| Historique |
Languages & Dialects spoken in Cameroon
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A compilation of SIL International 1996 and Atlas Linguistique du Cameroun 1983.
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Peuplesawa.com Notes: This is the list of around 380 languages spoken in Cameroon. There is great similiarity between themselves, thus the list can be reduced to less than 10 different (culturally distinguished) languages.
ABO(BO, ABAW) [ABB] North of Douala and west of the Wouri River, and Dibombari, Moungo Division, Littoral Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Basaa (A.40). Dialect: BANKON. Intelligibility and bilingualism testing needed. Close to Barombi. Survey needed.
AFADE(AFFADE, AFADEH, MANDAGE) [AAL] (20,000 or fewer in Nigeria; 1989). Centered around Afade in the southern part of Makari Subdivision, Logone-and-Chari Division, Far North Province. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, B, B.1, Kotoko Proper. It is unclear if the high comprehension of Mpade is because of dialect closeness or bilingualism. ´Mandage´, etc., is applied to the northern Kotoko languages. 5% to 15% literate. Survey needed.
AGHEM(WUM, YUM) [AGQ] 20,000 to 25,000 (1993 SIL). In and around Wum, Wum Central Subdivision, Menchum Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Ring, West. May be intelligible with Isu or Weh. Regional differences in speech are minimal. Some speakers use Cameroon Pidgin as second language. Speakers consider Weh and Isu to be separate languages. There appears to be multilingualism with Weh and Isu. Low comprehension of Kom and Essimbi. Aghem Cultural and Development Association interested in language development. 15% to 25% literate. Traditional religion, Christian.
AKOOSE(BAKOSSI, BEKOOSE, AKOSI, KOOSE, KOSI, NKOSI, NKOOSI) [BSS] 50,000 (1982 SIL). Bangem and Tombel subdivisions, Kupe-Manenguba Division, South West Province, and Moungo Division, Littoral Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Lundu-Balong (A.10), Ngoe. Dialects: NORTHERN BAKOSSI, WESTERN BAKOSSI, SOUTHERN BAKOSSI, MWAMBONG, NINONG, ELUNG (ELONG, ALONG, NLONG). 15% to 25% literate. Dictionary. Selections 1994. Work in progress.
AKUM(ANYAR) [AKU] 600 (1986 R. Breton). Near the Nigerian border, Akum village, Furu-Awa Subdivision, Menchum Division, North West Province. 3 villages in Nigeria (Manga, Ekban, Konkom). Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Unclassified. Not Bendi; may be Jukunoid. The people are called ´Anyar´. Isolated, no roads. Bilingualism in Jukun is limited. Cameroons Pidgin is spoken in the area also. Mountain slope. Survey needed.
AMBELE [AEL] In about 10 villages in eastern Batibo Subdivision, Momo Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Western Momo. May be related to Busamor Atong. Survey needed.
ARABIC, SHUWA (ARABE CHOA, SHUWA ARABIC, CHOA, CHOWA, SHUA, CHADIAN SPOKEN ARABIC) [SHU] 63,600 in Cameroon (1982 SIL); 100,000 in Nigeria (1973); 754,590 in Chad (1993); 50,000 in Niger (1991); 63,000 in Central African Republic (1996); 1,031,000 in all countries. Mayo-Sava, Diamere, Mayo-Danay and Logone and Chari Division, Far North Province. Mostly between Lake Chad and Kousseri, with some pockets of speakers south of Kousseri. Afro-Asiatic, Semitic, Central, South, Arabic. Trade language. Muslim. NT 1967-1991. Bible portions 1964.
ATONG [ATO] Extreme northwestern part of Batibo Subdivision, Momo Division, Northwest Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Western Momo. Related to Ambele and Busam. Survey needed.
AWING(AWI, BAMBULUWE) [AZO] Awing-Bambaluwe village, Mezam Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Mbam-Nkam, Ngemba. Dialect: MBWE´WI. 74% lexical similarity with Bamukumbit. Also related to Bafut, Bambili, Kpati, Mendankwe, Ngemba, and Pinyin. Survey needed.
BABA(PAPIA, BAPA, BAPAKUM) [BBW] 12,750 (1982 SIL). East of Ndop on Ndop Plain, Mezam Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Mbam-Nkam, Nun. Speakers refer to their language as Papia. Related to Mungaka.
BABANKI(KIDZEM, KIDZOM, FINGE, KEJENG) [BBK] Centered around village of Babanki, Tuba Subdivision, Mezam Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Ring, Center. Survey needed.
BAFANJI(BAFANYI, BAFANGI, CHUUFI) [BFJ] 8,500 (1982 SIL). South of Ndop on Ndop Plain, Ngo-Ketunjia Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Mbam-Nkam, Nun. Speakers refer to their language as Chuufi. Closely related to Bamali, Bamenyam, and Bambalang.
BAFAW-BALONG(NGOE) [BWT] 8,400 (1982 SIL). North of Kumba along Kumba-Mamfe Road, Meme Division, South West Province; also southeast of Ekondo-Titi, Meme Division, South West Province and Moungo Division, Littoral Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Lundu-Balong (A.10), Ngoe. Dialects: BAFAW (BAFO, BAFOWU, AFO, NHO, LEFO´), BALONG (BALON, BALUNG, NLONG, VALONGI, BAYI, BAI). Fairly bilingual in Duala. Language community heterogeneous. Some linguists consider this to be 2 languages. Survey needed.
BAFIA(RIKPA, LEFA´, RIPEY, RIKPA´, BEKPAK) [KSF] 60,000 (1991 UBS). Deuk and Bafia subdivisions, Mbam Division, Center Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Bafia (A.50). Dialects: BALOM (FAK), KPA, BAPE. Speakers refer to their language as Rikpa and to themselves as Bekpak. NT in press (1996). Bible portions 1964-1990.
