12,900,000 (1995). Ivory Coast. République de la Cote d'Ivoire. Literacy rate 42.4% to 45%; 20.7% (1977 C. M. Brann). Also includes 15,000 Malinke, Vietnamese, 1,600,000 people from Burkina Faso, 754,000 from Mali, 238,000 from Guinea, 200,000 or more from Liberia, 345,000 others (1993). Information mainly from SIL 1973-95. Data accuracy estimate: A2. Muslim, traditional religion, Christian. Blind population 50,000 (1982 WCE). Deaf institutions: 1. The number of languages listed for Côte d'Ivoire is 74. Of those, 73 are living languages and 1 is extinct.
ABÉ (ABBÉ, ABBEY, ABI) [ABA] 170,000 (1995 SIL); perhaps 10,000 to 20,000 in Abidjan (1991 S. Beasley SIL). Southern Department, Subprefecture of Agboville (except Krobou Canton) and Abbe Canton of Tiassale Subprefecture. 70 villages. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Agneby. Dialects: TIOFFO, MORIE, ABBEY-VE, KOS. 50% to 75% literate. Typology: SVO, postpositions, tonal. Tropical forest. Coastal plains. Agriculturalists: manioc, yams, plantains, tomatoes, hot peppers; cash crops: cocoa, coffee; palm oil; some professionals. Altitude: sea level to 100 feet. Christian, traditional religion, Muslim, Other. Bible portions 1967-1980. Work in progress.
ABIDJI (ABIJI) [ABI] 50,500 (1993 SIL). Department of Abidjan, Subprefecture of Sikensi (12 villages) and a few villages in Subprefecture of Dabou. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Agneby. Dialects: ENYEMBE, OGBRU. 25% to 50% literate. Typology: Tonal, nasalization on syllable. Christian, other. Bible portions 1978-1988. Work in progress.
ABRON (BRONG, BRON, DOMA) [ABR] 131,700 in Côte d'Ivoire (1993 SIL); 606,600 in Ghana (1991 L. Vanderaa CRC); 738,300 in all countries. Eastern Department, subprefectures of Tanda and Bondoukou. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Central, Akan. Some are bilingual in Kulango and Jula. Most have good comprehension of Asante Twi in Ghana. Called 'Abron' in Côte d'Ivoire and 'Brong' in Ghana. Christian, Muslim, traditional religion, other. Survey needed.
ABURE (ABOURÉ, ABULE, AKAPLASS, ABONWA) [ABU] 55,120 (1993 SIL). Southern Department, Subprefecture of Bonoua, some in Subprefecture of Grand Bassam, many in Abidjan. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Western. Many speakers are bilingual in Anyi. Closest to Anyi. Also close to Baule and Nzema. Ethnic subgroups: Eyive (majority), Ehie, Ossouon. 25% to 50% literate. Christian, traditional religion, Muslim, other.
ADIOUKROU (ADYUKRU, ADJUKRU, ADYOUKROU, AJUKRU) [ADJ] 96,300 (1993 SIL). Southern Department, Subprefecture of Dabou, in 49 villages. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Agneby. 25% to 50% literate. Christian, Muslim, other. Bible portions 1927-1994. Work in progress.
AIZI, APROUMU (AHIZI, APRWE~, APROU) [AHP] 3,918 (1996 SIL). Southern Department; 6 villages (Attoutou A, Attoutou B, Tefredji, Tabot, Koko, Allaba) on the north bank of Ebrié Lagoon in Jacquesville Subpréfecture. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Unclassified. Their name for the Aizi people: 'Frükpü', the language: 'Früpomrin'. Many understand Adioukru (especially older ones) and use it for commerce and religion. Young people learn French in school. 25% to 50% literate. Fishermen, fish merchants. Christian, Muslim, other. Survey needed.
AIZI, MOBUMRIN (AHIZI, EDEYI) [AHM] 2,149 (1996 SIL). Southern Department; 2 villages (Abrako, Abraniamiambo) on the north bank of Ebrié Lagoon in Jacquesville Subpréfecture. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Aizi. Their name for people and language: 'Edeyi'. Many understand Adioukru (especially older ones) and use it for commerce and church. Young people learn French in school. 25% to 50% literate. Fish merchants. Christian, Muslim, other. Survey needed.
