MovieChat Forums > Moolaadé (2005) Discussion > what language is it in really?

what language is it in really?


I have a videocassette of this movie and the label says that it is in Jula (aka Dyula). But here on the IMDb it is said to be in Bambara. I believe that these two languages are similar, but can anyone tell me if the movie is in one or the other or a mix, and if it's just one, then which one? Thanks!

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From what I understand, there aren't many differences between Bambara and Dyula/Dioula -- they are different in the way that British English is different from American English. So essentially it's a different dialect with a few different phrases and possibly syntax. I can't really give you a definite answer beyond that (though I do believe that Mercenaire and Ibraham were using French at one point).

This is probably wrong, so anyone with more insight can go ahead and put me to shame.

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Juula are the people, Bambara the language.

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I speak French and you are correct that Ibraham and Mercenaire spoke French to each other.

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Today I had the chance to meet the director and he said that it is in Bambara and they are currently working on translations into the other major Western African languages, what should be finished very soon.

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The greetings used in the film sound like the Mandinka 'Kairabe' to me.
They are not the jola 'Kasumai'. I would guess that Bambara
is related to Mandinka, not Jola.

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I believe the film is in Bambara, which is similar to Dioula (Joola) which is not the same language as Diola (Jola). Diola is mainly spoken in southern Senegal. Bambara is spoken in Eastern Senegal and Mali. Dioula is spoken in western Burkina Faso and the north of La Cote d'Ivoire.

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There's an interview with the director on the DVD where he says they plan to dub the film into at least 7 African languages and show it in villages as an educational/campaigning tool.


I used to want to change the world. Now I just want to leave the room with a little dignity.

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Thank you to all who answered. It was even more complicated than I realized.

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