BAFUT(BUFE, FU, FUT, BEFE) [BFD] 50,000 (1987 Mfonyam). In Bafut, Tuba Subdivision, Mezam Division; also around the village of Beba, Wum Subdivision, Menchum Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Mbam-Nkam, Ngemba. Dialects: BUFE (AFUGHE, BAFUT), BEBA´ (MUBADJI, BATADJI, BABADJI, BEBADJI, BAZHI, BABA´ZHI, BIBA, SHISHONG, BOMBE). Traditional religion, Christian. Selections 1993. Work in progress.
BAKA(PYGMY-E, PYGMEE, BEBAYAKA, BEBAYAGA, BIBAYA, PYGMEES DE L´EST, BABINGA) [BKC] 25,000 in Cameroon (1980 Phillips); 3,200 in Gabon (1990 CMA); 28,200 in all countries. Scattered in the southeast of East Province: Boumba and Ngoko, Kadey, and Upper Nyong divisions; Dja and Lobo Division, South Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Sere-Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka, Western, Baka-Gundi. Bayanga of CAR may be a dialect. Nomadic but being encouraged by the government to settle along the roadways. Different from Baka of Zaïre and Sudan. Dictionary. Tropical forest. Work in progress.
BAKOKO(BASOO) [BKH] 50,000 (1982 SIL). Scattered communities in Littoral Province, south of Douala, Wouri Division; south of Dibombari, Moungo Division; around Nkondjok, Nkam Division; and southwest of Edea, Sanaga-Maritime Division; northwest area of Ocean Division, South Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Basaa (A.40). Dialects: ADIE (ELOG MPOO, BASOO BA DIE, BASOO D´EDEA), BISOO (BASSO, BASOO BA LIKOL, ADIANGOK), MBANG (DIMBAMBANG), YABYANG (YABYANG-YAPEKE), YAKALAK (YAKALAG), YAPOMA, YASSUKU (YASOUKOU, YASUG, YASUKU).
BAKOLE(BAKOLLE, KOLE, BAMUSSO) [KME] 300 (1982 SIL). Around Bamusso, south of the Meme estuary, Ndian Division, South West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Duala (A.20). May be intelligible with or bilingual in Mokpwe. Survey needed.
BAKUNDU-BALUE(OROKO-EAST) [BDU] 65,000 (1982 SIL). West, north, and south of Kumba, South West Province: Kumba Subdivision, Meme Division; and eastern Ekondo-Titi Subdivision, Ndian Division. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Lundu-Balong (A.10), Oroko. Dialects: BAKUNDU (KUNDU, LAKUNDU, BEKUNDE, BAWO, NKUNDU), BALUE (LOLUE, BARUE, BABUE, WESTERN KUNDU, LUE), MBONGE, EKOMBE (BEKOMBO, EKUMBE). The language community is heterogeneous. The most homogeneous of the subgroups listed are the Bakundu and Balue, for whom separate literature may be needed. It is reported that the Ekombe do not want to be classified with Bakundu. It may be two or three languages. Traditional religion.
BALDAMU(MBAZLA) [BDN] Diamare Division, Far North Province. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.5. Survey needed.
BALO [BQO] Akwaya Subdivision. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid. 60% lexical similarity with Osatu, 40% with Ipulo and Caka, 35% with Esimbi and Mesaka. Pidgin is the speakers´ second language. Literacy is in English. Mountains. Traditional religion. Survey needed.
BALUNDU-BIMA(OROKO WEST) [NGO] 20,000 (1982 SIL). Central part of Ndian Division, southeast and northeast of Mundemba, South West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Lundu-Balong (A.10), Oroko. Dialects: BALUNDU (BARONDO, LONDO, LUNDU), BIMA, DOTANGA (BATANGA-BAKOKO, TANGA), NGOLO (NGORO). Batanga is distinct from Batanga (Banoho) of Bantu A.30, and the Batanga dialect of Caka; Bakoko is distinct from Bakoko of Bantu A.40. The language community is heterogeneous. Survey needed.
BAMALI(NGOOBECHOP) [BBQ] 5,300 (1982 SIL). South of Ndop, Ngo-Ketunjia Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Mbam-Nkam, Nun. Speakers refer to their language as Ngoobechop. Related to Bafanji, Bamenyam, Bambalang, Bangolan.
BAMBALANG(BAMBOLANG, TSHIRAMBO, MBOYAKUM) [BMO] 14,500 (1982 SIL). Southeast of Ndop, Ngdo-Ketunjia Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Mbam-Nkam, Nun. Speakers refer to their language as Mboyakum. Related to Bafanji, Bamenyam, Bamun, Bamali, Bangolan.
BAMBILI(BAMBUI) [BAW] 10,000 or fewer (1984 ALCAM). Bambili and Bambui villages east of Bamenda, along Ring Road, Tuba Subdivision, Mezam Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Mbam-Nkam, Ngemba. Dialects: BAMBILI (MBILI, MBELE, MBOGOE), BAMBUI (MBUI). They associate more with Bafut than with Nkwen and Mendankwe. Inherent intelligibility is low between them and Nkwen and Mendankwe. 15% to 25% literate. Grammar. Survey needed.
BAMENYAM(MAMENYAN, PAMENYAN, BAMENYAN, MENGAMBO) [BCE] 4,000 (1994 SIL. Around Bamenyam, northwestern Galim Subdivision, Bamboutos Division, West Province; and southeastern Mezam Division, West Province. In the French-speaking area. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Mbam-Nkam, Nun. Bati may be a dialect of Bamenyam. Closely related to Bamali, Bafanji, Bambalang. Some bilingualism in French and Cameroons Pidgin. Stronger commercial links with Mbouda than with Ndop. Traditional religion, Christian.
