Nafusi

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A language of Libya

ISO 639-3
jbn
Alternate Names
Djerbi, Jabal Nafusi, Jbel Nafusi, Jebel Nefusi, Nefusi
Population

184,000 in Libya (2006). Preschool children are monolingual in Nafusi. Population total all countries: 210,000.

Location

West, Jabal Nafusah area, Tripolitania, Nalut and Yafran areas isolated; Zuara Coast, west of Tripoli. Also in Tunisia (Shilha).

Language Maps
Language Status

6b (Threatened).

Classification
Afro-Asiatic, Berber, Northern, Zenati, East
Dialects

Jerbi (Jerba), Tamezret (Duwinna), Zuara (Zouara, Zuraa, Zuwarah, Zwara). Zuara dialect well known in Jebel Nafusa area and in Jerba Tunisia. Some visit Zuara, but not vice versa. Matmata and Tatawine area less well understood by speakers in Jerba or Zuara. Speakers in Zuara and Jebel areas understand Jerba dialect stories well.

Language Use

All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes.

Language Development
Poetry. New media. Radio programs. TV. Bible portions.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Nafusi
Writing
Arabic script.
Other Comments

Most live apart from Arabized inhabitants of the region. Muslim (Ibadi).

Also spoken in:

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