AIZI, TIAGBAMRIN (AHIZI, TIAGBA) [AHI] 5,971 (1996 SIL). Southern Department; 4 villages (Tiagba, Nigui-Assoko, Niguisaff, Tiami) on the north bank of Ebrié Lagoon in Jacquesville Subpréfecture. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Aizi. Their name for people 'Frükpü' and language: 'Frükpomrin'. 'Tiagbamrin' means 'language of Tiagba'. Not intelligible with Mobumrin Aizi, even though both are Kru languages. Many understand Adioukru (especially older speakers), and use it for commerce and religion. Young people learn French in school. 25% to 50% literate. Fishermen, fish merchants. Christian, Muslim, other. Survey needed.
ALADIAN (ALADYAN, ALAGIA, ALAGIAN, ALLADYAN, ALLADIAN) [ALD] 23,000 (1993 SIL). Southern Department, along the plain between the coast and the Ebrie Lagoon in 21 villages in the Subprefecture of Jacqueville. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Avikam-Alladian. 25% to 50% literate. Christian, Muslim, traditional religion, other. Bible portions 1937-1968. Work in progress.
ANYIN (ANYI, AGNI) [ANY] 610,000 in Côte d'Ivoire (1993 SIL); 10,000 to 100,000 second language speakers in Côte d'Ivoire; 200,000 in Ghana (1995 SIL); 810,000 in all countries. Southern 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 to the north; Nzema, Abure, and the Lagoon languages to the south; Baulé to the west; Twi in Ghana to the east. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Central, Bia, Northern. Dialects: SANVI, INDENIE, BINI, BONA, MORONOU, DJUABLIN, ANO, ABE, BARABO, ALANGUA. Closest to Baule. Also close to Nzema. Radio program. 25% to 50% literate. Christian, traditional religion, Muslim, other. NT 1995. Bible portions 1927-1993.
ANYIN, MOROFO (MOROFO) [MTB] Southern, Eastern, and Central departments, Moronou. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Central, Bia, Northern. 'Morofue' refers to a Morofo speaker.
ATTIÉ (ATIE, AKYE, AKIE, ATCHE, ATSHE) [ATI] 381,000 (1993 SIL); 34,000 live in the capital. Abidjan Department, subprefectures of Anyama, and Alepe; and Adzope Department, subprefectures of Adzope, Affery, Agou, Akoupe, Yakasse-Attobrou. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Attie. Dialects: NAINDIN, KETIN, BODIN. Radio Abidjan broadcasts in Attie. The Bodin dialect is the most prestigious and numerous. 50% to 75% literate. Christian, traditional religion, other. NT 1995. Bible portions 1931-1991.
AVIKAM (AVEKOM, BRIGNAN, BRINYA, GBANDA, KWAKWA, LAHU) [AVI] 21,000 (1993 SIL). Southern Department, along the coastal plain of Grand Lahou, Avikam Canton. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Avikam-Alladian. 25% to 50% literate. Christian, traditional religion, Muslim, other. Bible portions 1957.
BAKWÉ [BAK] 10,300 (1993 SIL). Southern and West Central departments, prefectures of Sassandra, Soubre, San Pedro. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Bakwe. Dialects: DEFA, DEPLE, DAFA, NIGAGBA, NYINAGBI. Closest to Godié. 5% to 15% literate. Christian, traditional religion, Muslim, other. Work in progress.
BAMBARA (BAMANA, BAMANAKAN) [BRA] 5,500 in Côte d'Ivoire (1993 SIL); 2,700,000 in Mali (1995); 4,200 in Gambia (1991); 300 in Burkina Faso (1991); 55,000 in Senegal (1991); 3,000,000 in all countries. Also in Guinea. Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Northwestern, Northern, Greater Mandekan, Mandekan, Manding. Dialect: DIOULA VÉHICULAIRE (TRADE JULA). Trade language. Traders. Muslim, Christian, traditional religion, other. Bible 1961-1987. NT 1933, in press (1995). Bible portions 1923-1942.
BAULE (BAOULE, BAWULE) [BCI] 2,130,000 (1993 SIL). Central Department, widespread throughout southern Côte d'Ivoire. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Central, Bia, Northern. Largest ethnic group in Côte d'Ivoire. Radio Abidjan broadcasts in Baoule. Closely related to Anyi. Many sub-groups, but all claim to understand the standard variety. 25% to 50% literate. Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim, other. Bible in press (1996). NT 1953-1975. Bible portions 1946-1994.
BENG (NGAIN, NGAN, NGUIN, NGIN, NGEN, GAN, BEN) [NHB] 17,000 (1993 SIL). Central Department. 20 villages in the northeast corner of M'bahiakro Subprefecture, and 2 villages in Prikro Subprefecture. Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Southern, Nwa-Ben, Ben-Gban. Somewhat bilingual in Baoulé or Jula. Below 5% literate. Traditional religion, Muslim, Christian.