BAMUKUMBIT(BAMUNKUM, BAMOUKOUMBIT, BAMENKOUMBIT, BAMENKOMBIT, MANGKONG) [BQT] 7,300 including 4,500 in the village (1987 census). Southwest of Ndop on Ndop Plain, Ngo-Ketunjia Division, Balikumbat Subdivision, North West Province, Bamukumbit village. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Mbam-Nkam, Ngemba. 74% lexical similarity with Awing. Adults can use Bafanji and Bamali. The few educated beyond primary level can use English as a second language. Cameroons Pidgin is generally spoken and understood. Traditional religion, Christian.
BAMUN(BAMOUN, BAMOUM, BAMUM) [BAX] 215,000 (1982 SIL). Most of Noun Division around Foumban, plus the extreme north of Mifi Division and the extreme southeast of Bamboutos Division, West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Mbam-Nkam, Nun. Has its own script, though not used for current orthography. Related to Bafanji, Bamali, Bambalang, Bangolan. Trade language. Bible 1988. NT 1967. Bible portions 1925-1980.
BAMUNKA(NDOP-BAMUNKA, BAMUNKUN, NIEMENG, MBIKA, MUKA) [NDO] 15,200 (1982 SIL). Around village of Bamunka, Ndop Subdivision, Mezam Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Ring, North. Speakers refer to the language as Niemeng.
BANA(BAZA, KOMA KA-BANA, PAROLE DES BANA, MIZERAN) [FLI] 13,000 in Cameroon, including 8,000 Gamboura and 5,000 Guili (1987 SIL); 96,000 in Nigeria (1992); 109,000 in all countries. On Nigerian border, north and northeast of Bourrah, Bourrah Subdivision, Mayo-Tsanaga Division, Far North Province. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.3. Dialects: GAMBOURA, GUILI (GILI). Bana is called ´Fali´ in Nigeria. Work in progress.
BANGANDU(BAGANDO, BANGANDO, BANGANTU, SOUTHERN BANGANTU) [BGF] 2,700 in all countries (1977 Voegelin and Voegelin). Moloundou Subdivision, Boumba and Ngoko Division, East Province. Also in Congo. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Gbaya-Manza-Ngbaka, Southwest. May be related to Ngombe in CAR.
BANGOLAN [BGJ] 6,300 to 15,000 (1994 SIL). East of Ndop and south of Jakiri, Ngo-Ketunjia Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Mbam-Nkam, Nun. The most distinct linguistically and culturally of the Ndop languages. Most closely related to Bambalang. Cameroons Pidgin used as second language. Traditional religion, Muslim, Christian.
BAROMBI(LOMBI, LAMBI, ROMBI, RAMBI, LOMBE) [BBI] 1,300 (1982 SIL). South West Province, north of Mount Cameroon around Lake Barombi-Koto and west of Kumba around Lake Barombi-Mbo, Meme Division; and northeast of Ekondo-Titi, Ndian Division. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Basaa (A.40). May be intelligible with Abo. Survey needed.
BASAA(BASSA, BASA, BISAA, NORTHERN MBENE, MVELE, MBELE, MEE, TUPEN, BIKYEK, BICEK) [BAA] 230,000 (1982 SIL). Spread all over Nyong-and-Kelle Division, Center Province; and Nkam and Sanaga-Maritime divisions, Littoral Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Basaa (A.40). Dialects: BAKEM, BON, BIBENG, DIBOUM, LOG, MPO, MBANG, NDOKAMA, BASSO, NDOKBELE, NDOKPENDA, NYAMTAM. 25% to 50% literate. Dictionary. Bible 1969. NT 1939-1967. Bible portions 1922-1967.
BASSOSSI(BASOSI, BASOSSI, SOSI, NSWASE, NSWOSE, NSOSE, SWOSE, ASOBSE, NGEN) [BSI] Central part of Nguti Subdivision, east and south of Nguti, Kupe-Manenguba Division, South West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Lundu-Balong (A.10), Ngoe. Related to Mbo. Survey needed.
BATA(GBWATA, BATTA, GWATE, DII) [BTA] 2,500 in Cameroon; 150,000 Nigeria (1992); 152,500 in all countries. Along the Nigerian border (30 km. northeast of Garoua), along the Benoue River, west of Garoua and along a small section of the Faro River, Benoue Division, North Province. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8. Dialect: NDEEWE (BATA-NDEEWE). ´Demsa´ may be an alternate name or dialect. Bacama dialect is only in Nigeria.
BATANGA(BANOHO, BANO´O, NOHO, NOHU, NOKU, BANOO) [BNM] 6,000 in Cameroon (1982 SIL); 6,600 Puku in Equatorial Guinea (1993 Johnstone); 12,600 in all countries. Ocean Division, South Province, scattered along the coast around Kribi. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Bube-Benga (A.30). Dialects: BANO´O (BANOO, BANAKA, BANOKO), BAPUKU (PUKU, NAKA, BAPUU), BATANGA. Different from Batanga of South West Province (Balundu-Bima). Bible portions 1953. Survey needed.
BATI(BATI BA NGONG, BATI DE BROUSSE) [BTC] 800 (1975 census). 4 villages in the Bati Canton, Ndom Subdivision, Sanaga-Maritime Division, Littoral Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Mbam, West (A.40). Most older Bati adults have little problem understanding Basaa, because their schooling used to be in that, and Basaa is used in church. The younger Bati children cannot understand Basaa, because it is not inherently intelligible with Bati. Basaa is not interpreted into Bati in church. Children up to 14 years old are exposed to French for primary education. Secondary education is available only outside the Bati area. Markets are in Bakoko and Yambassa-speaking areas, so those languages are used. Survey needed.
