Bagirmi

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A language of Chad

ISO 639-3
bmi
Alternate Names
Baghirmi, Bagrimma, Baguirme, Baguirmi, Barma, Lis, Lisi, Mbarma, Tar Bagrimma, Tar Barma
Population

44,800 in Chad (1993 census).

Location

West, Chari-Baguirmi Region, Massenya subprefecture, Massenya area; Bousso subprefecture, Bousso area. Gol: Massenya; Kibar: east of Massenya; Bangri: west of Massenya and along Chari river between Guélendeng and N’Djamena; Dam: along Chari river from Bousso to Guélendeng. Also in Nigeria.

Language Maps
Language Status

3 (Wider communication).

Classification
Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, West, Bongo-Bagirmi, Sara-Bagirmi, Bagirmi
Dialects

Bangri, Dam, Gol, Kibar. Many dialects.

Language Use

The language of the ancient Bagirmi kingdom. Widely spoken as L2 or becoming L1 in neighboring people groups. Many also use Chadian Spoken Arabic [shu].

Language Development
Almost no use in written form. Grammar.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Bagirmi
Other Comments

Relatively small language used vehicularly in a limited area. Muslim.