BÉTÉ, DALOA (DALOUA BÉTÉ, NORTHERN BÉTÉ) [BEV] 130,000 (1993 SIL). All Bété varieties: 532,000 (1995). West Central Department, Daloa Subprefecture. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Bete, Western. 25% to 50% literate. Christian, traditional religion, Christian, Muslim, other. NT in press (1996). Bible portions 1993.
BÉTÉ, GAGNOA (GAGNOUA-BÉTÉ, SHYEN, EASTERN BÉTÉ) [BTG] 150,000 (1989 SIL). Gagnoa Subprefecture. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Bete, Eastern. Dialects: NEKEDI, ZADIE, NIABRE, KPAKOLO, ZEBIE, GUEBIE, GBADI (GBADIE, BADIE). 25% to 50% literate. Christian, traditional religion, Muslim, other. Work in progress.
BÉTÉ, GUIBEROUA (CENTRAL BÉTÉ, WESTERN BÉTÉ) [BET] 130,000 (1993 SIL). All Bété: 532,000 (1993 SIL). West Central Department, Daloua, Issia, Guiberoua, Soubre, Buyo, Gregbeu, and Ouaragahio subprefectures. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Bete, Western. Dialects: SOUBRÉ, GUIBEROUA. Closest to Godie. There are 18 dialects. Different from Bete of Nigeria and Cameroon. 15% to 25% literate. Christian, traditional religion, Muslim, other. NT 1982. Bible portions 1978.
BETI (EOTILE) [EOT] 3,181 (1988 census). Southern Department, villages of Vitre I and Vitre II, Subprefecture of Grand Bassam. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Western. The last speaker of the 'pure' form of Beti died about 1993. Only a few old men rmemeber a few words from that dialect. Present speakers use a variety that is heavily influenced by surrounding languages. Speakers are bilingual in Anyin and Nzema. Christian, traditional religion, other. Survey needed.
BIRIFOR, SOUTHERN (BIRIFO) [BIV] 4,308 in Côte d'Ivoire (1993 SIL); 100,000 in Ghana (1995 SIL); 104,000 in all countries. Northeast corner. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Western, Northwest, Dagaari-Birifor, Birifor. A separate language from Wali, Dagaari, and Malba-Birifor of Burkina Faso, and not inherently intelligible with them. Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim, other. Bible portions 1993.
BISSA (BISA) [BIB] 63,000 immigrants in Côte d'Ivoire (1993 P. Johnstone); 400,000 in Burkina Faso (1991 SIL); 119,100 in Ghana (1991 Vanderaa); 3,000 in Togo (1991 SIL); 585,000 in all countries. Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Eastern, Bissa. Traditional religion. Work in progress.
CERMA (GOUIN, GUIN, GWE, GWEN, KIRMA) [GOT] 1,700 in Côte d'Ivoire (1991); 61,400 in Burkina Faso (1991); 63,100 in all countries (1991 L. Vanderaa CRC). Five villages around Ouangolodougo, north of Ferkessedougou. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Kirma-Tyurama. Traditional religion. Work in progress.
DAHO-DOO [DAS] 4,000 or 10,000 together with Glio-Oubi (1996 SIL). Western Department, just north of Tai, and south of the Guéré. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Wee, Guere-Krahn. The Daho and Doo consider themselves to be Guéré, although the closest lexical similarity they have to any Guéré variety is 80%, and the lowest is 30%. Preliminary intelligibility testing indicates Doo could understand Wobe of Kouibli well, and Daho could understand Guéré of Guiglo well. Lexical similarity between Daho and Doo is 92%. Survey needed.
DAN (YACOUBA, YAKUBA, DA, GIO, GIO-DAN) [DAF] 800,000 in Côte d'Ivoire (1993 M. Bolli SIL) including 400,000 in Eastern Dan, 400,000 in western Dan; 150,000 to 200,000 in Liberia (1993 M. Bolli); 70,600 in Guinea (1991 Vanderaa); 1,020,000 to 1,220,000 in all countries. Prefectures of Man (except Kouibly and Facoubly), Danané, Biankouma (except Toura), plus 19 villages in the Prefecture of Touba. Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Southern, Kweni-Tura, Tura-Dan-Mano, Tura-Dan. Dialects: GWEETAAWU (EASTERN DAN), BLOWO (WESTERN DAN). At least 20 subdialects. Called 'Gio' in Liberia. 25% to 50% literate. Agriculturalists: rice, manioc, coffee, cocoa. Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim, other. NT 1981-1993. Bible portions 1943-1981.
