Central African Republic
PrintPrimary tabs
Ali
[aiy] Ombella-M’Poko Prefecture, Boali, Bimbo, and Yaloke-Bossembele subprefectures; Lobaye Prefecture, Boda subprefecture. 35,000 (1996). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Gbaya-Manza-Ngbaka, East
Banda, Mid-Southern
[bjo] Basse-Kotto Prefecture, Alindao, Mobaye, Mingala, and Kembé prefectures; Ouaka Prefecture, Kouango subprefecture. Also in Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan. 100,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Population total all countries: 102,000. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Banda Central Sud Dialects: Bongo, Dukpu, Wasa (Ouassa), Yakpa (Bayaka, Yacoua, Yakpwa, Yakwa). Most similar to Gubu [gox], but speakers have better relations with Mbandja [zmz].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Banda, Central, Central Core, Mid-Southern
Banda, South Central
[lnl] Basse-Kotto Prefecture, Mobaye, Alindao, Kembé, and Mingala subprefectures; Kémo Prefecture, Sibut subprefecture. Also in Democratic Republic of the Congo. 150,000 in Central African Republic (1996). 55,000 Langba, 95,000 Ngbugu. Population total all countries: 153,000. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Dialects: Langba (Lagba), Ngbugu (Ngbougou). May be intelligible with Langbashe [lna].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Banda, South Central
Banda, Togbo-Vara
[tor] Haute-Kotto Prefecture, Bria (Togbo) subprefecture; Ouaka Prefecture, Bambari (Vara) subprefecture. 12,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Dialects: Togbo (Tagbo, Tagbwali, Tohgboh), Vara (Vera, Vora).
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Banda, Central, Central Core, Togbo-Vara Comments: Distinct from Tagbu [tbm] (Tagbo, Tagba) of Democratic Republic of the Congo in Sere group. They view themselves as very different from Mono [mnh].
Banda, West Central
[bbp] Ouaka Prefecture, Bambari, Bakala (Dakpa), and Grimari (Gbi, Wojo) subprefectures; Nana-Grébizi Economic Prefecture, Kaga Bandoro (Wojo) subprefecture; Bamingui-Bangoran Prefecture, Bamingui (Gbaga-Nord) subprefecture. Also in South Sudan. 4,500 in Central African Republic (1996). 1,000 Wojo. Population total all countries: 7,500. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Dialects: Dakpa, Gbaga-Nord (Gbaga-2), Gbi, Vita, Wojo (Hodjo).
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Banda, West Central
Banda-Bambari
[liy] Ouaka Prefecture, Bambari, Ippy, Grimari, and Bakala subprefectures; Basse-Kotto Prefecture, Alindao subprefecture. 183,000 (1996). 4,000 Gbende, 2,000 Joto, mainly Linda. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Banda of Bambari, Banda-Linda Dialects: Gbende, Joto (Jeto), Linda, Ndokpa, Ngapo (Ngapu).
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Banda, Central, Central Core, Banda-Bambari
Banda-Banda
[bpd] Haute-Kotto Prefecture, Bria (Bereya) and Yalinga (Vidiri) subprefectures; Mbomou Prefecture, Bakouma subprefecture; Kémo Prefecture, Sibut (Ka, Gbaga-South) and Dekoa subprefectures; Ombella-M’Poko Prefecture, Damara subprefecture; Ouaka Prefecture, Grimari (Mbi) subprefecture; Ouham Prefecture, Bossangoa (Gbambiya) subprefecture; Ouham-Pendé Prefecture, Bozoum, Bocarangoa, and Paoua (Hai) subprefectures. Also in South Sudan. 102,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Dialects: Banda-Banda, Bereya (Banda de Bria, Banda of Bria, Bria), Buru, Gbaga-South (Gbaga 1), Gbambiya, Hai, Ka, Mbi (Mbiyi), Ndi (Ndri), Ngalabo, Ngola, Vidiri (Mvedere, Vadara, Vidri, Vodere). May be intelligible with Banda-Bambari [liy].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Banda, Central, Central Core, Banda-Banda
Banda-Mbrès
[bqk] Nana-Grébizi Prefecture, Mbrès subprefecture (Mbre, Moruba) and Kaga Bandoro subprefectures; Ouham Prefecture, Bouca (Buka) subprefecture; Ouaka Prefecture, Bakala (Sabanga, Moruba) subprefecture. Also in South Sudan. 42,500 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Banda of Mbrès, Banda-Mbre Dialects: Buka (Bouka), Mbre (Mbele, Mbere), Moruba (Maraba, Morouba), Sabanga (Sangbanga), Wada (Ouadda).
