C’lela

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A language of Nigeria

ISO 639-3
dri
Alternate Names
Cala-Cala, Chilala, Chilela, Dakakari, Dakarkari, Dakkarkari, Kolela, Lalawa
Population

90,000 (1993 SIL).

Location

East Kebbi State, Zuru, Sakaba, and Donko-Wasagu LGAs; Niger State, Rijau LGA; migrants south.

Language Maps
Language Status

6a (Vigorous).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Duka
Dialects

Adoma (Aroma, Northern Lela, Roma, Roma-Na, Yelmo), Dabai (Central Lela), Lila (Senchi, Southern Lela, Zuru), Ribah. Lexical similarity: 93%–98% with dialects at Rade, Ribah, Dabai, and Senchi, 55% with Hun-Saare [dud], 54% with the Fakai sub-group, 47% with Gwamhi-Wuri [bga], 20% with Acipa [acp].

Language Use

Also use Hausa [hau].

Language Development
Radio programs. Dictionary. Bible portions: 1931–2005.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about C’lela
Writing
Latin script, used since 2001.
Other Comments

Ethnonym: Dakarkari by Hausa. Ethnic autonym: Lela. Traditional religion, Muslim, Christian.