BEBE(YI BE WU) [BZV] West of Nkambe and north of Ring Road, west part of Ako Subdivision, Donga-Mangung Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Beboid, Eastern. Survey needed.
BEBELE(BAMVELE) [BEB] 24,000 (1971 Welmers). Minta Subdivision, Upper Sanaga, Center Province, and Diang Subdivision, Lom-and Djeram Division, East Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Yaunde-Fang (A.70). Dialects: EKI, MANYOK. Related to Beti, Bulu, Eton, Ewondo, Fang, Mengisa. Speakers use Beti as second language. Survey needed.
BEBIL(BOBILIS, GBIGBIL) [BXP] 6,000 (1991 SIL). Around Belabo, Belabo Subdivision, Lom-and-Djerem Division, East Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Yaunde-Fang (A.70). Different from Bebele, although related. Speakers are bilingual in Beti and Bebele. Survey needed.
BEEZEN [BNZ] 400 (1986 R. Breton). Kpwep (Beezen) village, Furu-Awa Subdivision, Menchum Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Unclassified. May be Jukunoid. Bilingualism in Jukun is limited. Cameroon Pidgin is spoken in the area. Isolated, no roads. Mountain slope. Survey needed.
BEFANG(MENCHUM, BIFANG, BEBA-BEFANG, BIBA-BIFANG) [BBY] Around Befang, straddling Mezam Division, Tuba Subdivision, and Menchum Division, Wum Subdivision, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Menchum. Dialects: MODELE (BEEKURU, IKU, AKU, USHEIDA, MODELLE, MODELI, IDELE, AMBABIKO), USHAKU (MUKURU, MOKURU), BEFANG (GE, BEBA-BEFANG, BIFANG, ABEFANG), BANGUI (BANGWE, BANGWI), OBANG, OKOMANJANG (OKOROMANDJANG).
BEKWEL(BAKWELE, BAKWIL, BEKWIL, OKPELE) [BKW] 8,000 to 16,000 in all countries (1990). Along the north side of the Ngoko River, at and near Moloundou, Boumba-and-Ngoko Division, East Province. Also in Gabon and mainly in Congo. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Makaa-Njem (A.80). Dialect: ESEL (ESSEL). Closely related to Konabembe. 85% lexical similarity with Koozime. The people use Pongpong as second language. 5% to 15% literate. Traditional religion, Christian. Work in progress.
BETI [BTB] (2,000,000 including Fang, Ewondo, Bulu, Mengisa, etc.). Major part of Center and South Provinces; also in Lom-and-Djerem, and Upper Nyong divisions, East Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Yaunde-Fang (A.70). Consists of a set of ´languages´ (Bebele, Bebil, Bulu, Eton, Ewondo, Fang, Mengisa) which are partially intelligible but ethnically distinct. Different from Bette-Bende of Nigeria or the Bete languages of Côte d´Ivoire. Trade language. Bible 1970. NT 1959. Bible portions 1955.
BIKYA(FURU) [BYB] 1 speaker 70 years old, plus 3 others who have limited proficiency (1986 R. Breton). Furubana village, Furu-Awa Subdivision, Menchum Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Unclassified. 24% lexical similarity with Nsaa and Noone (Beboid), 14% with Akum. May be Eastern Beboid. The people are now called ´Furu´, and speak Jukun. They were formerly called ´Bikya´. Isolated, no roads. Mountain slope. Nearly extinct.
BISHUO(BIYAM, FURU) [BWH] 1 speaker over 60 years old, plus 1 partial speaker (1986 R. Breton). Ntjieka, Furu-Turuwa, and Furu-Sambari villages, Furu-Awa Subdivision, Menchum Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Unclassified. 16% to 17% lexical similarity with Nsaa and Noone, 11% with Bikya. May be Jukunoid. The people are called ´Furu´ and now speak Jukun. There were formerly called ´Biyam´. Isolated, no roads. Mountain slope. Nearly extinct.
BITARE(NJWANDE, YUKUTARE) [BRE] 3,700 in Cameroon (1982 SIL); 50,000 in all countries (1971 Welmers). Near Banyo, Mayo-Banyo Division, Adamawa Province. Also in Nigeria. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid. Survey needed.
BOKYI(BOKI, BYOKI, NKI, OKII, UKI, NFUA, OSIKOM, OSUKAM, VAANEROKI) [BKY] 3,700 in Cameroon; 140,000 in Nigeria (1992 SIL); 144,000 in all countries. Along Nigerian border northwest of Mamfe, Akwaya Subdivision, Manyu Division, South West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi. Dialects: BASUA, BOKI, IRUAN. Bible 1987. NT 1978.
BOMWALI(BOMALI, BOUMOALI, BUMALI, LINO, "SANGASANGA") [BMW] 5,000 or fewer in Cameroon (1991 SIL). Malapa village, east of Moloundou. Also in Congo. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Makaa-Njem (A.80). A distinct language from Bekwel. Survey needed.
BU [BOE] Villages of Bu, Za, and Ngwen, northeast of Wum, Wum Subdivision, Menchum Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Beboid, Western. Survey needed.
BUBIA(BOBE, BOBEA, WOVEA, BOTA, EWOTA) [BBX] 600 (1977 Voegelin and Voegelin). Limbe Subdivision, Fako Division, South West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Duala (A.20). Speakers use Duala as second language. Survey needed.