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Banda, Central, Central Core, Banda-Mbres
Banda-Ndélé
[bfl] Bamingui-Bangoran Prefecture, Ndélé and Bamingui subprefectures; Haute-Kotto Prefecture, Ouadda subprefecture; Nana-Grébizi Prefecture, Kaga Bandoro subprefecture. Also in South Sudan. 35,500 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Banda of Ndélé, Nyele Dialects: Banda-Ndélé, Junguru (Djingburu, Nguru), Ngao (Bandangao, Ngau), Ngbala, Tangbago (Tambaggo, Tambolo, Tangago, Tombaggo).
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Banda, Central, Central Core, Banda-Ndele
Banda-Yangere
[yaj] Sangha-Mbaéré Economic Prefecture, Nola and Bambio subprefectures; Mambéré-Kadéï Prefecture, Berbérati and Carnot subprefectures. 26,500 (1996). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Yangere, Yanguere Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Banda, Central, Western
Birri
[bvq] Southwest corner scattered; formerly in Sudan, Deim Zubeir, Bahr el Ghazal Province. 200 (1996). Ethnic population: 5,000 in Central African Republic. No longer spoken in Sudan (1993). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Biri, Bviri, Viri Dialects: Mboto, Munga. Only one dialect spoken in Central African Republic.
Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, West, Bongo-Bagirmi, Sara-Bagirmi Comments: Different from Viri [bvi].
Bodo
[boy] Haut-Mbomou Prefecture, east tip scattered. Not more than 3 speakers in the same village. 15 (1996). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, D, Bira-Huku (D.332)
Bofi
[bff] Lobaye Prefecture, Boda subprefecture; Ombella-M’Poko Prefecture, Bimbo subprefecture. 23,500 (1996). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Boffi Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Gbaya-Manza-Ngbaka, East Comments: Those in Bimbo Subprefecture are reportedly mostly pygmies.
Bokoto
[bdt] Nana-Mambéré Prefecture, Baoro subprefecture; Mambéré-Kadéï Prefecture, Carnot subprefecture; Lobaye Prefecture, Boda subprefecture. 130,000 (1996). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bhokoto, Bogodo, Bogoto, Bokodo, Bokpoto Dialects: Bokoto, Bokpan, Gbaya of Boda (Gbaya de Boda). May be intelligible with Northwest Gbaya [gya].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Gbaya-Manza-Ngbaka, Central
Buraka
[bkg] Basse-Kotto Prefecture, Mobaye subprefecture, along Ubangi river. Also in Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2,500 in Central African Republic (1996). Population total all countries: 3,800. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bolaka, Boraka, Bouraka Dialects: May not be inherently intelligible with Gbanziri [gbg].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Sere-Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka, Western, Gbanzili
Dagba
[dgk] Ouham Prefecture, Batangafo, Kabo, and Bossangoa subprefectures. Also in Chad. 34,000 in Central African Republic (2007). Population total all countries: 44,000. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Dialects: May be intelligible with Kaba [ksp].
Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, West, Bongo-Bagirmi, Sara-Bagirmi, Sara, Sara Proper
Dendi
[deq] Mbomou Prefecture, Gambo-Ouango subprefecture. 10,000 (1996). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Dialects: High intelligibility of Yakoma [yky]. Ngbandi [ngb] and Mbangi [mgn] may be inherently intelligible of Dendi.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Ngbandi Comments: Different from Dendi [ddn] in Benin and Nigeria.
French
[fra] Widespread. 9,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: 1 (National). Statutory national language (2004, Constitution, Article 18). Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Western, Gallo-Iberian, Gallo-Romance, Gallo-Rhaetian, Oïl, French
Fulfulde, Bagirmi
[fui] Widespread. 156,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Baghirmi Peul, Bagirmi Fula Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Atlantic, Northern, Senegambian, Fula-Wolof, Fula, Eastern Comments: Spoken by people of Wodaabe lineage who are also in northern Niger, northern Cameroon, Central African Republic. Nomadic. Different from Bagirmi [bmi] language of Chad, which is Nilo-Saharan.
