Tamajaq, Tawallammat

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A language of Niger

ISO 639-3
ttq
Alternate Names
Amazigh, Tahoua, Tahoua Tamajeq, Tamachek, Tamashekin, Tamasheq, Tewellemet, Tomacheck, Touareg, Tourage, Tuareg
Population

450,000 in Niger (1998). Population total all countries: 640,000.

Location

Eastern dialect: central Tahoua area from Ingal to Mali border; western dialect: west, north and northwest of Niamey. Also in Mali (Tamajaq), Nigeria.

Language Maps
Language Status

6a (Vigorous). Recognized language (1999, Constitution, Article 3).

Classification
Afro-Asiatic, Berber, Tamasheq, Southern
Dialects

Tawallammat Tan Ataram, Tawallammat Tan Dannag (Ioullemmeden).

Language Use

Some children in urban areas no longer speak Tamajaq. Home, market, commerce, some schools. All ages. Positive attitudes.

Language Development
Slowly growing interest in literacy. About 16 primary schools use experimental curriculum taught in Tamajaq for the first 3 years. French gradually introduced until it becomes the primary language of instruction. Taught in primary schools. Radio programs. Bible portions: 1979–2006.
Writing
Latin script. Tifinagh (Berber) script, called Shifinagh in Niger.
Other Comments

Muslim.

Also spoken in:

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