Ivory Coast

Extensive List of Languages of Ivory Coast: Spoken and Extinct Languages

:: List of Languages ::

Abé [aba] 170,000 (1995 SIL). Southern Department, Agboville Subprefecture (except Krobou Canton); Tiassale Subprefecture, Abbe Canton. 70 villages. Alternate names: Abbé, Abbey, Abi. Dialects: Tioffo, Morie, Abbey-Ve, Kos (Khos). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Agneby

Abidji [abi] 50,500 (1993 SIL). Abidjan Department, Sikensi Subprefecture (12 villages); Dabou Subprefecture, a few villages. Alternate names: Abiji. Dialects: Enyembe, Ogbru. Classification:Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Agneby

Abron [abr] 132,000 in Côte d’Ivoire (1993 SIL). Eastern Department, Tanda and Bondoukou subprefectures. Alternate names: Bron, Brong, Doma, Gyaman. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Central, Akan

Abure [abu] 55,100 (1993 SIL). Southern Department, Bonoua Subprefecture; Grand Bassam Subprefecture, Abidjan. Alternate names: Abonwa, Abouré, Abule, Akaplass. Dialects: Most similar to Anyin [any]. Also close to Baoule [bci], Nzema [nzi]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Western

Adioukrou [adj] 100,000 (1999 SIL). Southern Department, Dabou Subprefecture. 49 villages. Alternate names: Adjukru, Adyoukrou, Adyukru, Ajukru. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Agneby

Aizi, Aproumu [ahp] 6,500 (1999 SIL). Southern Department, Jacqueville Subprefecture, Ebrié Lagoon banks, Attoutou A (new quarter), Attoutou B, Tefredji, Koko, Bapo (Allaba B, Taboth) villages; Dabou Subprefecture, Allaba village. Alternate names: Ahizi, Aprou, Aproumu, Aprwe, Oprou. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Aizi

Aizi, Mobumrin [ahm] 2,000 (1999 SIL). Southern Department, Jacqueville Subprefecture, Ebrié Lagoon north bank. 2 villages (Abraco and Abraniamiambo). Alternate names: Ahizi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Aizi

Aizi, Tiagbamrin [ahi] 9,000 (1999 SIL). Southern Department, Jacqueville Subprefecture, Ebrié Lagoon banks, Tiagba, Nigui-Assoko, Nigui-Saff, Tiémié, and Attoutou B (old quarter) villages. Alternate names:Ahizi, Lélémrin, Tiagba. Dialects: Not intelligible with Mobumrin Aizi [ahm], even though both are Kru languages. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Aizi

Alladian [ald] 23,000 (1993 SIL). Southern Department, Jacqueville Subprefecture, plain between the coast and Ebrie Lagoon. 21 villages. Alternate names: Alladyan, Allagia, Allagian. Classification:Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Avikam-Alladian

Anyin [any] 610,000 in Côte d’Ivoire (1993 SIL). Population total all countries: 860,000. South region, Abidjan and Aboisso departments; East-Central region, Abengourou and Agnibilekrou departments; North-East region, Bondoukou and Tanda departments; North-Central region, M’bahiakro Department; and Central region, Bongouanou and Daoukro departments; Between

Kulango and Abron [abr] north; Nzema [sfw], Abure [abu], and Lagoon languages south; Baoulé west [bci]. Also in Ghana. Alternate names: Agni, Anyi. Dialects: Sanvi, Indenie, Bini, Bona, Moronou, Djuablin, Ano, Abe, Barabo, Alangua. Most similar to Baoulé. Also similar to Nzema, Sehwi [sfw]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Central, Bia, Northern

Anyin Morofo [mtb] 300,000 (2002 SIL). Southern, Eastern, and Central departments, Moronou. Alternate names: Morofo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Central, Bia, Northern

Attié [ati] 381,000 (1993 SIL). Abidjan Department, Anyama and Alepe subprefectures; Adzope Department, Adzope, Affery, Agou, Akoupe, Yakasse-Attobrou subprefectures. Alternate names:Akie, Akye, Atche, Atie, Atshe. Dialects: Naindin, Ketin, Bodin. Bodin dialect is the most prestigious and numerous. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Attie

Avikam 21,000 (1993 SIL). Southern Department, Grand Lahou coastal plain area, Avikam Canton.Alternate names: Avekom, Brignan, Brinya, Gbanda, Kwakwa, Lahu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Avikam-Alladian

