Conakry - Post Report Question and Answers
How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Some; basic French is all you need. Guineans are very tolerant with language barriers. In-home tutors are very affordable. Our experience was that the tutors are subpar. - Sep 2022
You can get around very well if you speak passable French. If you don't, you can probably gesticulate to buy stuff or whatever, but it will be frustrating to try to deal with any adverse circumstance like a cop hitting you up for a bribe. Sosoxui is really the lingua franca though of Conakry, and it’s fun and relatively easy to learn if you’re up for it. You can easily find French classes and tutors. Pulaar, Sosoxui, and Malinke are widely spoken, though not usually formally taught. But as with many things in Guinea, if you're really interested, you can make it happen. Everyone in Conakry speaks at least one and possibly all of the three major Guinean languages. Most people in Conakry need cash. Put the two together, and you'll find plenty of people who are willing to teach you their language; it's just a question of discerning who actually has the teaching ability and patience to help you actually learn instead of wasting your time. This “who” could even end up being the guards that are posted (somewhat extraneously, given the general lack of crime in Conakry) at your diplomatic housing. They’re sitting around for hours each day, and welcome the break in monotony represented by a foreigner asking them about their language and culture. Some of the drum and dance schools would be a good place to start if you want to find more formal lessons in Guinean languages. You can also check out the excellent books “Parlons Soso”, “Parlons Poular”, and “Parlons Malinke” from Harmattan Press, or the free online Peace Corps language courses for all three of these. - Jun 2021
French is really important, but depending on your contacts, you might also need Susu, Malenke or Pulaar. I'm not aware of any local French tutors, other than what is available for embassy employees. - Nov 2019
You really need French to get around. - May 2016
French is a must-have, but Guineans are highly patient and encouraging so it is a great environment to lose your inhibitions and practice/learn. - Dec 2014
Local languages are difficult to learn, and there are no classes offered at the embassy. French is sufficient to deal with most situations. - Sep 2009
French is a must. If you don't speak French, it will be much tougher to enjoy Guinea. If you learn some Sousou, even better. - May 2009
A command of French is really key here. Guineans are kind and will try to communicate in English, but French really does rule here. Learning a few greetings in 1 or more of the 4 major native languages is greatly appreciated and will earn you truckloads of good will. - Mar 2008
