"Madagascar" in French: Spelling, Pronunciation & Origins

The word "Madagascar" is spelled and pronounced identically in both English and French.

Pronunciation Guide

• English: /ˌmædəˈɡæskər/ (mad-uh-GAS-ker)
• French: /ma.da.ɡas.kaʁ/ (mah-dah-gas-kar)

The French pronunciation uses a uvular R and more even syllable stress, but the spelling is unchanged.

Etymology & History

The name's origins are debated:

• Marco Polo theory: May derive from "Mogadishu" (Somali port), misapplied by the 13th-century explorer
• Malay theory: From "Malay Gezira" (Malay Island) or "Makdash" (Arabic for "island of the moon")
• Portuguese influence: "São Lourenço" was used early on; "Madagascar" became standard in European cartography by the 16th century

French Colonial Legacy

France colonized Madagascar in 1896, making it a formal colony in 1897. The island gained independence in 1960. French remains an official language alongside Malagasy, and the country's name is unchanged in both languages—a rarity among former French colonies (compare: Côte d'Ivoire vs. Ivory Coast, Cameroun vs. Cameroon).

In Malagasy

The indigenous name is Madagasikara (the country) and Malagasy (the people/language).