DEG (DEGHA, ACULO, JANELA, MO, BURO, MMFO) [MZW] 1,100 in Côte d'Ivoire (1991); 20,000 in Ghana (1993 UBS); 21,000 in all countries. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Western. NT 1990.
DIDA, LAKOTA (DIEKO, GABO, SATRO, GUÉBIE, BRABORI, ZIKI) [DIC] 93,800 (1993 SIL). All Dida: 195,400 (1993 SIL). Region around the town of Lakota. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Dida. Dialect: VATA. A separate language from Yocoboué Dida. 25% to 50% literate. Traditional religion.
DIDA, YOCOBOUÉ [GUD] 101,600 (1993 SIL), including 7,100 Guitry, 94,500 Divo. Southern Department, Guitry Subprefecture, area around town of Guitry. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Dida. Dialects: LOZOUA (GUITRY, YOCOBOUE, YOKOUBOUÉ, GAKPA, GOUDOU, KAGOUÉ), DIVO. Radio Abidjan broadcasts in Dida. Lakota Dida is marginally intelligible with Yocoboué. Guitry is prestigious. More survey is needed in Dida area. Bi-weekly radio and TV broadcasts. 25% to 50% literate. Christian, Muslim, traditional religion, other. Bible portions 1930-1972. Work in progress.
EBRIÉ (TYAMA, KYAMA, TSAMA, CAMA, CAMAN) [EBR] 90,200 (1993 SIL). Abidjan Department, 5 to 10 villages in urban Abidjan, 5 villages in the Subprefecture of Dabou, all other villages are in the Subprefecture of Bingerville. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Potou. Radio Abidjan broadcasts in Ebrié. People are more bilingual in French than other groups because of their proximity to the capital. Low lexical similarity and structurally different from surrounding languages. 50% to 75% literate. Christian, other. NT in press (1996). Bible portions 1930-1991.
EGA (DIÉS, EGWA) [DIE] 291 (1993). Southern Department, Diés Canton, Borondoukou village near Gly. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Ega. The ethnic group is growing, but they are shifting to the Dida language because of intermarriage and other influences. Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim, other.
ESUMA (ESSOUMA) [ESM] Ethnic population of 164 (1988 census). Southern Department, Essouma Canton of Adiake Subprefecture. Two villages of Assinie and Mafia. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Unclassified. Became extinct about 200 years ago. The ethnic group now speaks Anyin and Nzema (J. Burmeister SIL 1982). Christian, Muslim, other.
FRENCH [FRN] 17,470 (1988 census); 72,000,000 in all countries (1995 WA). Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Western, Gallo-Romance. Official language. Bible 1530-1986. NT 1474-1980. Bible portions 1483-1987.
GAGU (GAGOU, GBAN) [GGU] 36,595 (1993). West Central Department, Oume Subprefecture. Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Southern, Nwa-Ben, Ben-Gban. Dialects: BOKWA, N'DA, BOKABO, TUKA. N'da dialect is central. Christian, traditional religion, Muslim, other. Bible portions 1970. Work in progress.
GLARO-TWABO [GLR] 3,900 in both countries (1991). Refugees in Côte d'Ivoire from Liberia. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Wee, Guere-Krahn. Dialects: GLARO, TWABO. Glaro and Twabo have 87% lexical similarity. 82% lexical similarity with some Eastern Krahn dialects. Minimal intelligibility between Twabo and some Eastern Krahn dialects, but not between Glaro and Eastern Krahn. Tropical forest. Traditional religion. Work in progress.
GLIO-OUBI (OUBI, UBI, GLIO) [OUB] 2,500 in Côte d'Ivoire (1991); 3,500 in Liberia (1991); 6,000 in all countries (1991 L. Vanderaa CRC). Western Department. Tai Canton, Tai Subprefecture. 6 towns on each side of the border. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Glio-Oubi. They are called 'Glio' in Liberia. Closest lexical similarity is 75% with Twabo of Liberia (see Glaro-Twabo). High bilingualism with several surrounding languages in Côte d'Ivoire. Traditional religion.
GODIÉ (GODYE) [GOD] 26,448 (1993 SIL). Southern Department, Sassandra and Fresco subprefectures. Koyo dialect is in Kotrohou Canton. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Bete, Western. Dialects: TIGLU, GLIBE, KAGBO, DAGLI, NUGBO, DLOGO, JLUKO, NYAGO, KOYO. The Koyo dialect may be closer to Dida than to Godie. Kagbo is most widely understood, and used in radio and TV. Christian, traditional religion, Muslim, other. Bible portions 1977. Work in progress.
