Xaasongaxango

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A language of Mali

ISO 639-3
kao
Alternate Names
Kasonke, Kasso, Kasson, Kassonke, Khasonke, Khassonka, Khassonké, Malinke, Maninka, Xaasonga, Xasonga, Xasonke
Population

700,000 in Mali (2012 V. Vydrin). Population total all countries: 710,610.

Location

Kayes Region, Bafoulabé, Kayes, and Kéniéba circles. Also in Gambia (Xasonga), Senegal (Xasonga).

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing). Recognized language (1996, Law 96-049 of 14 December).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-West
Dialects

Jahanka, Kéniéba Maninka, Xaasonga. High intelligibility of Western Maninkakan [mlq], less of Bamanankan [bam], but for sociolinguistic reasons they are considered separate languages. 90% inherent intelligibility of Loma [loi]. Lexical similarity: 70% with Mandinka [mnk] of Gambia and Senegal.

Language Development
Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 2008.
Writing
Latin script.
Other Comments

French spelling is Khassonké. Muslim, traditional religion.

Also spoken in:

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