Ethnic Groups

• The majority of the population of Madagascar is Malagasy (over 90%)

• There are about 20 ethnic groups with the Merina being the most prominent

•  The Merina emerged as politically dominant group in the 17th-18th century

• The Merina captured non-Merinas to use as slaves, but, eventually used slaves from East Africa instead

• Merina have 3 groups, Andriana (nobles), Horas (free men), Andero (slaves)

• British missionaries converted the Merina upper-class to Protestants

• Betsimisaraka, the second largest ethnic group, fell under rule of the Merina until colonial rule

• The Betsimisaraka are believed to be skilled sailors and pirates, they also believe in sorcery and supernature forces

Language

• Currently the two official languages of Madagascar are Malagasy and French

• There are many different versions of Malagasy in Madagascar, but all versions of Malagasy can be understood by everyone who speaks the language

• There are 5 Eastern dialects, spoken in the central plateau and northern Madagascar and 6 Western dialects, spoken in the southern half of the island

• Merina is the standard Malagasy dialect. The Malagasy language is most similar to languages spoken in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines

• Madagascar is different from the other countries in East Africa where they primarily speak Bantu, which is an African language. The reason for this is that settlers came from the Sunda Islands so Madagascar inherited those languages

• Malagasy also evolved from settlers and traders so some words originate from Bantu, Swahili, Arab, English, and French

• French became an official language when Madagascar became a French protectorate in 1883

• Malagasy is the primary language and is used in school up to grade 5 and in history and Malagasy language lessons after. French is used for higher grade and is spoke as a second language by the educated population

• Malagasy is also spoken in Mauritius, Comoros, Reunion, and other neighboring islands