Pronunciation: [mˈand] (IPA) 
The word "mande" is spelled with the letter "e" at the end but is pronounced with a short "a" sound, as in "man." The IPA phonetic transcription for "mande" is /mænd/ which represents the sounds of "m" for the initial sound, "æ" for the short "a" vowel sound and "nd" for the final consonant blend. It's important to pay attention to phonetic transcriptions to accurately pronounce words, especially those with unexpected spellings like "mande."
Mande refers to a diverse group of languages, cultures, and ethnic groups predominantly found in West Africa. Derived from the term "Mandingo," which relates to people from the area of Mali, Guinea, Senegal, and Gambia, Mande represents not only a linguistic distinction but also a sociocultural and historical affiliation.
As a linguistic term, Mande refers to the Niger-Congo language family's Manding branch or its sub-branches. Mande languages are primarily identified by their complex tonal systems and abundant use of vowels. They are spoken by several ethnic groups, including the Mandinka, Bambara, Soninke, and Dioula, and are widely used as both first and second languages across the region.
From a sociocultural perspective, Mande encompasses a rich heritage characterized by shared traditions, customs, and historical narratives. The Mande ethnic groups have a long history of trading, agriculture, and various artistic expressions, including music, dance, and storytelling. The epic of the Sundjata Keita, for instance, is a prominent part of Mande oral tradition and recounts the life of the legendary ruler credited with founding the Mali Empire.
In summary, Mande refers to a group of languages spoken by several ethnic groups across West Africa, along with associated cultural and historical connections. It is a term that encompasses linguistic, sociocultural, and historical facets, bringing together diverse populations under a common umbrella.
The word "mande" has its origins in the Mande languages, which are a group of languages spoken by various ethnic groups primarily in West Africa. The term "Mande" comes from the Mandinka language, also known as Manding or Mandingo, which is one of the major languages in the Mande language group. The word "Mande" itself is thought to be derived from the name of the Mandinka people, who are part of the larger Mande ethnic group. These languages and the term "Mande" are associated with the Mande Empire, an ancient West African kingdom that ruled during the 13th to 17th centuries.
