by roughly one-fifth of the population, centered mainly in central Liberia’s Bong County.
What is the Vai script?
The Vai script is an indigenous syllabic writing system created around 1833 by Mɔmɔlu Duwalu Bukɛlɛ in western Liberia. It remains one of the few fully indigenous African writing systems developed and maintained without European or colonial influence.
James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.
