However, it's important to note that French is primarily an official language, and there are over 200 distinct languages spoken in the DRC, with Lingala being the most widely spoken national language.
Here's a breakdown:
* French: Official language, used in government, education, and media.
* Lingala: Most widely spoken national language, used in commerce and everyday life.
* Kikongo: Widely spoken in the west of the country.
* Swahili: Widely spoken in the east of the country.
* Tshiluba: Widely spoken in the south-central part of the country.
Therefore, depending on the context, different languages hold prominence in the DRC.