Languages
of Cameroon
Information
mainly from SIL International (formerly
known as the Summer Institute of Linguistics) 1996 and Atlas Linguistique
du Cameroun 1983. 286 languages are currently listed for Cameroon.
Of those, 279 are living languages, 3 are second languages without mother
tongue speakers, and 4 are extinct.
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.
Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields,
Narrow Grassfields, Mbam-Nkam, Nkambe. Speakers consider themselves to
be ethnically Mfumte. Different from Adele of Ghana and Togo.
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.
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