Bakwé [bjw] 10,300 (1993 SIL). Southern and West Central departments, Sassandra, Soubre, San Pedro prefectures. Dialects: Defa, Deple, Dafa, Nigagba, Nyinagbi. Most similar to Godié [god]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Bakwe

Bambara [bam] 5,500 in Côte d’Ivoire (1993 SIL). Alternate names: Bamako, Bamana, Bamanakan. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-East, Northeastern Manding, Bamana

Baoulé [bci] 2,130,000 (1993 SIL). Central Department, widespread in the south. Alternate names: Baule, Bawule. Dialects: Similar to Anyin [any]. Many subgroups, but all claim to understand the standard variety. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Central, Bia, Northern

Beng [nhb] 17,000 (1993 SIL). Central Department. M’bahiakro Subprefecture, northeast corner. 20 villages; Prikro Subprefecture. 2 villages. Alternate names: Ben, Gan, Ngain, Ngan, Ngen, Ngin, Nguin. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Nwa-Ben, Ben-Gban

Bété, Daloa [bev] 130,000 (1993 SIL). West Central Department, Daloa Subprefecture. Alternate names:Daloua Bété, Northern Bété. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Bete, Western

Bété, Gagnoa [btg] 150,000 (1989 SIL). Gagnoa Subprefecture. Alternate names: Eastern Bété, Gagnoua-Bété, Shyen. Dialects: Nekedi, Zadie, Niabre, Kpakolo, Zebie, Guebie, Gbadi (Gbadie, Badie). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Bete, Eastern

Bété, Guiberoua [bet] 130,000 (1993 SIL). West Central Department, Daloua, Issia, Guiberoua, Soubre, Buyo, Gregbeu, and Ouaragahio subprefectures. Alternate names: Central Bété, Western Bété. Dialects: Soubré, Guiberoua. Most similar to Godié [god]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Bete, Western

Beti [eot] 200 (1999 R. Blench). Ethnic population: 3,181 (1988 census). Southern Department, Vitre I and Vitre II villages, Grand Bassam Subprefecture. Alternate names: Eotile. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Western

Birifor, Southern [biv] 4,310 in Côte d’Ivoire (1993 SIL). Northeast corner. Alternate names: Birifo. Classification:Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Western, Northwest, Dagaari-Birifor, Birifor

Cerma [cme] 1,700 in Côte d’Ivoire (1991). Ouangolodougo area, north of Ferkessedougou. 5 villages.Alternate names: Gouin, Guin, Gwe, Gwen, Kirma. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Kirma-Tyurama

Daho-Doo [das] 4,000 (1996 SIL). Western Department, north of Tai and south of the Guéré. Doo are in 5 villages south of Guiglo. Dialects: Although the Daho and Doo are considered Wè, their speech is not understood by other Wè. The greatest lexical similarity they have to any Wè variety is 80%, and the least is 30%. Lexical similarity 92% between the Daho and Doo dialects. Classification:Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Wee, Guere-Krahn

Dan [daf] 800,000 in Côte d’Ivoire (1993 M. Bolli). 400,000 in Eastern Dan, 400,000 in western Dan. Population total all countries: 975,800. Man Prefecture (except Kouibly and Facoubly), Danané, Biankouma and Touba prefectures. 19 villages. Also in Guinea, Liberia. Alternate names: Da, Gio, Gio-Dan, Yacouba, Yakuba. Dialects: Gweetaawu (Eastern Dan), Blowo (Western Dan). At least 38 subdialects. In Liberia speakers in Garplay understood Côte d’Ivoire Yacouba dialect tapes as follows: Danane, Koulinle, Kale: very well; Blosse: quite well; Bloundo: reasonably well; dialects east of Blouno: considerable difficulty (M. Bolli SIL 1971). Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Guro-Tura, Tura-Dan-Mano, Tura-Dan

Deg [mzw] 1,100 in Côte d’Ivoire (1991). Alternate names: Aculo, Buro, Degha, Janela, Mmfo, Mo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Western

Dida, Lakota [dic] 93,800 (1993 SIL). All Dida: 195,400 (1993 SIL). Lakota town area. Alternate names:Brabori, Dieko, Gabo, Guébie, Satro, Ziki. Dialects: Vata. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Dida

