French Congo
- proper noun
:
Congo Francés
- The French Congo, which gained independence in 1960, is now called the Republic of the Congo.
Examples
-
But while the French avant-garde could encounter such sculpture on public display in the museums of Paris, and even acquire such material through networks of dealers and colonial officials, it was rare for a museum in late-nineteenth-century England to gather and exhibit sculpture from Gabon and the then French Congo.
Academic text (1998) -
The artifacts that fit the classical style are largely from the former French colonies of Africa: Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, and the former French Congo.
Academic text (1998) -
During the colonial period, many resources were extracted from the French Congo.
-
The history of the French Congo includes diverse cultures and influences from various ethnic groups.
Synonyms
43
2.3
A country in west-central Africa with capital Brazzaville
7
3.9
A country in west-central Africa with capital Brazzaville
Surface Forms
Morphology
The name is a straightforward composition of 'French' (nationality/adjective) + 'Congo' (place), so a learner who knows both words can infer it refers to the Congo associated with France (i.e., the part under French control or administration). Specific historical details (dates, exact political status) require background knowledge, but the basic referential meaning is compositionally transparent.
Etymology
French Congo comes from the time when France ruled that area in central Africa. On maps and in official records the region was called 'French' to show who was in charge and to tell it apart from the 'Belgian Congo'. That's why French Congo refers to the territory that became the Republic of the Congo after 'independence' in 1960.