Reference first, then translation.

Use this guide to understand where a language is strongest, what kind of context it carries, and which product surface should come next.

  • Choose the most relevant language pair before translating.
  • Understand where a phrase may carry regional or social context.
  • Move to the culture guide when a term is tied to ceremony or custom.
ZedTranslate language coverage visual
Northern and Copperbelt

Bemba

Widely used across Northern Province, Copperbelt, and Luapula, with strong presence in commerce and media.

  • Hello: Muli shani?
  • Thank you: Natotela
  • Goodbye: Shalapo
Eastern and Lusaka

Nyanja

Common in Eastern Province and Lusaka, and important for urban communication patterns.

  • Hello: Muli bwanji?
  • Thank you: Zikomo
  • Goodbye: Tionana
Southern Province

Tonga

Strong agricultural and regional vocabulary, with deep ties to Southern Province communities.

  • Hello: Mwapona?
  • Thank you: Twalumba
  • Goodbye: Sala bwino
Western Province

Lozi

Important for ceremonial, historical, and governance-related cultural context.

  • Hello: Lumela
  • Thank you: Ni itumezi
  • Goodbye: Sala hantle
North-Western Province

Kaonde and Luvale

Regional language coverage used in reference and translation flows where local context matters.

Northern and Muchinga

Lunda, Namwanga, and Tumbuka

Additional supported languages for broader practical coverage across Zambia's language landscape.

How this guide fits into the product.

  • Start here when choosing language pairs for product, support, or translation work.
  • Use the culture guide for ceremonial, historical, and social context.
  • Use the API surface when the next task is integration rather than reference.