The Temne language is a Mel branch of the Niger-Congo language family spoken by the Temne people, who primarily reside in Sierra Leone, West Africa. Temne is recognised as one of the major languages in Sierra Leone and holds cultural and historical significance for the Temne community.

In terms of linguistic characteristics, Temne features a complex system of noun classes, which is a common feature in many Niger-Congo languages. The language has both prefixes and suffixes that indicate various grammatical features, such as gender, number, and case.

The Temne people have a rich cultural heritage, and their language plays a crucial role in preserving and transmitting this heritage across generations. Efforts are made to promote and revitalise the use of the Temne language, especially in educational settings and cultural activities. Additionally, like many African languages, Temne faces challenges in the context of globalisation, and initiatives are underway to address issues related to language preservation and documentation.