Zarma

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A language of Niger

ISO 639-3
dje
Alternate Names
Adzerma, Djerma, Dyabarma, Dyarma, Dyerma, Zabarma, Zarbarma, Zarmaci
Population

2,350,000 in Niger (2006). Population total all countries: 2,438,900.

Location

Southwest. Also in Burkina Faso, Mali (Zarmaci), Nigeria.

Language Maps
Language Status

4 (Educational). Recognized language (1999, Constitution, Article 3).

Classification
Nilo-Saharan, Songhai, Southern
Dialects

Kaado. In Niger, dialects from Dendi [ddn] and Songai blend into Zarma. Intelligibility is high, ethnic autonym: Dendi or Songai. Cannot understand Songhay, Koyraboro Senni [ses] in Mali.

Language Development
Taught in primary schools. Radio programs. TV. Dictionary. Bible: 1990.
Writing
Arabic script, Maghribi and Naskh styles. Braille script. Latin script, primary usage.
Other Comments

Ethnic groups include Kurtey (32,000), Wogo (28,000), Songhay (400,000), Dendi (40,000). Muslim, traditional religion, Christian.

Also spoken in:

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