Language in Togo

Togolese is the national language of Togo, but its not the only way to converse. French is the language spoken in public across Togo. While it might seem strange that a west African nation would take up the language of a European country, one has to look at the history. Back in the1960’s Togo only had 1 TV channel. The TBC (Togo Broadcasting Corporation) could only afford re-runs of Pink Panther movies and the nation got hooked on the swishy French accent used by Inspector Cluseau. Native languages abound and a common greeting is ‘Quark’ accompanied by a hearty back slap. Feel free to try this on anyone you spot wearing a Togo team shirt during the competition.