BUDUMA(YEDINA, YEDIMA, YADENA, BOUDOUMA) [BDM] 200 in Cameroon; 51,600 in Chad (1993); 4,000 in Niger; 3,000 in Nigeria; 58,800 in all countries. Islands of Lake Chad, Logone and Chari Division, Far North Province. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, B, B.1, Buduma. Muslim, traditional religion. Work in progress.
BULU(BOULOU) [BUM] 174,000 (1982 SIL); second language for as many as 800,000 (1991 UBS). Covers the entire Ntem and Dja-and-Lobo divisions, South Province; the south of Upper Sanaga Division; the north of Nyong-and-Mfoumou Division, Center Province; part of Upper Nyong Division, East Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Yaunde-Fang (A.70). Dialects: YELINDA, YEMBANA, YENGONO, ZAMAN, BENE. Intelligible with Eton, Ewondo, and Fang as part of the Beti group. Formerly used for education, religion, and commerce, but now in decline. Different from Bulu (Sekiyani) of Gabon. 5% to 15% literate. Language of wider communication. Bible 1940. NT 1926. Bible portions 1896-1991.
BUM(BOM) [BMV] Northern part of Fundong Subdivision, mainly in the villages of Su-Bum and Laa-Bum, Menchum Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Ring, Center. Survey needed.
BUNG [BQD] 3 (1995 Bruce Connell). Near the Kwanja language. Unclassified. No one uses the language any longer. It may have been a form of Kwanja. Nearly extinct.
BUSAM [BXS] In villages of Bifang, Ambambo, and Dinku, Batibo Subdivision, Momo Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Western Momo. It is related to Ambele and Atong. Survey needed.
BUSUU(AWA, FURU) [BJU] 8 (1986 R. Breton). Furu-Awa and Furu-Nangwa villages, Furu-Awa Subdivision, Menchum Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Unclassified. 10% lexical similarity with Jukun languages, 7% to 8% with Beboid languages. May be Jukunoid. The language is only used by older people for reunions. Children learn only Jukun. People are called ´Furu´, and now speak Jukun. Formerly called ´Awa´. Isolated, no roads. Mountain slope. Nearly extinct.
BUWAL(MA BUWAL, BUAL, GADALA) [BHS] 5,000 or fewer (1983 ALCAM). In and around Gadala, Mokolo Subdivision, Mayo-Tsanaga Division, Far North Province. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.7. May be intelligible with Gavar. Speakers closer to Mofu or Gavar regions claim to understand those languages. Fulfulde and French bilingualism is limited. Buwal is used in church. Survey needed.
BYEP(NORTH MAKAA, MEKA, MAKA, MAKYA, MEKYE, MEKAE, MEKAY, MEKEY, MOKA, MIKA) [MKK] 9,500 (1988 SIL). Essentially the whole northern part of Upper Nyong Division (Messamena, Abong-Mbang, Doume, Nguelemendouka subdivisions); eastern Diang Subdivision (west of Bertoua), Lom and Djerem Division, East Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Makaa-Njem (A.80). Dialects: BYEP, BESEP (BESHA, BINDAFUM). Not intelligible with South Makaa. Related to South Makaa and Kol.
CAKA [CKX] 5,000 or fewer (1984 ALCAM). Asaka, Basaka, and Batanga villages, Akwaya Subdivision, Manyu Division, South West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid. Dialects: ASSAKA (ADZU BALAKA), BATANGA (ADZU BATANGA). 50% lexical similarity with Ipulo, 40% with Balo, Osatu, Icheve, and Otanga, 35% with Esimbi, 30% with Mesaka. Assaka and Batanga have 80% lexical similarity. Speakers use Pidgin as second language. English is used for literacy. Some Ipulo use Caka as second language. Different from Batanga in the Bube-Benga group and the Batanga dialect of Balundu-Bima. Mountains. Traditional religion.
CUNG [CUG] Northeast of Wum, west of Nkambe, Menchum Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Unclassified. May be Eastern Beboid. Survey needed.
CUVOK(TCHOUVOK) [CUV] 5,000 or fewer (1983 ALCAM). In and around Tchouvok, Matakam South Canton, near Zamay, Mokolo Subdivision, Maya-Tsanaga Division, Far North Province. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.5. Cuvok used in home, village, and market. There is interpretation from Fulfulde into Cuvok in churches. Limited use of Fulfulde with outsiders and French by the few who have gone to school. Most do not know nearby languages well (Mefele, Mofu South, Mafa). Survey needed.
DABA(DABBA) [DAB] 35,700 (1982 SIL). Northwest of Guider in Mayo-Oulo and Guider subdivisions, Mayo-Louti Division, North Province; southwestern corner of Diamare Division (Ndoukoula region) and Mayo-Tsanaga Division (Hina and Bourrah subdivisions), Far North Province. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.7. Dialects: NIVE, POLOGOZOM, KOLA (DABA KOLA, KPALA), MUSGOI (MUSGOY, MAZAGWAY, DABA MOUSGOY). 5% to 15% literate. NT 1992. Bible portions 1984.
DAMA [DMM] Small group in Rey-Bouba Subdivision, Benoue Division, North Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Mbum-Day, Mbum, Northern, Dama-Galke. May be a dialect of Mono. Survey needed.
DEK [DEK] North Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Mbum-Day, Mbum, Unclassified. It may be intelligible with Kari or Mbum. Survey needed.
DENYA(ANYANG, AGNANG, ANYAN, ANYAH, EYAN, TAKAMANDA, OBONYA, NYANG) [ANV] 11,200 (1982 SIL). Central and southern parts of Akwaya Subdivision and northern part of Mamfe Subdivision, Manyu Division, South West Province. Partially in Takamanda Forest Reserve. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Mamfe. Dialects: BASHO, BITIEKU, TAKAMANDA, BAJWO. Speakers refer to their language as ´Denya´. Detailed survey by SIL 1982-83 shows that it is a dialect cluster with around 70% to 80% lexical similarity between dialects. Kendem is linguistically between Denya and Kenyang. 15% to 25% literate. Work in progress.