Dida, Yocoboué [gud] 102,000 (1993 SIL). 7,100 Guitry, 94,500 Divo. Southern Department, Guitry Subprefecture, Guitry town area. Dialects: Lozoua (Guitry, Yocoboue, Yokouboué, Gakpa, Goudou, Kagoué), Divo. Lakota Dida [dic] is marginally intelligible with Yocoboué Dida. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Dida

Ebrié [ebr] 75,900 (1988 census). Abidjan Department, urban Abidjan, Dabou Subprefecture, Bingerville Subprefecture. 57 villages, including 27 in Abidjan. Alternate names: Cama, Caman, Kyama, Tchaman, Tsama, Tyama. Dialects: Not related to surrounding languages. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Potou

Ega [ega] 2,500 (2001 B. Connell). Southern Department, Diés Canton, Borondoukou village near Gly.Alternate names: Diés, Egwa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Ega

French [fra] 17,500 in Côte d’Ivoire (1988 census). Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Western, Gallo-Iberian, Gallo-Romance, Gallo-Rhaetian, Oïl, French

Gagu [ggu] 36,600 (1993). West Central Department, Oume Subprefecture. Alternate names: Gagou, Gban. Dialects: Bokwa, N’da, Bokabo, Tuka. N’da dialect is central. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Nwa-Ben, Ben-Gban

Glio-Oubi [oub] 2,500 in Côte d’Ivoire (1991). Western Department, Tai Subprefecture, Tai Canton. 6 towns on each side of the border. Alternate names: Glio, Oubi, Ubi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Glio-Oubi

Godié [god] 26,400 (1993 SIL). Southern Department, Sassandra and Fresco subprefectures; Kotrohou Canton, Koyo. Alternate names: Godye. Dialects: Tiglu, Glibe, Kagbo, Dagli, Nugbo, Dlogo, Jluko, Nyago, Koyo. The Koyo dialect may be more similar to Dida than to Godié. Kagbo is the most widely understood dialect. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Bete, Western

Grebo, Southern [grj] Dialects: Seaside Grebo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Liberian

Guro [goa] 332,000 (1993 SIL). West Central and Central departments, Zuénoula, Vavoua, Gouitafla, Bouafle, Sinfra, Oumé subprefectures. Alternate names: Gouro, Kwéndré, Kweni, Lo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Guro-Tura, Guro-Yaoure

Jeri Kuo [jek] 1,500 (1990 R. Kastenholz). Ethnic population: 20,000 (1990 R. Kastenholz). Southwest; some north of Korhogo. Alternate names: Celle, Jeli Kuo. Dialects: Related to Ligbi [lig] of Ghana and Tongon, an extinct blacksmith argot of the Djimini Senoufo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Jogo-Jeri

Jula [dyu] 179,000 in Côte d’Ivoire (1991). North region, Ferkessédougou Department, Kong Subprefecture; widespread in major cities. Alternate names: Dioula, Diula, Djula, Dyoula, Dyula, Jula Kong, Kong Jula, Tagboussikan. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-East, Northeastern Manding, Bamana

Khisa [kqm] 5,000 in Côte d’Ivoire (Vanderaa 1991). Population total all countries: 8,000. Also in Burkina Faso. Alternate names: Khi Khipa, Komono, Kumwenu. Dialects: Speakers say they can understand Kaansa [gna] given time. Also reportedly Senoufo. Lexical similarity: 82% with Dogosé [dos], 72% with Kpatogo dialect of Kaansa, 71% with Kaansa, 16% with Dogoso [dgs], 13% with Khe [kqg]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Gan-Dogose
Kodia [kwp] 840 (1993 SIL). South central. Alternate names: Kwadia, Kwadya. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Kwadia

Koro [kfo] 40,000 (1999 SIL). Mankono Department, Tiéningboué Subprefecture. Alternate names:Koro Jula. Dialects: High comprehension of Koyaga [kga]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-East, Southeastern Manding, Maninka-Mori

Kouya [kyf] 10,100 (1993 SIL). West Central Department, Vavoua Subprefecture, Kouya Canton. 12 villages. Alternate names: Kowya, Kuya, Sokya. Dialects: Most similar to Gbadi Bété, Dida. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Bete, Eastern

Koyaga [kga] 60,000 (1999 SIL). Mankono Department, western 4 subprefectures. Alternate names:Koya, Koyaa, Koyaga Jula, Koyagakan, Koyaka, Koyara. Dialects: Koyaga, Siaka, Sagaka, Nigbi. High comprehension of Koro [kfo]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-East, Southeastern Manding, Maninka-Mori

