English is the official language of the country. When traveling in the major city centers or trading areas in the country the local merchants will usually converse with the traveler in English.An auto parts store at the Mponela Trading Center carries an interesting English name. In the distant villages, however most of the population will converse in the national tongue, Chichewa. Many residents in the north will use the local language, Chitumbuka.

Newspapers can easily be found in and around the city centers in English. The white visitor called mzungu, if from America, can often listen to British Broadcasting on the radio for the news. Also, the local radio station MBC broadcasts in English. The Daily Times, The Malawi Democrat, The Monitor and The Nation newspapers are also in English.
A Few Common Words