DII(DURU, DOUROU, DURRU, NYAG DII, YAG DII, DUI, ZAA) [DUR] 47,000 (1982 SIL). Plains of Benoue, divided between a small part of Benoue Division and Tchollire Subdivision of Mayo-Rey Division, North Province; north and east of Ngaoundere, Ngaoundere Subdivision, Vina Division, Adamawa Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Duru, Dii. Dialects: MAMBE´, MAMNA´A, GOOM, BOOW, NGBANG, PHAANI (PANI DUI), SAGZEE (SAADJE, SAAKYE), VAAZIN, HOME, NYOK. Speakers refer to themselves as Yag Dii. Goom is a related dialect or language. EELC grammar, dictionary, primer. 5% to 15% literate. Traditional religion. Bible portions 1966. Work in progress.
DIMBONG(BUMBONG, KALONG, KAALONG, LAKAALONG, MBONG, LAMBONG, BAPE, PALONG) [DII] 140 (1992 SIL). Northwest of Bafia, Mbam Division, Center Province, 2 villages. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Bafia (A.50). Related to Bafia, Hijuk, and Tibea. Comprehension of Bafia is generally acquired at an early age. Comprehension of Yambeta is generalized. Survey needed.
DOYAYO(DOOHYAAYO, DOWAYAYO, DOYAAYO, DOYAU, DONYAYO, DONYANYO, DOAYO, DOOYAYO, DOOYAAYO, DOWAYO, DOOWAAYO, TUNGA, TUUNO, TUNGBO, NOMAI, "NAMSHI", "NAMCHI", "NAMCI") [DOW] 18,000 (1985 EELC). Northern Poli Subdivision and around Poli, Benoue Division, North Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Duru, Voko-Dowayo, Vere-Dowayo, Dowayo. Dialects: MARKE, TEERE (POLI), SEWE. "Namshi" is a derogatory name sometimes used for them. Perhaps 20% of the men are fairly bilingual in Bilkire Fulani for trading and everyday conversation. Perhaps 5% are bilingual in French. People are called ´Doowaayo´. 5% to 15% literate. Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim. NT 1991. Bible portions 1979.
DUALA(DOUALA, DIWALA, DWELA, DUALLA, DWALA) [DOU] 87,700 (1982 SIL). Towards Yabassi and along the Wouri River, Nkam Division; around Dibombari, Moungo Division; around Cameroon estuary, Wouri Division, Littoral Province; and both sides of the Mungo River, Fako Division, South West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Duala (A.20). Dialects: BODIMAN, MUNGO (MUNGU, MUUNGO), OLI (EWODI, OURI, ULI, WURI, WOURI, KOLI), PONGO. It is related to Malimba. 25% to 50% literate. Dictionary. Grammar. Trade language in the western area. Coastal. Christian. Bible 1872-1970. NT 1861-1909. Bible portions 1848-1933.
DUGWOR(DOUGOUR) [DME] West of Tchere Canton between Maroua and Meri, Meri Subdivision, Diamare Division, Far North Province. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.5. Dialect: MIKERE. Survey needed.
DULI(DUI) [DUZ] Near Pitoa, Benoue Division, North Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Duru, Duli. Extinct.
DUUPA(NDUUPA, DOUPA, DUPA) [DAE] 5,000 (1991 UBS). East of Poli, Faro and Benoue divisions, North Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Duru, Dii. Related to Pape. 5% to 15% literate. Muslim, Christian. Bible portions 1982. Work in progress.
DZODINKA(ADERE, ARDERI, DZODZINKA) [ADD] 2,000 to 2,500 (1994 SIL). Village of Adere, extreme northern part of Nwa Subdivision, Donga-Mantung Division, North West Province. Possibly in Nigeria.
EFIK(CALABAR, ISANGELE) [EFK] 10,000 in Cameroon (1982 SIL); 360,000 first language speakers in all countries; 3,000,000 total second language speakers (1989). The coast northwest of Limbe and west of Kumba, southwest corner of Ndian Division, South West Province. Primarily in Nigeria. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, East. 15% to 25% literate. Bible 1868, in press (1995). NT 1862-1947. Bible portions 1850-1866.
EJAGHAM(EJAGAM, EJAHAM, EKOI, ETUNG, EKWE, EDJAGAM, KEAKA, KWA, OBANG) [ETU] 35,000 in Cameroon; 45,000 in Nigeria; 80,000 in all countries (1982 J. Watters SIL). Whole of Eyumodjok Subdivision and southern part of Mamfe Subdivision west of Mamfe, Manyu Division, South West Province in Cameroon. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Ekoid. Dialects: WESTERN EJAGHAM, EASTERN EJAGHAM, SOUTHERN EJAGHAM (EKIN, KWA, QUA, AQUA, ABAKPA). Western Ejagham includes Bendeghe Etung (Bindege, Dindiga, Mbuma), Northern Etung, Southern Etung, Ekwe, Akamkpa-Ejagham. Eastern Ejagham includes Keaka (Keaqa, Kejaka, Edjagam), Obang (Eeafeng). 15% to 25% literate. NT in press (1996). Bible portions 1985. Work in progress.
