Understanding the Dioula Language & Providing Professional Dioula Interpreters and Translators


Global Interpreting understands the importance of working in the Dioula language. For over 10 years, Global Interpreting has worked with the Dioula language as well as hundreds of other from around the word. We are a one stop full language service provider. Offering Over the Phone, Video Remote, Face to Face, Transcription, Document and Website Translation in 150 languages including American Sign Language (ASL) nation and worldwide.

The Dyula (Dioula or Juula) are a Mande ethnic group inhabiting several African countries, including the Mali, Burkina Faso, Senegal and Guinea-Bissau.

Characterized as a highly successful merchant caste, Dyula migrants began establishing trading communities across the region in the fourteenth century. Since business was often conducted under non-Muslim rulers, the Dyula developed a set of theological principles for Muslim minorities in non-Muslim societies. Their unique contribution of long-distance commerce, Islamic scholarship and religious tolerance were significant factors to the peaceful expansion of Islam in West Africa.

The Mandé embraced Islam during the thirteenth century, following introduction to the faith through contact with the Soninké people and North African traders. By the 14th century the Malian empire (c.1230-1600) had reached its apogee, acquiring a considerable reputation for the Islamic practice of its court and the pilgrimages of several emperors who followed the tradition of Lahilatul Kalabi, the first black prince to make hajj to Mecca. It was at this time that Mali began encouraging some of its local merchants to establish colonies close to the gold fields of West Africa. These migrant trading classes were known as dyula, the Mandingo word for “merchant”.

The dyula speak the Dioula language or Julakan, which is included in the group of closely interrelated Manding languages that are spoken by various ethnic groups spread across Western Africa. Dioula is most closely related to the Bambara language (the most widely spoken language in Mali), in a manner similar to the relation between American English and British English. It is probably the most used language for trade in West Africa.

Who are You Going to Trust with Vital Dioula Language Needs?


The Dioula language is an important language worldwide. It is vital to understand the general nature and specific idiosyncrasies of Dioula. For over 10 years Global Interpreting has provided outstanding Dioula translators, over the phone, face to face and conference interpreters nation and worldwide.