Furu
[fuu] Basse-Kotto Prefecture, Mobaye subprefecture. 11 villages. 4,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bagero, Bagiro, Baguero, Baguiro Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, West, Bongo-Bagirmi, Kara
Ganzi
Gbanu
[gbv] Mambéré-Kadéï Prefecture, Carnot subprefecture; Ombella-M’Poko Prefecture, Yaloke-Bossembélé subprefecture, north of Bogangolo. 95,000 (1996). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Banu, Gbanou Dialects: Budigri (Bidikili), Gbagiri (Bagili, Baguili, Gbagili), Gbanu.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Gbaya-Manza-Ngbaka, Central
Gbanziri
[gbg] Ouaka Prefecture, Kouango subprefecture, along Ubangi river. Also in Democratic Republic of the Congo. 14,500 in Central African Republic (1996). Population total all countries: 17,500. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Banziri, Gbandere, Gbanzili Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Sere-Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka, Western, Gbanzili
Gbaya
Gbaya, Northwest
[gya] Nana-Mambéré Prefecture, Bouar and Baboua subprefectures; Ouham-Pendé Prefecture, Bocaranga and Paoua subprefectures. Also in Cameroon, Congo (Gbaya), Nigeria. 200,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Population total all countries: 267,000. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Gbaya, Gbaya Nord-Ouest Dialects: Bodoe, Gbaya Kara (Boar, Gbaya de Bouar), Lai (Lay), Yaáyuwee (Kalla, Yaiwe).
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Gbaya-Manza-Ngbaka, Northwest Comments: Christian, traditional religion, Muslim.
Gbaya, Southwest
[gso] Mambéré-Kadéï Prefecture, Berbérati, Carnot, and Gamboula subprefectures; Sangha-Mbaéré Prefecture, Nola subprefecture. 220,000 (2007 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Gbaya Sud-Ouest Dialects: Biyanda (Bianda), Bokare (Bokari), Bosoko (Bossouka, Mbusuku), Budamono, Buli (Boli), Mbakolo (Yasua), Mbombeleng, Mbondomo (Mbodomo), Mboundja (Mbunza), Toongo, Yangele.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Gbaya-Manza-Ngbaka, Southwest
Gbaya-Bossangoa
[gbp] Ouham Prefecture, Bossangoa and Batangafo (Gbabana) subprefectures. 200,000 (2005). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Gbaya de Bosangoa, Gbaya of Borro, Gbaya of Bossangoa, Gbaya-Borro, Gbea, Gbeya Dialects: Bossangoa, Gbabana. May be inherently intelligible with Gbaya-Bozoum [gbq] or Suma [sqm].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Gbaya-Manza-Ngbaka, Central
Gbaya-Bozoum
[gbq] Ouham-Pendé Prefecture, Bozoum subprefecture. 32,500 (1996). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bozom, Gbaya de Bozoum Dialects: Boyali, Bozom, Diabe. May be inherently intelligible with Gbaya-Bossangoa [gbp].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Gbaya-Manza-Ngbaka, Central
Gbayi
[gyg] Basse-Kotto Prefecture, north Mingala subprefecture. 5,000 (1996). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kpasiya Dialects: Related to Ngbandi [ngb]. Ethnically Kpatili, but not intelligible with Kpatili [kym].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Ngbandi
Geme
[geq] Bamingui-Bangoran Prefecture, Ndélé subprefecture, north of Ndélé. 2 villages. 550 (1996). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Gueme, Jeme, Ngba Geme Dialects: Geme Kulagbolu, Geme Tulu.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Zande, Zande-Nzakara
Gubu
[gox] Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Gabou, Gabu, Gobu, Ngobo, Ngobu Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Banda, Central, Central Core, Mid-Southern Comments: Few in Central African Republic.
Gula
[kcm] Vakaga Prefecture, Birao subprefecture, Kafia Kingi near Sudan border. Also in Sudan. 13,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Population total all countries: 13,200. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Goula, Gula du Mamoun, Kara, Kara de Soudan, Kara of Sudan, Tar Gula, Yamegi Dialects: Mele, Mere, Molo, Mot-Mar (Moto-Mara), Sar (Sara), Zura (Koto).
Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, West, Bongo-Bagirmi, Kara Comments: Different from Kara [kah], Kare [kbj] of Chad, or Gula [glu] of Chad. Muslim.
Gundi
[gdi] Sangha-Mbaéré Prefecture, Nola subprefecture, south and east of Nola. 9,000 (1988 census). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ngondi, Ngundi Dialects: May be intelligible with Baka [bkc].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Sere-Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka, Western, Baka-Gundi Comments: Pygmies, not contacted by census takers. Distinct from Ngundi [ndn] of Congo and Central African Republic, which is Bantu.