ELIP(BELIP, BELIBI, LIBIE) [EKM] 6,400 (1982 SIL); 14,000 together with Mmala and Yangben (1994 SIL). In Yambasa, southeast of Bokito towards the Mbam and Sanaga rivers, Elip canton, Mbam Division, Center Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Mbam, Yambasa (A.60). French is the language of instruction in primary and secondary education. People do not think French will replace the mother tongue. Interpretation is made into Elip in RC church services. Ewondo or Bulu are used in other churches, without interpretation. Speakers acquire understanding of Mmala and Yangben in early adulthood. It may be possible to standardize a written form with those related languages. Survey needed.
EMAN(EMANE) [EMN] 800 (1990 SIL). Towns of Amayo, Amanavil, Akalabo, and Akalam Gomo in Akwaya
Subdivision, Manyu Division, South West Province. No permanent settlements in Nigeria. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid. Dialects: AMAYO, AMANAVIL (AMAN, AMANA, AMANI, ELAKA). 70% lexical similarity with Caka, 60% with Ipulo, 40% with Icheve and Otanga, 35% with Esimbi, 30% with Mesaka. Amayo and Amanavil have 80% lexical similarity. Speakers use Pidgin as second language, and also have high bilingualism in Ipulo. May be the same as Emane in Nigeria. Mountains. Traditional religion. Survey needed.
ENGLISH [ENG] 322,000,000 in all countries (1995 WA). Used mainly in South West and North West provinces. Indo-European, Germanic, West, North Sea, English. Along with French, one of the two official languages. National language. Bible 1535-1989. NT 1525-1985. Bible portions 1530-1987.
ESIMBI(ESSIMBI, ISIMBI, SIMPI, AGE, AAGE, BOGUE, MBURUGAM) [AGS] 20,000 (1982 SIL). Western part of Wum Subdivision, centered around Benakuma, Menchum Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid. 35% lexical similarity with Balo, Ipulo, and Icheve. 5% to 15% literate. Work in progress.
ETON [ETO] 52,000 (1982 SIL). Almost all of Lekie Division, Center Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Yaunde-Fang (A.70). Dialects: ESSELE, MVOG-NAMVE, MVO-NANGKOK, BEYIDZOLO. Intelligible with Bulu, Ewondo, and Fang as part of the Beti language. Survey needed.
EVAND(EVANT, AVAND, AVANDE, OVANDE, OVAND, OVANDO, BALEGETE, BELEGETE) [BZZ] 1,000 or fewer in Cameroon (1996 SIL); 10,000 or fewer in Nigeria (1996 SIL); 11,00 or fewer in all countrie. Atolo and Matene I villages, Akwaya Subdivision, Manyu Division, South West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid. 50% lexical similarity with Tiv, Icheve, and Otank. Pidgin is the second language. Literacy is in English. Mountains. Traditional religion. Survey needed.
EWONDO(EWUNDU, JAUNDE, YAOUNDE, YAUNDE) [EWO] 577,700 (1982 SIL). All except the eastern part of Mefou Division; the entire Mfoundi and Nyong-and-So divisions; the southern half of Nyong-and-Mfoumou Division, Center Province; the northern part of Ocean Division, South Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Yaunde-Fang (A.70). Dialects: BADJIA (BAKJO), BAFEUK, BAMVELE (MVELE, YEZUM, YESOUM), BANE, BETI, FONG, MBIDA-BANI, MVETE, MVOG-NIENGUE, OMVANG, YABEKOLO (YEBEKOLO), YABEKA, YABEKANGA, ENOAH, EVOUZOK. It is intelligible with Bulu, Eton, and Fang as part of the Beti language. 15% to 25% literate. Trade language in central Cameroon. NT 1959-1962. Bible portions 1955-1957.
FALI, NORTH [FLL] 16,000 (1982 SIL). Around Dourbeye and Mayo-Oulo, Mayo-Oulo Subdivision, Mayo-Louti Division, North Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Fali. Dialects: DOURBEYE (FALI-DOURBEYE), BOSSOUM (FALI-BOSSOUM, BONUM), BVERI (FALI DU PESKE-BORI, PESKE, BORI). Speakers are rapidly shifting to Adamawa Fulfulde. Muslim, traditional religion. Survey needed.
FALI, SOUTH [FAL] 20,000 (1982 SIL). Around Hossere Bapara, Tsolaram, Hossere Toro and Ndoudja; south of Dembo, Pitoa Subdivision northeast of Garoua, Benoue Division, North Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Fali. Dialects: FALI-TINGUELIN (NDOUDJA, MANGO, RAM, TORO), KANGOU (KAANG, KANGU, FALI KANGOU), BELE (NGOUTCHOUMI, FALI-BELE, FALI DU BELE-FERE). Different from North Fali, or Fali (Bana) of Nigeria and Cameroon, which is Chadic; or Vin of Nigeria. 5% to 15% literate. NT 1975.
FANG(PAMUE, PAHOUIN, PANGWE) [FNG] 67,800 in Cameroon (1982 SIL); 12,900 in São Tomé (1993); 858,000 in all countries. Half of Dja-and-Lobo Division (south of Djoum) and southeastern part of Ntem Division (south of Mvangan), as well as between Lolodorf and Kribi, Ocean Division, South Province. Also in Gabon, Congo, Equatorial Guinea. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Yaunde-Fang (A.70). Dialects: FANG (OKAK), MVAE (MVAN, MVAY), NTOUMOU (NTUMU). Intelligible with Bulu and Ewondo as part of the Beti language group. 15% to 25% literate. Bible 1951. NT 1927. Bible portions 1894-1938.
