Zaghawa is a Nilo-Saharan language spoken by the Zaghawa people, primarily in the central Saharan region of Chad and Sudan, though it is also found in parts of Libya. The language belongs to the larger Nilo-Saharan language family and is part of the Nilo-Saharan branch known as the Eastern Sudanic group. Zaghawa speakers are traditionally known for their nomadic and semi-nomadic lifestyle, and the language plays a key role in maintaining their identity, culture, and social structure. The Zaghawa people are historically known for their involvement in trade and pastoralism, and the language reflects their deep connection to the environment and their way of life.

Zaghawa is spoken by an estimated one to two million people, with the majority living in Chad and Sudan. In these regions, it serves as a first language for many Zaghawa people, but due to the sociopolitical dynamics of the region, speakers often also use Arabic or French for communication in urban settings, education, and governance. Zaghawa is considered a minority language in both Chad and Sudan, and it faces challenges due to the dominance of Arabic in the region, particularly in official and educational contexts. Despite this, Zaghawa remains an important cultural language among the community, used in daily life, storytelling, and oral traditions.

Translating Zaghawa into English or other languages can be complex due to the structural differences between Zaghawa and languages like English, as well as the cultural context that is deeply embedded in the language. Zaghawa has a distinct phonology and grammatical structure, including a complex system of noun classes and verb conjugation that doesn’t always have direct equivalents in English. Additionally, Zaghawa contains many idiomatic expressions and cultural references that may not be easily understood outside of the Zaghawa-speaking community. Translators working between Zaghawa and other languages often need to provide context or adapt the meaning to convey the intended message accurately, especially in cases involving traditional knowledge, customs, or spiritual beliefs. Despite these challenges, efforts to preserve and document the Zaghawa language continue, with projects aimed at recording oral traditions, creating written resources, and promoting linguistic research in the region.