Kaba
[ksp] Ouham-Pendé Prefecture, Paoua subprefecture; Ouham Prefecture, Markounda subprefecture. Also in Chad. 72,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Population total all countries: 83,000. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Kabba, Sara, Sara Kaba Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, West, Bongo-Bagirmi, Sara-Bagirmi, Sara, Sara Proper Comments: Different from Kaba Deme [kwg], Sara Kaba Náà [kwv], Kulfa [kxj] (Kaba So), Sara Kaba [sbz], Laka [lap] (Kabba Laka), or Kaba [bcq] of Ethiopia, a dialect of Bench.
Kaba Démé, Sara
Kaba Náà, Sara
[kwv] Mbanga villages. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Dana, Kaba Na, Kaba Naa, Kaba Nar, Na, Sara Kaba Dialects: Dunje (Dendje, Denje, Dindje, Dinje, Dounje), Mbanga (Banga), Na, Tie (Tiye).
Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, West, Bongo-Bagirmi, Sara-Bagirmi, Sara, Sara Proper, Sara Kaba Comments: Different from Kaba [ksp], Kaba Deme [kwg], Kulfa [kxj], or Laka [lap].
Kako
[kkj] West, Gambula town, near Berbérati, at Cameroon border. 10,400 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Kaka, Nkoxo, Yaka Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Kako (A.93)
Kara
Kare
[kbn] Ouham-Pendé Prefecture, Bozoum and Bocaranga subprefectures. Also in Cameroon. 93,000 in Central African Republic. 57,500 Kare, 35,500 Tale (1996). Population total all countries: 97,460. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Kali, Kari, Karré Dialects: Kari, Tale (Tali). Intelligible of Mbum [mdd].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Mbum-Day, Mbum, Eastern Mbum, Karang Comments: Different from the Kari [kbj] of Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is Benue-Congo.
Kpagua
Kpatili
[kym] Basse-Kotto Prefecture, south Mingala subprefecture. 4,500 (1996). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kpatere, Kpatiri, Ngindere Dialects: Related to Nzakara [nzk]. Not intelligible with Gbayi [gyg], who are ethnically Kpatili.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Zande, Zande-Nzakara
Laka
[lap] Ouham-Pendé Prefecture, Bocaranga subprefecture, Chad border. 9 villages. 2,050 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Kabba Laka Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, West, Bongo-Bagirmi, Sara-Bagirmi, Sara, Sara Proper Comments: Different from Laka [lak] of Nigeria and from Kaba [ksp] of Central African Republic and Chad.
Langbashe
[lna] Ouaka Prefecture, Kouango subprefecture. Also in Democratic Republic of the Congo. 40,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Population total all countries: 43,000. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Langbase, Langbashi, Langbasi, Langbwasse, Langwasi Dialects: May be intelligible with South Central Banda [lnl].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Banda, South Central
Limassa
[bme] Along Democratic Republic of the Congo border. Few in Ngundi villages. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bamassa, Bomasa, Bomassa Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Sere-Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka, Western, Baka-Gundi
Lutos
[ndy] Bamingui-Bangoran Prefecture, Ndélé subprefecture; Nana-Grébizi Prefecture, Kaga Bandoro subprefecture; Ouham Prefecture, Kabo subprefecture. Also in Chad. 17,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Population total all countries: 18,980. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ruto Dialects: Konga, Lutos (Louto, Luto, Rito, Routo, Ruto), Nduga (Ngougua), Nduka (Ndouka, Ndoukwa), Wada (Wad). Lutos dialect in Chad; Ruto and Nduka dialects in Central African Republic. Not intelligible with Sar [mwm] or Ngambay [sba].
Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, West, Bongo-Bagirmi, Sara-Bagirmi, Sara, Vale
Manza
[mzv] Ouham Prefecture, Bouca subprefecture; Nana-Grébizi Prefecture, Kaga Bandoro and Mbrès subprefectures; Kémo Prefecture; Dekoa and Sibut subprefectures; Ouaka Prefecture, Grimari subprefecture. 220,000 (1996). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Mandja, Manja Dialects: Similar to Ngbaka-Minangende [nga] of Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Gbaya-Manza-Ngbaka, East Comments: Christian, traditional religion, Muslim.