Krahn, Western [krw] 12,200 in Côte d’Ivoire (1993 SIL). West, Toulépleu area. Alternate names: Krahn, Northern Krahn. Dialects: Pewa (Peewa), Biai. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Wee, Guere-Krahn

Krobu [kxb] 9,920 (1993 SIL). Southern Department, Agboville Subprefecture. 4 villages. Alternate names: Krobou. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Krobu

Krumen, Plapo [ktj] 100 (2004). Southwest corner, between Bapo and Honpo dialects of Tepo Krumen [ted].Alternate names: Plapo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Ivorian

Krumen, Pye [pye] 20,000 (1993 SIL). All Krumen: 48,300 (1993 SIL). Southwest, Tai, Tai, Bereby, and part of San Pedro subprefectures. Alternate names: Kroumen, Northeastern Krumen, Southeastern Krumen. Dialects: Trepo, Wluwe-Hawlo (Haoulo), Gbowe-Hran, Wlepo, Dugbo, Yrewe (Giriwe), Yapo, Pie (Pye, Pie-Pli-Mahon-Kuse-Gblapo-Henekwe). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Ivorian

Krumen, Tepo [ted] 28,300 in Côte d’Ivoire (1993 SIL). All Krumen: 48,300 (1993 SIL). Population total all countries: 31,210. Southwest, Tabou and Grabo subprefectures. Also in Liberia. Alternate names:Kroumen, Kru, Krumen, Southern Krumen, Southwestern Kroumen. Dialects: Tepo, Bapo, Wlopo (Ropo), Dapo, Honpo, Yrepo (Kapo), Glawlo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Ivorian

Kulango, Bondoukou [kzc] 77,000 in Côte d’Ivoire (1993 SIL). Population total all countries: 104,000. Eastern Department, Bondoukou Subprefecture. Also in Ghana. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Kulango

Kulango, Bouna [nku] 142,000 in Côte d’Ivoire (1993). Population total all countries: 157,500. Eastern Department, Nassian Subprefecture. Also in Ghana. Alternate names: Koulango, Kulange, Nkuraeng, Nkurange. Dialects: Nabanj. Bouna dialect speakers understand Bondoukou, but not the reverse. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Kulango

Ligbi [lig] 4,000 in Côte d’Ivoire (Vanderaa 1991). Eastern Department, Bineto village; Bouna community; Slil town near Boundoukou; Ourodougou near Malinke [loi] territory. Alternate names:Banda, Jogo, Ligwi, Nigbi, Nigwi, Tuba. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Jogo-Jeri, Jogo

Lobi [lob] 156,000 in Côte d’Ivoire (1993 SIL). Eastern Department, north strip. Alternate names: Lobiri, Miwa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Lobi

Loma [loi] 8,010 (2000). Tèèn and Kulango areas. Alternate names: Lomakka, Lomapo, Lomasse, Malinke. Dialects: Similar to Tèèn [lor] and Kulango [kzc] but not inherently intelligible. More similar to Kulango than Tèèn is to Kulango. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Teen

Mahou [mxx] 169,000 (1993 SIL). Northwest region, Touba Department. Alternate names: Mahu, Maou, Mau, Mauka, Mauke. Dialects: Mahouka, Koroka, Tenenga, Finanga, Baralaka (Barala). Some listed dialect speakers may not be able to use Mahou literature. Barala may be dialect of Wojenaka [jod]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-East, Southeastern Manding, Maninka-Mori

Maninka, Forest [myq] 15,000. Northwest region, Odienné Department, near Mali and Guinea borders. Dialects:Wasulu (Wassulunka, Wassoulounka, Wassulunke). This may be the same language as Eastern Maninkakan [emk], Wojenaka [jod], or different from both. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-East, Southeastern Manding, Maninka-Mori

Mbato [gwa] 25,000 (1993 SIL). Southern Department, Petit Alépé Subprefecture. Alternate names:Goaa, Gwa, M’bato, Mbatto, Mgbato, N-Batto, Ogwia, Potu. Dialects: Related to Ebrii [ebr]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Potou