GREBO, SEASIDE [GRF] 30,100 in all countries (1991 L. Vanderaa CRC). Mainly refugees in Côte d'Ivoire. Also in Liberia. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Liberian. Traditional religion.
GUÉRÉ, CENTRAL (GERE, WÈÈ) [GXX] 317,500 (1993 SIL), including 20,000 Néao (1995 SIL), 20,000 Kaoro (1995 SIL). Western Department, subprefectures of Toulépleu, Guiglo, Duékoué, Bangolo, Tai. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Wee, Guere-Krahn. Dialects: ZIBIAO, ZAGNE, ZAGNA, BEU (ZARABAON), ZAA (ZAHA), NEAO (NIABO, NEABO), GBOO (GBOBO), FLEO, NYEO, KAORO. Zagna is used on national radio. 'Wèè' is their name for people and language. Most bilingual comprehension in French and Dyula is limited to greetings and trade. 15% to 25% literate. Christian, traditional religion, Muslim, other. NT 1982-1987.
GURO (GOURO, KWENI, LO, KWÉNDRÉ) [GOA] 332,100 (1993 SIL). West Central and Central departments, subprefectures of Zuénoula, Vavoua, Gouitafla, Bouafle, Sinfra, Oumé. Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Southern, Kweni-Tura, Kweni-Yaoure. 25% literate. Radio Abidjan broadcasts in Guro. Muslim, Christian, other. Bible 1979. NT 1956-1968. Bible portions 1951-1961.
JULA (DYULA, DYOULA, DIULA, DIOULA, DJULA, MALINKÉ) [DYU] 1,470,000 in Côte d'Ivoire (1993 SIL); 1,000,000 in Burkina Faso (1991); 50,000 in Mali (1991). Another 3,000,000 to 4,000,000 speak it as a trade language (1990 SIL). In many cities, and in northwestern Côte d'Ivoire (Malinke), and north central around Kong. Also in Burkina Faso. Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Northwestern, Northern, Greater Mandekan, Mandekan, Manding. Dialects: KONG JULA, ODIENNÉ JULA, WORODOUGOU JULA (OUORODOUGOU JULA, KOYAGA JULA), BARALA JULA. Designated by the government as one of five languages to be developed for literature. It is widespread in northern Côte d'Ivoire and western Burkina Faso. It includes 22 separate regional dialects in Côte d'Ivoire. Mau may be a dialect, and Barala may be closest to the Mau dialect group. 15% to 25% literate. Grammar. Dictionary. Trade language. Muslim. NT 1993. Bible portions 1992.
KHISA (KOMONO, KHI KHIPA, KUMWENU) [KQM] 5,000 in Côte d'Ivoire (1991 L. Vanderaa CRC); 3,000 in Burkina Faso (1991 S. Showalter SIL); 8,000 in all countries. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Gan-Dogose. Muslim. Work in progress.
KODIA (KWADIA, KWADYA) [KWP] 837 (1993 SIL). South central. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Kwadia. 15% to 25% literate. Déima (African syncretism), Christian, traditional religion, Muslim. Survey needed.
KOUYA (KOWYA, SOKYA, KUYA) [KYF] 10,117 (1993 SIL). West Central Department, Kouya Canton of Vavoua Subprefecture, 12 villages. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Bete, Eastern. 50% of speakers are somewhat bilingual in Guro. Closest to Gbadi Bété and Dida. 15% to 25% literate. Tropical forest, savannah. Subsistence agriculturalists. Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim, other. Bible portions 1992. Work in progress.
KRAHN, WESTERN (KRAHN, NORTHERN KRAHN) [KRW] 12,200 in Côte d'Ivoire (1993 SIL), including 7,000 Kaowlu (1993 UBS); 47,800 in Liberia (1991 L. Vanderaa CRC); 60,000 in all countries (1991 UBS). Western Côte d'Ivoire, around Toulepleu. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Wee, Guere-Krahn. Dialects: PEWA (PEEWA), KAAWLU (KAOWLU, NIDRU, NIDROU), BIAI. There are influences from local French, but in Liberia from Liberian English. There are also orthographic differences from Liberia. Dialects in Liberia are Gbo, Gbaeson, Plo, Biai, and Gbobo. 25% to 50% literate. Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim. NT 1992-1995.