Mbangi
[mgn] Mbomou Prefecture, Bangassou and Gambo-Ouango subprefectures; Basse-Kotto Prefecture, Alindao subprefecture. 2,750 (1996). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Mbangui Dialects: High intelligibility of Yakoma [yky]. May be intelligible of Ngbandi [ngb] or Dendi [deq].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Ngbandi
Mbati
[mdn] Lobaye Prefecture, Mbaiki subprefecture. 60,000 (1996). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Isongo, Issongo, Lisongo, Lissongo, Songo Dialects: Bolemba, Bonzio, Bwaka, Mbati of Mbaïki.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, C, Ngundi (C.13)
Mbay
[myb] Ouham Prefecture, Markounda and Batangafo subprefectures. 8,300 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Mbai Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, West, Bongo-Bagirmi, Sara-Bagirmi, Sara, Sara Proper
Mbum
[mdd] Ouham-Pendé Prefecture, Bocaranga subprefecture, along Cameroon border. 12,500 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Mboum Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Mbum-Day, Mbum, Southern
Monzombo
[moj] Lobaye Prefecture, Mongoumba subprefecture. 1,600 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Mondjembo, Monjombo, Monzumbo Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Sere-Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka, Western, Monzombo
Mpiemo
[mcx] Sangha-Mbaéré Prefecture, Nola subprefecture. Also in Cameroon, Congo (Mpyemo). 24,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Population total all countries: 29,000. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bimu, Mbimou, Mbimu, Mbyemo, Mpo, Mpyemo Dialects: Bidjuki (Bidjouki), Jasoa (Jasua), Mpyemo. The Jasua dialect spoken by most people and well understood by others.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Makaa-Njem (A.86) Comments: Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim.
Ngam
Ngando
[ngd] Lobaye Prefecture, Mbaïki subprefecture. 5,000 (1996). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bagandou, Bangandou, Bodzanga, Dingando, Ngando-Kota Dialects: Dikota (Kota), Dikuta. Similar to Yaka [axk]. Kota dialect may be a separate language.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, C, Ngando (C.102) Comments: Not related to Ngando [nxd] of Democratic Republic of the Congo or Bangandu [bgf] of Congo and Cameroon.
Ngbaka Ma’bo
[nbm] Lobaye Prefecture, Mbaiki and Mongoumba subprefectures; Ombella-M’Poko Prefecture, Bimbo subprefecture. Also in Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 88,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Population total all countries: 189,600. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Bouaka, Bwaka, Gbaka, Ma’bo, Mbacca, Mbaka, Nbwaka, Ngbaka Limba Dialects: Similar to Gilima [gix].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Sere-Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka, Western, Bwaka
Ngbaka Manza
Ngombe
[nmj] Mambéré-Kadéï Prefecture. 1,450 (1996). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Bagando-Ngombe, Bangando-Ngombe, Ngombe-Kaka Dialects: May be intelligible with Southwest Gbaya [gso].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Sere-Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka, Western, Baka-Gundi Comments: Different from Ngombe [ngc] in Democratic Republic of the Congo. May not be Baka-Gundi group but Gbaya group.
Nzakara
[nzk] Mbomou Prefecture, Bangassou, Bakouma, and Gambo-Ouango subprefectures. Also in Democratic Republic of the Congo. 50,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ansakara, N’sakara, Sakara, Zakara Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Zande, Zande-Nzakara
Pana
[pnz] Ouham-Pendé Prefecture, Bocaranga subprefecture. Also in Cameroon, Chad, Nigeria. 82,000 in Central African Republic. 63,000 Pana, 10,000 Pondo, 9,000 Gonge (1996). Population total all countries: 85,980. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Pani Dialects: Gonge, Pana, Pondo.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Mbum-Day, Mbum, Eastern Mbum, Karang Comments: Traditional religion, Christian.
Pande
[bkj] Sangha-Mbaéré Prefecture, Nola subprefecture; Mambéré-Kadéï Prefecture, Berbérati subprefecture. 9,700 (1996). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ipande Dialects: Bogongo (Bugongo, Bukongo), Pande (Linyeli, Linzeli, Ndjeli, Ngili, Njeli).
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, C, Ngundi (C.12)
Runga
[rou] Bamingui-Bangoran Prefecture; Bangui. 21,500 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ayki, Aykindang, Rounga, Runga de Ndele Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Maban, Runga-Kibet Comments: Traditional religion, Muslim.
Sango
[sag] Widespread. Also in Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 350,000 in Central African Republic (1988 census). Population total all countries: 404,000. Status: 1 (National). Statutory language of provincial identity (2004, Constitution, Article 18). Alternate Names: Sangho Dialects: A rapidly spreading creole derived from Ngbandi [ngb]. Lexical similarity: 51% with French [fra], 49% with African languages. However, African-based words used more frequently.