Mbre [mka] 200 (2000 SIL). Ethnic population: 700. Marabadiassa area, northwest of Bouake and Diabo, Bondosso and Niantibo villages. Alternate names: Bere, Bre, Pre, Pre Pisia. Dialects:Considerably different from surrounding Mande and nearby Kwa languages. Classification:Niger-Congo, Unclassified

Mwan [moa] 17,000 (1993 SIL). Kongasso Subprefecture and south Mankono Subprefecture. Alternate names: Mona, Mouan, Muan, Muana, Mwa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Nwa-Ben, Wan-Mwan

Neyo [ney] 9,200 (1993 SIL). Southern Department, Sassandra Subprefecture, Neyo, and Kébé cantons, from Niégba west to Dagbégo east and Niabayo north. Alternate names: Gwibwen, Towi. Dialects: Most similar to the Kagbo dialect of Godié [god], but they consider themselves a separate ethnic group. May be more similar to Dida than to Bété. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Dida

N’ko [nqo] Classification: Mixed language

Nyabwa [nwb] 42,700 (1993 SIL). 32,500 Nyabwa, 7,700 Nyedebwa, 2,500 Kouzié. West Central Department, northwest corner, Vavoua (Nyedebwa), Issia, Buyo, Zoukougbeu (Nyabwa), Daloua subprefectures. Alternate names: Niaboua, Nyaboa, Nyabwa-Nyédébwa. Dialects: Nyabwa, Nyedebwa (Niédéboua). Lexical similarity: 90% between the Nyabwa and Nyedebwa dialects, 74%–80% between them and We Southern [gxx] and We Northern [wob]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Wee, Nyabwa

Nzema [nzi] 66,700 in Côte d’Ivoire (1993 SIL). Aboisso Department, Tiapoum Subprefecture, southeast coast; Abidjan. Alternate names: Appolo, Nzima. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Central, Bia, Southern

Senoufo, Cebaara [sef] 862,000 (1993 SIL). North, around Korhogo. Alternate names: Senadi, Senari, Syenere, Tiebaara, Tyebala. Dialects: Kafire, Kasara, Kufuru, Tagbari (Mbengui-Niellé), Patara, Pogara, Tyebara, Tagara, Tenere, Takpasyeeri (Messeni), Southwest Senari, Kandere (Tengrela), Papara, Fodara, Kulere, Nafara. Korhogo dialect is central. The Kulele speak the Kulere dialect scattered throughout the Senoufo area. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Senari

Senoufo, Djimini [dyi] 95,500 (1993 SIL). Dabakala Department, northwest corner. Alternate names: Djimini, Dyimini, Jinmini. Dialects: Diamala (Djamala, Dyamala), Djafolo, Dofana, Foolo, Singala. Singala is the prestige dialect of Dabakala. Lexical similarity: 76%–81% with Tagwana Senoufo [tgw]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Tagwana-Djimini

Senoufo, Nyarafolo [sev] 48,000 (2003 SIL). Northeast Ferkessédougou area. Alternate names: Nyarafolo-Niafolo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Senari

Senoufo, Palaka [plr] 8,000 (1995 SIL). Central Department, Sikolo area, north of Djimini. Alternate names:Kpalagha, Palaka, Palara, Pallakha, Pilara. Dialects: Lexical similarity: 65%–70% with other Senufo languages and dialects. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Kpalaga

Senoufo, Shempire [seb] 100,000 (1996). North of Tingréla. Alternate names: Shenpire, Syempire. Dialects: 3 or 4 dialects. Relationship to Supyire Senoufo [spp] in Mali is undetermined. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Suppire-Mamara

Senoufo, Tagwana [tgw] 138,000 (1993 SIL). Central Department, north central area, west of Djimini. Alternate names: Tagbana, Tagouna, Tagwana. Dialects: Gbo (Zoro), Tafire, Niediekaha, Niangbo, Niakaramadougou, Fondebougou, Djidanan, Fourgoula, Katiara, Katiola. Lexical similarity: 76%–81% with Djimini dialects. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Tagwana-Djimini

Téén [lor] 6,100 in Côte d’Ivoire (1991). Population total all countries: 8,100. Bouna Department, Téhini Subprefecture. Also in Burkina Faso. Alternate names: Loghon, Lorhon, Loron, Nabe, Tegesie, Ténhé. Dialects: Different from Kulango. Most similar to Loma [loi], Bouna Kulango [nku]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Teen

