African Languages and Their Historical Influence on the Portuguese Language

The Portuguese language is a rich tapestry of history and syncretism. While it became Brazil’s official language due to colonization, its survival owes much to the resistance and preservation of cultures that thrived despite colonial oppression. According to Frei David Raimundo dos Santos, president of Educafro, alongside indigenous languages, African languages are among the most significant influences shaping how Portuguese is spoken across Brazil today.

The Lingering Legacy of African Words

Did you know that over 1,500 words in Brazilian Portuguese have African origins? These contributions date back to the era of slavery when millions of Africans were forcibly brought to Brazil. Their languages, cultures, and traditions left an indelible mark on the nation, shaping not only its vocabulary but its very identity.

Frei David highlights that the resilience of African languages in Brazil owes much to Afro-Brazilian religions like Candomblé and Umbanda. These spiritual practices honor and perpetuate African languages, keeping them alive and relevant centuries later.

Unfortunately, much of this linguistic heritage remains unrecognized due to systemic racism and a lack of awareness. Brazil’s dark history—as the last country in the world to abolish slavery, only 130 years ago—still casts a shadow over the full acknowledgment of African contributions to the nation.

How African Words Entered Portuguese

African linguistic influence in Brazil began as early as the 16th century, when enslaved Africans from various regions were brought to the country. Over time, their languages merged with Portuguese, creating a unique blend that still enriches Brazilian Portuguese today.

From the 16th to the 19th centuries, groups from regions now known as Angola, Congo, Mozambique, Benin, Togo, and Ghana contributed significantly to this linguistic evolution. By 1789, the first monolingual Portuguese dictionary included numerous African-origin words, such as malungo, quiabo, cafuné, and batucar. These words were so deeply ingrained in daily life that they often replaced Portuguese equivalents.

As linguist Margarida Maria Taddoni Petter from USP explains, these words have endured because of the cultural resilience of the African diaspora in Brazil, despite systemic efforts to erase their contributions.

19 Common Words of African Origin in Brazilian Portuguese

1. Dengo: More than just "childish whining," dengo conveys a deep yearning for affection, rooted in Kikongo traditions.

2. Samba: From the Kimbundu word semba, meaning "belly bump," it reflects the rhythmic dance that defines Brazilian culture.

3. Cafuné: Derived from Kimbundu, it means "to gently scratch or caress someone’s head."

4. Caçula: Originating from kaluza, it refers to the youngest member of a family.

5. Lenga-lenga: This term, meaning "nonsense" or "delayed action," comes from Kikongo ndenga-ndenga.

6. Moleque: From mu’leke, meaning "young boy," this term once had a pejorative connotation but is now widely used for playful children.

7. Quitanda: Derived from kitanda, it refers to small markets selling fresh produce.

8. Fubá: A staple flour made from corn or rice, foundational in dishes like angu.

9. Axé: A Yoruba term signifying "good luck" or "life force."

10. Candomblé: Combining Kimbundu candombe ("drum dance") and Yoruba ilê ("house"), it names a vital Afro-Brazilian religion.

11. Tanga: Initially referring to fabric coverings, it now denotes modern swimwear.

12. Muvuca: From Kikongo mvúka, it means "crowded celebration" or "gathering."

13. Berimbau: A musical instrument linked to capoeira, rooted in Bantu culture.

14. Minhoca: From Kimbundu nhoka, this word for "earthworm" highlights African perceptions of nature.

15. Miçanga: Decorative beads with origins in African craftsmanship.

16. Angu: A simple cornmeal-based dish essential to Afro-Brazilian cuisine.

17. Acarajé: A fried bean ball with roots in African culinary traditions.

18. Vatapá: A creamy seafood stew made with coconut milk and dendê oil.

19. Moqueca: A fish stew that blends African and Brazilian culinary techniques.

African Contributions to Brazilian Culture

Music and Dance

African rhythms and instruments remain central to Brazilian music:

• Samba de roda: A traditional Afro-Brazilian dance.

• Maracatu: A musical tradition from Pernambuco.

• Capoeira: A unique blend of dance and martial arts.

Instruments

• Berimbau: Essential in capoeira.

• Atabaque: A drum used in Afro-Brazilian religious rituals.

• Agogô: A bell-like instrument with a distinct sound.

Cuisine

The culinary legacy includes beloved dishes like:

• Acarajé: Fried bean balls.

• Vatapá: A creamy seafood stew.

• Moqueca: A fish stew with dendê oil.

• Canjica: Sweet corn porridge.

• Quindim: A coconut-based dessert.

Preserving a Rich Heritage

African languages and cultures are woven into the fabric of Brazilian identity. From words we use daily to the music and food we celebrate, these influences enrich our lives in countless ways. Let’s honor and preserve this heritage, acknowledging the resilience and creativity of the African diaspora.