Classification: Creole, Ngbandi based
Sango, Riverain
Sara Dunjo
[koj] Bamingui-Bangoran Prefecture, Ndélé subprefecture, close to Chad border. 9 villages. 4,000 (1996). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kaba Dunjo, Sara Dinjo Dialects: May be the same as Sara Kaba Náà [kwv] of Chad. May be intelligible of Sara [sbz].
Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, West, Bongo-Bagirmi, Sara-Bagirmi, Sara, Sara Proper, Sara Kaba
Sara Kaba
[sbz] Bamingui-Bangoran Prefecture, Ndélé subprefecture; Vakaga Prefecture, Birao subprefecture. 13,600 (1996). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ta Sara Dialects: May be intelligible of Sara Dunjo [koj] of Central African Republic or Sara Kaba Náà [kwv] of Chad.
Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, West, Bongo-Bagirmi, Sara-Bagirmi, Sara, Sara Proper, Sara Kaba
Suma
[sqm] Ouham Prefecture, Bossangoa and Markounda subprefectures; Ouham-Pendé Prefecture, Paoua subprefecture. 50,000 (1996). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Souma Dialects: May be intelligible with Gbaya-Bossangoa [gbp].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Gbaya-Manza-Ngbaka
To
[toz] No known L1 speakers in Central African Republic. Status: 9 (Second language only). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Mbum-Day, Mbum, Unclassified Comments: Ancient secret male initiation language of the Gbaya used in Cameroon and Central African Republic.
Ukhwejo
[ukh] Sangha-Mbaéré Prefecture, south of Nola. Ukhwejo in Ngulo; Bikaka in Nalimo, Salo, Bayanga, and Gbaso; Piiga in Koola, Ambasila; Kamsili in Bomanzoku, Linjombo, both sides of Sanga river. 7 villages. 2,000 (1996 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Benkonjo Dialects: Bikaka, Kamsili (Ngamsile), Piiga, Ukhwejo. Similar to Koonzime [ozm], Mpiemo [mcx], Bomwali [bmw], and Makaa [mep].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Makaa-Njem (A.802) Comments: Population threatened by sleeping sickness.
Vale
[vae] Ouham Prefecture, Batangafo and Kabo subprefectures; Nana-Grébizi Prefecture, Kaga Bandoro subprefecture. 5,400 (1996). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Dialects: Tana (Tane, Tele), Vale. Related to Lutos [ndy]. Not intelligible of Sara [koj] or Ngambay [sba].
Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, West, Bongo-Bagirmi, Sara-Bagirmi, Sara, Vale
Yaka
[axk] Sangha-Mbaéré Prefecture, Nola and Bambio subprefectures; Lobaye Prefecture, Mbaïki and Mongoumba subprefectures, forest along Congo border. Also in Congo (Aka). 15,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Population total all countries: 30,000. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Aka, “Babinga” (pej.), “Bambenga” (pej.), Beká, Nyoyaka, Pygmée de la Lobaye, Pygmée de Mongoumba, Pygmées de la Sanghas Dialects: Beka (Bayaka, Gbayaka, Moyaka), Nzari.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, C, Ngando (C.104) Comments: Different from Baka [bkc], which is Ubangi. Pygmies. Traditional religion, Christian.
Yakoma
[yky] Basse-Kotto Prefecture, Kembé subprefecture; Mbomou Prefecture, Gambo-Ouango subprefecture, Ubangi river area and administrative centers. Also in Democratic Republic of the Congo. 100,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Population total all countries: 110,000. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Dialects: High intelligibility of Ngbandi [ngb] and Sango [sag].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Ngbandi
Yulu
[yul] Vakaga Prefecture, Ouanda-Djallé subprefecture; Haute-Kotto Prefecture, Ouadda subprefecture. Also in Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Sudan. 4,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Population total all countries: 13,000. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Youlou Dialects: Binga, Yulu. Aja is not a dialect of Yulu, but of Kresh [krs] (1987 R. Brown).
Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, West, Bongo-Bagirmi, Kara
Zande
[zne] Mbomou Prefecture, Rafaï subprefecture; Haut-Mbomou Prefecture, Zémio and Obo subprefectures. 62,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Azande, Badjande, Pazande, Sande, Zandi Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Zande, Zande-Nzakara Comments: Traditional religion, Christian.