Bata

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A language of Nigeria

ISO 639-3
bta
Alternate Names
Batta, Bete, Birsa, Bwatiye, Demsa Bata, Dunu, Eastern Bwatiye, Gboati, Gbwata, Gbwate
Population

150,000 in Nigeria (1992). Population total all countries: 152,500.

Location

Adamawa State, Yola North, Gombi, Song and Fufore LGAs. Also in Cameroon.

Language Maps
Language Status

6a (Vigorous).

Classification
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8
Dialects

Furo, Garoua (Garua), Jirai, Kobotachi, Malabu, Njoboliyo, Ribaw (Ribow), Song Bata, Wadi (Wa’i), Zumu (Jimo, Zomo). Bacama [bcy] and Central Bwatiye [bcy] 54%–68% of non-riverine dialects (Furo and Song); Njoboliyo [bta] 87% of Furo [bta], Song [bta], and Central Bwatiye [bcy]; Njoboliyo [bta] 73% of Bacama. Upriver dialects have contact with downriver dialects due to fishing practices. Dialect chain: Bacama [bcy] 89% with Central Bwatiye [bcy], 81% with Njoboliyo [bta], 86% with Furo [bta], 84% with Song Bata [bta].

Language Use

Most Muslims shifted to Fulfulde [fub]. Home. All ages. Mixed attitudes. Also use Hausa [hau]; adults middle-aged and above also use Fulfulde [fub].

Language Development
Dictionary.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Bata
Other Comments

Bacama [bcy] are joined with the Bata in the Bwatiye Association. Muslim, Christian.

Also spoken in:

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