Chenoua

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A language of Algeria

ISO 639-3
cnu
Alternate Names
Chenoui
Population

76,300 (2007 Laval University). Estimated Beni Menacer population is 61,000 (2007). 15,300 for Chenoui (2007 Laval University).

Location

Chenoui in Mount Chenoua area; Beni Menacer west and south of Mount Chenoua area; Djebel Bissa in Chlef Province, Mount Bissa area, Tacheta forest area, and Beni Haoua village (Genevois and Reesink 1973).

Language Maps
Language Status

7 (Shifting).

Classification
Afro-Asiatic, Berber, Northern
Dialects

Beni Menacer (Chleuh, Tachelhit, Tamenracit), Chenoui, Djebel Bissa, Tamazight de l’Atlas blidéen (Beni-Salah). Lexical similarity: 77% with Tachawit [shy], 76% with Kabyle [kab].

Language Use

Mainly rural village use. Being replaced by Algerian Arabic [arq] in larger towns and cities. Some parents teach children Arabic for educational advantage. These youth then learn Chenoua from elders at an older age. Men and young people also use Algerian Spoken Arabic [arq].

Language Development
Radio programs.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Chenoua
Other Comments

Muslim.