KROBU (KROBOU) [KXB] 9,920 (1993 SIL). Southern Department, Subprefecture of Agboville. Four villages. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Krobu. Christian, Muslim, traditional religion, other. Survey needed.
KRUMEN, PLAPO (PLAPO) [KTJ] Southwest corner of Côte d'Ivoire, between Bapo and Honpo dialects of Tepo Krumen. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Ivoirian. Coastal. NT in press (1996). Bible portions.
KRUMEN, PYE (KROUMEN, SOUTHEASTERN KRUMEN, NORTHEASTERN KRUMEN) [PYE] 20,000 (1993 SIL). Total Krumen: 48,300 (1993 SIL). Southwestern Côte d'Ivoire between San Pedro and Tai, subprefectures of Tai, Bereby, and part of San Pedro. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Ivorian. Dialects: TREPO, WLUWE-HAWLO (HAOULO), GBOWE-HRAN, WLEPO, DUGBO, YREWE (GIRIWE), YAPO, PIE (PYE, PIE-PLI-MAHON-KUSE-GBLAPO-HENEKWE). 25% to 50% literate. Christian, traditional religion, Muslim, other.
KRUMEN, TEPO (SOUTHERN KRUMEN, SOUTHWESTERN KROUMEN, KRUMEN, KROUMEN, KRU) [TED] 28,300 (1993 SIL). Total Krumen: 48,300 (1993 SIL). Southwest corner of Côte d'Ivoire, subprefectures of Tabou and Grabo. Glawlo dialect is in Liberia. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Ivorian. Dialects: TEPO, BAPO, WLOPO (ROPO), DAPO, HONPO, YREPO (KAPO), GLAWLO. Grammar. 25% to 50% literate. Christian, traditional religion, Muslim, other. NT 1995. Bible portions 1921-1981.
KULANGO, BONDOUKOU [KZC] 77,000 in Côte d'Ivoire (1993 SIL); 10,000 in Ghana (1991); 87,000 in all countries. Eastern Department, Subprefecture of Bondoukou. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Kulango. 15% to 25% literate. Muslim, Christian, traditional religion, other. NT 1975. Bible portions 1967-1989.
KULANGO, BOUNA (KOULANGO, KULANGE, NKURAENG, NKURANGE) [NKU] 142,000 in Côte d'Ivoire (1993); 15,500 in Ghana (1991); 157,500 in all countries. Eastern Department, Subprefecture of Nassian. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Kulango. Dialect: NABANJ. Speakers of the Bouna dialect understand Bondoukou, but the reverse is not true. 15% to 25% literate. Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim.
LIGBI (LIGWI, NIGBI, NIGWI, TUBA, BANDA, JOGO) [LIG] 4,000 in Côte d'Ivoire (1991 L. Vanderaa CRC); 10,000 in Ghana (1991 GILLBT); 14,000 in all countries. Eastern Department, one large village called Bineto, one community at Bouna, the town of Slil near Boundoukou, some at Ourodougou on the edge of Malinke territory. Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Northwestern, Northern, Ligbi-Numu. 'Numu' (Noumou, Numun) is the name of a caste of blacksmiths; not a separate language. In other countries, blacksmithe speaking Manding languages are also called 'Noumou', but in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, the Noumou speak Ligbi. 'Banda' is the name for the people which also refers to speakers of the Nafaanra language. Speakers in Ghana are bilingual in Twi. 15% to 25% literate. Traditional religion, Muslim. Survey needed.
LOBI (LOBIRI, MIWA) [LOB] 155,800 in Côte d'Ivoire (1993 SIL); 285,500 in Burkina Faso (1991); 441,300 in all countries. Eastern Department, northern strip. A few villages in northwest Ghana along the Volta River. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Lobi. Moru may be a dialect. 5% to 15% literate. Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim, other. NT 1965-1985. Bible portions 1940-1961. Work in progress.
LOMA (LOMAKKA, LOMASSE, LOMAPO) [LOI] Near Téén and Kulango areas. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Teen. Closely related to Téén and Kulango, but not inherently intelligible. Closer to Kulango than Téén is to Kulango. Speakers use Téén as second language. The people are called 'Lomapo'. Different from Loma of Liberia. Survey needed.
MAOU (MAU, MAHOU, MAHU, MAUKA, MAUKE) [MXX] 169,100 (1993 SIL). Northern Department, Touba Subprefecture. Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Northwestern, Northern, Greater Mandekan, Mandekan, Manding. Dialects: MAOUKA, KOROKA, TENENGA, FINANGA, BARALAKA. 5% to 15% literate. Muslim, traditional religion, other. Survey needed.