FE´FE´(FE´EFE´E, FEEFEE, FEFE, FOTOUNI, BAFANG, BAMILEKE-FE´FE´, NUFI) [FMP] 123,700 (1982 SIL). Upper Nkam Division (except for the vicinity of Kekem and a small section in the southeast corner), some in Mifi Division (Bangam), West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Mbam-Nkam, Bamileke. Dialects: FA´ (BAFANG), NKA´ (BANKA), NEE (BANA), NJEE-POANTU (BANDJA-BABOUNTOU), NTII (FONDANTI), MKWET (FONDJOMEKWET), LA´FI (BALAFI), TUNGI´ (FOTOUNI), NGAM (BANGAN), CA´. First 4 dialects listed belong to Central Fe´fe´, next 5 belong to North Fe´fe´. 25% to 50% literate. Bible portions.
FRENCH [FRN] 72,000,000 in all countries (1995 WA). Used mainly in the Littoral, West, Center, South, East, Adamawa, North, and Far North provinces. Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Western, Gallo-Romance. One of the two official languages, along with English. National language. Bible 1530-1986. NT 1474-1980. Bible portions 1483-1987.
FULFULDE, ADAMAWA (ADAMAWA FULANI, PEUL, PEULH, FUL, FULA, FULBE, BOULBE, EASTERN FULANI, FULFULDE, FOULFOULDE, PULLO, GAPELTA, PELTA HAY, DOMONA, PLADINA, PALATA, PALDIDA, PALDENA, DZEMAY, ZEMAY, ZAAKOSA, PULE, TAAREYO, SANYO, BIIRA) [FUB] 668,700 in Cameroon, 7% of the population (1986); 5,000,000 in Cameroon including second language speakers (1987 UBS); 90,000 in Sudan (1982 SIL); 760,000 in all countries or more. Possibly 13,000,000 in all countries all Fulani in all countries (1995 WA). It is spread all over the Far North, North, and Adamawa provinces. Also in Nigeria and Chad. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Atlantic, Northern, Senegambian, Fula-Wolof, Fulani, Eastern. Dialects: MAROUA, GAROUA, NGAONDÉRÉ, KAMBARIIRE, NOMADIC FULFULDE, BILKIRE FULANI (BILKIRI). There are some serious problems in intelligibility among Cameroon dialects, and elsewhere with Cameroon dialects. Bilkire is spoken by second language speakers. Fulfulde is the language, Fulbe the people. Adamawa is one of the major Fula geo-political states. Dictionary, 2 grammars (Maroua, Ngaoundere dialects). 5% to 15% literate. Trade language in north Cameroon. Typology: SVO. Traditional religion, Muslim. Bible 1983. NT 1963-1964. Bible portions 1919-1966.
FULFULDE, KANO-KATSINA-BORORRO(PEUL, FULBE) [FUV] North. Also in northern provinces of Nigeria, in Niger, Chad, and CAR. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Atlantic, Northern, Senegambian, Fula-Wolof, Fulani, East Central. Dialects: KANO-KATSINA, BORORRO (BORORO, MBORORO, AKO, NOMADIC FULFULDE). Muslim. Work in progress.
FUNGOM(NORTHERN FUNGOM, WE) [FUG] 1,000 (1994 SIL). In Fungom, northeast of Wum, Fungom Subdivision, Menchum Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Ring, West. Apparently distinct from Oso (Southern Fungom). May be intelligible with or a dialect of Mmen. 15% to 25% literate. Traditional religion, Christian. Survey needed.
GADUWA [GDW] Southwest corner of Mayo-Sava Division, Far North Province. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.5. A newly discovered language (1987). Survey needed.
GAVAR(GAWAR, GOUWAR, GAUAR, RTCHI, KORTCHI) [GOU] 5,000 (1992 SIL). Around Gawar, Mogode Canton, Mokolo Subdivision, Mayo-Tsanaga Division, Far North Province. One group of Gavar Hossere live among the Gavar-Fulfulde, and another in relative isolation in the mountains around Kortchi village. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.7. The Gavar Hossere speak Gavar; the Gavar Fulfulde speak Fulfulde. The Gavar Hossere use their language in home and village, and Fulfulde in the market and for outside contacts. French is learned by the few who go to school. Comprehension of surrounding languages is limited (Mofu South, Mafa, Daba). It may be intelligible with Buwal, but speakers consider them to be different. 5% to 15% literate. Traditional religion, a few Christians. Survey needed.
GBAYA, NORTHWEST (BAYA) [GYA] 65,000 to 80,000 or more in Cameroon (1980); 200,000 in CAR (1996); 265,000 to 280,000 in all countries. 131,900 all Gbaya in Cameroon (1982 SIL). Vast area spread out between Mayo-Rey Division (south of Touboro), North Province; Mbere Division (Meiganga Subdivision), Djerem Division (Ngaoundal and Tibati subdivisions), Faro and Deo Division (Tignere Subdivision), Adamawa Province; Lom and Djerem Division (Garoua Boulay, Betare-Oya, and Bertoua subdivisions), Kadey Division (Kette Subdivision), Boumba and Ngoko Division (Gari-Gombo Subdivision), East Province. Also in Congo and Nigeria. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Gbaya-Manza-Ngbaka, Northwest. Dialects: BANGINDA, MBAI, GAYMONA, LAI (LAY), LOMBU, MBERE, MOMBE, YAÁYUWEE (YAIWE, KALLA). 5% to 15% literate. Grammar. Dictionary. Primer. Bible in press (1992). NT 1951<
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Les ABO & BAROMBI
There is widespread agreement that all of the Abo and Barombi groups were once one people. According to oral tradition, their origins are in the Congo (DRC)....
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Duala peoples - Culture
The Duala languages are: Bakole, spoken by that people; Bubea, spoken by the Wovea; Duala, spoken by the Duala proper and the Mungo; Isu, spoken by the Isubu; Malimba, spoken by the Limba; Mokpwe, spoken by the Bakweri; and Wumboko, spoken by the Bam...
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