Tonjon [tjn] Extinct. Dabakala Department, among the Djimini Senoufo [dyi]. Dialects: Related to Ligbi [lig] of Ghana and Jeri Kuo of Côte d’Ivoire [jek]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Jogo-Jeri, Jogo

Toura [neb] 38,500 (1993 SIL). East Biankouma Department, mountainous region east of Man to Touba main road, north of Man to Seguela main road, north of Bafing River; Bafing and Sassandra rivers from north and east borders. Alternate names: Tura, Ween. Dialects: Naò, Boo, Yiligele, Gwéò, Wáádú, Guse. Probably most similar to Dan [daf]. Also similar to Guro [goa], Gagu [ggu], Mann [mev] (in Liberia). Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Guro-Tura, Tura-Dan-Mano, Tura-Dan
Wan [wan] 22,000 (1993 UBS). Kounahiri and west Beoumi subprefectures. Alternate names: Nwa. Dialects: Miamu, Kemu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Nwa-Ben, Wan-Mwan

Wané [hwa] 2,100 (1993 SIL). Southwest coast. Alternate names: Hwane, Ngwané. Classification:Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Bakwe

Wè Northern [wob] 156,000 (1993 SIL). Western Department, Kouibly and Fakobly subprefectures. Alternate names: Ouobe, Wèè, Wobé. Dialects: Tao, Péomé, Sémien (Gbéan). Kouibly dialect intelligible to about half of Wè Southern [gxx] speakers. Lexical similarity: 90%–94% among dialects, Kouibly dialect (Tao and Gbean) has 84%–89% lexical similarity with Wè Southern dialects. Classification:Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Wee, Wobe

Wè Southern [gxx] 293,000 (1999 SIL). 20,000 Niao (1995 SIL). Western Department, Guiglo, Duékoué, Bangolo, Tai and subprefectures. Alternate names: Central Guéré, Gere, Guéré, Wèè. Dialects:Zibiao, Zagne, Zagna, Beu (Zarabaon), Zaa (Zaha), Neao (Niabo, Neabo), Gboo (Gbobo), Fleo, Nyeo. Southern Wè has 7 more consonants than Northern Wè [wob]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Wee, Guere-Krahn

Wè Western [wec] 25,200 (1998 SIL). 20,000 Kaoro (1995 SIL). Western Department, Toulépleu Subprefecture. Alternate names: Gere, Guéré, Neyo, Wèè. Dialects: Nidrou (Nidru), Kaoro (Kaawlu, Kaowlu). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Wee, Guere-Krahn

Wojenaka [jod] 120,000 (1999 SIL). 15,000 Wasulu. Northwest region, Odienné Department. Alternate names: Malinké, Odienné Jula, Odiennekakan. Dialects: Odienneka, Sienkoka, Nafana, Bodougouka, Toudougouka, Vandougouka, Wasulu (Wassulunka, Wassoulounka, Wassulunke, Forest Maninka). Some dialects listed may be separate languages. The Forest Maninka dialect may be Folongakan, a dialect of Wojenaka. The Barala dialect of Mahou [mxx] may be a dialect of Wojenaka. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-East, Southeastern Manding, Maninka-Mori

Worodougou [jud] 80,000 (1999 SIL). Northwest region, Séguéla Department. Alternate names: Bakokan, Ouorodougou, Worodougou Jula, Worodougoukakan, Worodugu. Dialects: Worodougouka, Karanjan, Kanika. The Karanjan dialect may be a separate language. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-East, Southeastern Manding, Maninka-Mori

Yaouré [yre] 24,600 (Vanderaa 1991). 13,000 in villages, 7,000 in cities (1982 SIL). Bouaflé Department, Bouafli Subprefecture, Yaoure Canton, bounded south by Red Bandama, east by White Bandama River, north by Lake Kossou, west by Bouaflé. Alternate names: Yaure, Yohowré, Youré. Dialects: Klan, Yaan, Taan, Yoo, Bhoo. Most similar to Guro [goa]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Guro-Tura, Guro-Yaoure

:: Reference ::
Gordon, Raymond G., Jr. (ed.), 2005. Ethnologue: Languages of the World, Fifteenth edition. Dallas, Tex.: SIL International. Online version: http://www.ethnologue.com/

Written By
Day Translations Team

Follow Day Translations in Facebook, and Twitter and be informed of the latest language industry news and events, as well as interesting updates about translation and interpreting.

No Comments

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.