MBATO (GWA, M'BATO, MGBATO, POTU, N-BATTO) [GWA] 25,000 (1993 SIL). Southern Department, Subprefecture of Petit Alépé. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Potou. Related to Ebrié. Some bilingualism with Attié or Anyin. 25% to 50% literate. Christian, traditional religion, Muslim, other.
MORU [MXZ] 10,000 (1971 Welmers). Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Unclassified. Perhaps related to Lobi. Different from Moru of Sudan. Unconfirmed. Survey needed.
MWAN (MUAN, MONA, MOUAN, MUANA, MWA) [MOA] 17,000 (1993 SIL). Kongasso Subprefecture and the southern part of Mankono Subprefecture. Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Southern, Nwa-Ben, Nwa-Mwa. 15% to 25% literate. Traditional religion, Muslim, Christian, other. Bible portions 1982-1995. Work in progress.
NEYO (GWIBWEN, TOWI) [NEY] 9,200 (1993 SIL). Southern Department, Sassandra Subprefecture, Neyo, and Kébé cantons, from Niégba in the west to Dagbégo in the east and Niabayo in the north. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Dida. Closest to Kagbo dialect of Godié, but they consider themselves to be a separate ethnic group. 'Neyo' is their name for themselves. May be closer to Dida than to Bété. 25% to 50% literate. Christian, traditional religion, Muslim, other. Survey needed.
NYABWA (NYABOA, NIABOUA, NYABWA-NYÉDÉBWA) [NIA] 42,700 including 32,500 Nyabwa; 7,700 in Nyedebwa; 2,500 Kouzié (1993 SIL). West Central Department, northwest corner, subprefectures of Vavoua (Nyedebwa), Issia, Buyo, Zoukougbeu (Nyabwa), Daloua. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Wee, Nyabwa. Dialects: NYABWA, NYEDEBWA (NIÉDÉBOUA). 90% lexical similarity between Nyabwa and Nyedebwa. 74% to 80% between them and Guéré and Wobe dialects. They do not want to be called 'Bété'. Kouzié is an ethnic subgroup of Nyabwa, not a dialect. 15% to 25% literate. Christian, traditional religion, Muslim, other. NT 1991. Bible portions 1977.
NZEMA (APPOLO, NZIMA) [NZE] 66,700 in Côte d'Ivoire (1993 SIL); 285,800 in Ghana (1991); 352,500 in all countries. Aboisso Department, Tiapoum Subprefecture, southeastern coast. Many in Abidjan. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Central, Bia, Southern. 25% to 50% literate. Christian, traditional religion, Muslim, other. NT 1985. Bible portions 1984.
SENOUFO, CEBAARA (SENADI, SENARI, SYENERE, TIEBAARA, TYEBALA) [SEF] 862,000 (1993 SIL). Northern, around Korhogo. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Senari. 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 Tyelibele (Tyeliri) are leather workers scattered throughout the Senoufo area, speaking the various Senoufo languages where they live as mother tongue. The Kulele speak the Kulere dialect scattered throughout the Senoufo area 5% to 15% literate. Tyeliri: leather workers, Kulere: wood carvers. Traditional religion, Muslim, Christian. NT 1982, in press (1996). Bible portions 1960.
SENOUFO, DJIMINI (DYIMINI, DJIMINI, JINMINI) [DYI] 95,500 (1993 SIL). Dabakala Department, northwest corner. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Tagwana-Djimini. Dialects: DIAMALA (DJAMALA, DYAMALA), DJAFOLO, DOFANA, FOOLO, SINGALA. 76% to 81% lexical similarity with Tagwana. Singala is the prestige dialect of Dabakala. 5% to 15% literate. Muslim, Christian, traditional religion, other. NT 1993. Bible portions 1989.
SENOUFO, NIARAFOLO-NIAFOLO [SEV] 42,000 (1995 SIL). Northeast around Ferkessédougou. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Senari. 5% to 15% literate. Traditional religion, Muslim. Work in progress.
SENOUFO, PALAKA (PALARA, PALAKA, KPALAGHA, PALLAKHA, PILARA) [PLR] 8,000 (1995 SIL). Central Department, area around Sikolo, north of Djimini. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Kpalaga. 65% to 70% lexical similarity with other Senufo languages and dialects. 5% to 15% literate. Traditional religion, Muslim. Work in progress.
SENOUFO, SHEMPIRE (SYEMPIRE, SHENPIRE) [SEB] 100,000 (1996). North of Tingréla. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Suppire-Mamara. 3 or 4 dialects. Relationship to Supyire Senoufo in Mali is undetermined. Below 5% literate. Work in progress.
