Nafusi
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A language of Libya
ISO 639-3
Alternate Names
Djerbi, Jabal Nafusi, Jbel Nafusi, Jebel Nefusi, Nefusi
Population
184,000 in Libya (2012 J. Leclerc). Preschool children are monolingual in Nafusi. Total users in all countries: 234,000.
Location
Al Jabal al Gharbi and Nalut districts: Jabal Nafusah area, Tripolitania, Nalut and Yafran areas isolated, Zuara Coast, west of Tripoli.
Language Maps
Language Status
6b (Threatened).
Classification
Dialects
Zuara (Zouara, Zuraa, Zuwara, Zuwarah, Zwara), Tamezret (Duwinna), Jerbi (Jerba). 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
Writing
Arabic script, Naskh variant [Arab].

Most live apart from Arabized inhabitants of the region. Muslim.