SENOUFO, TAGWANA (TAGBANA, TAGWANA, TAGOUNA) [TGW] 138,100 (1993 SIL). Central Department, north central area, west of Djimini. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Tagwana-Djimini. Dialects: GBO (ZORO), TAFIRE, NIEDIEKAHA, NIANGBO, NIAKARAMADOUGOU, FONDEBOUGOU, DJIDANAN, FOURGOULA, KATIARA, KATIOLA. 76% to 81% lexical similarity with Djimini dialects. 15% to 25% literate. Christian, Muslim, traditional religion, other. NT 1987.
SONINKE (MARKA, SARAKOLE, SARAWULE, TOUBAKAI, WAKORE, GADYAGA, SERVHULI, ASWANIK, SILABE) [SNN] 100,000 in Côte d'Ivoire (1991 L. Vanderaa CRC); 90,000 in Burkina Faso (1991); 700,000 in Mali (1991), 150,000 in Senegal (1993); 30,000 in Mauritania; 51,000 in Gambia (1991); 5,000 in Guinea Bissau (1993); 1,126,000 or more in all countries. Also in Guinea and possibly in Niger. Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Soninke-Bozo. Dialect: AZER (ADJER, ASER). Muslim. Work in progress.
TÉÉN (TÉNHÉ, TEGESIE, LORHON, LORON, LOGHON, NABE) [LOR] 6,100 in Côte d'Ivoire (1991); 1,200 in Burkina Faso (1991); 7,300 in all countries (1991 L. Vanderaa CRC). Bouna Department, mainly Téhini Subprefecture. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Teen. Different from Kulango. The name of the people is 'Ténbó' (pl.), 'Ténsé' (sg.); the language 'Téén'. Closest to Loma, Kulango, and Nabanj. Below 5% literate. Savannah. Traditional religion, some Christian. Bible portions 1985-1995. Work in progress.
TOURA (TURA, WEEN) [NEB] 38,500 (1993 SIL). Department of Biankouma, eastern part, mountainous region east of the main road from Man to Touba, north of the main road from Man to Seguela, a little north of the Bafing River, otherwise the Bafing and Sassandra rivers from the northern and eastern borders. Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Southern, Kweni-Tura, Tura-Dan-Mano, Tura-Dan. Dialects: NAÒ, BOO, YILIGELE, GWÉÒ, WÁÁDÚ. Probably closest to Dan. Also close to Gouro, Gban, Mano (in Liberia). 5% to 15% literate. Traditional religion. NT 1986. Bible portions 1972.
WAN (NWA) [WAN] 22,000 (1993 UBS). Subprefectures of Kounahiri and the western part of Beoumi. Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Southern, Nwa-Ben, Nwa-Mwa. Dialects: MIAMU, KEMU. Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim, other. Work in progress.
WANÉ (NGWANÉ, HWANE) [HWA] 2,100 (1993 SIL). Southwestern coast. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Bakwe. 15% to 25% literate. Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim, other. Survey needed.
WOBE (OUOBE, WÈÈ) [WOB] 156,300 (1993 SIL). About 25% live outside the main territory. Western Department, subprefectures of Kouibly, Bangolo, and Fakobly. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Wee, Wobe. Dialects: TAO, PÉOMÉ, SÉMIEN (GBÉAN). Wobe dialects have 90% to 94% lexical similarity with each other. Kouibly dialect (Tao and Gbean) has 84% to 89% lexical similarity with Guéré dialects; it is intelligible for about half of the Guéré speakers. Grammar. 15% to 25% literate. Christian, traditional religion, Muslim, other. NT 1984. Bible portions 1979.
YAOURÉ (YAURE, YOHOWRÉ, YOURÉ) [YRE] 24,600 (1991 L. Vanderaa CRC) including about 13,000 in villages, 7,000 in cities (1982 SIL). Bouaflé Department, Yaoure Canton of Bouaflé Subprefecture, bounded on the south by Red Bandama, the east by White Bandama, the north by Lake Kossou, the west by Bouaflé. Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Southern, Kweni-Tura, Kweni-Yaoure. Dialects: KLAN, YAAN, TAAN, YOO, BHOO. Closest to Guro. 25% to 50% literate. Traditional religion. Bible portions 1992-1993. Work in progress.
Part of the Ethnologue, 13th Edition, Barbara F. Grimes, Editor.
Copyright © 1996, Summer Institute of Linguistics, Inc. All rights reserved.
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