Languages of Benin
See language map.[See also SIL publications on the languages of Benin.]
Republic of Benin, République du Bénin. Formerly Dahomey. 8,490,000. National or official language: French. Literacy rate: 28%. Immigrant languages: American Sign Language, Mòoré. Information mainly from J. Bendor-Samuel and Hartell 1989; SIL 1972–2003. Blind population: 175. Deaf institutions: 1. The number of individual languages listed for Benin is 54. Of those, all are living languages.
| Aguna | [aug]
3,470 (1992 census). Zou Province, Djidja Subprefecture, Agouna village area.
Alternate names: Agunaco, Awuna.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe
|
| Aja | [ajg]
360,000 in Benin (2006). Population total all countries: 512,000. Southwest on Mono River. Primarily in Couffo Province (formerly north Mono Province), Aplahoué, Djakotomè, Dogbo, Klouékanmè, Lalo, and Tovinklin Subprefectures; Mono Province (formerly south Mono Province) Athiémè, Comè, and Houéyogbé Subprefectures; Zou Province, Djidja and Agbangnizoun Subprefectures, Cotonou and many towns in the south, villages mixed with other language groups. Also in Togo.
Alternate names: Adja, Ajagbe, Hwè.
Dialects: Dogbo, Hwe (Ehoue), Tado (Stado, Sado, Tadou), Sikpi, Tala. The Hwe, Sikpi, Tado, and Tala dialects are linguistically similar; Dogbo linguistically more distinct. Differences are minor. Lexical similarity: 92% with Hwe-Sikpi dialect, 89% with Hwe-Dogbo dialect, Hwe-Tado dialect, and Hwe-Tala dialect.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe, Aja
|
| Anii | [blo]
33,600 in Benin (1992 census). Population total all countries: 45,900. Both sides of Togo-Benin border; south Aracora Province, Bassila Subprefecture. Also in Togo.
Alternate names: Baseca, Basila, Bassila, Gisida, Ouinji-Ouinji, Winji-Winji.
Dialects: Gikolodjya, Gilempla, Giseda, Akpe, Balanka. Similar to Akpe [blo] of Togo. Lexical similarity: 89% with Bodo [brx] and 74% with the Balanka dialect.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Basila-Adele
|
| Anufo | [cko]
13,800 in Benin (2002 SIL). Atakora Province, Cobly and Boukombe Subprefectures, a few villages.
Alternate names: Chakosi, Chokosi, Chokossi, Tchokossi.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Central, Bia, Northern
|
| Baatonum | [bba]
460,000 in Benin (1995 R. Jones). Population total all countries: 560,000. Central, north, Borgou Province. Also in Nigeria.
Alternate names: Baatombu, Baatonu, Barba, Barganchi, Bargawa, Bargu, Bariba, Baruba, Berba, Bogung, Burgu.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Bariba
|
| Biali | [beh]
64,500 in Benin (1991). Population total all countries: 66,000. Atakora Province, Materi Subprefecture; Borgou Province, Ouessi Subprefecture. Also in Burkina Faso.
Alternate names: Berba, Bieri, Bjerb, Bjeri.
Dialects: Dassari, Gouande, Materi, Pingou, Tihoun, Tangeta, Porga.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Eastern
|
| Boko | [bqc]
70,000 in Benin (1995 R. Jones). Population total all countries: 110,000. Borgu Province. Also in Nigeria.
Alternate names: Bokonya, Boo.
Dialects: Closely related languages in Nigeria: Busa [bqp], Bokobaru [bus], Shanga [sho]. Lexical similarity: 90% with Busa, 86% with Bokobaru, 52% with Kyenga [tye], 51% with Bissa [bib] in Burkina Faso.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Eastern, Busa
|
| Dendi | [ddn]
30,000 in Benin (1995 SIM). Population total all countries: 32,050. Atakora and Borgou provinces, along Niger River, Medru River to Nigeria border, down to Kandi. Many at Djogou and towns in the north. Also in Nigeria.
Alternate names: Dandawa.
Dialects: Closely related language to Zarma [dje] and Songhay [hmb]. They form a dialect subgroup.
Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Songhai, Southern
|
| Ditammari | [tbz]
120,000 in Benin (2006). Population total all countries: 147,500. Atakora Province, Boukombe and Natitingou subprefectures; along Djougou-Parakou road. Also in Togo.
Alternate names: Ditamari, “Somba” , Tamari.
Dialects: Eastern Ditammari, Western Ditammari (Tamberma).
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Eastern
|
| Ede Cabe | [cbj]
80,000 (2006). Borgou Province, Tchaourou Subprefecture; Zou Province, Savè and Ouèssè subprefectures.
Alternate names: Caabe, Cabe.
Dialects: One of 8 languages comprising the Ede language subgroup (Yorboid) spread over southwestern Nigeria, southern and central Benin, and southern and central Togo. The subgroup also includes Ede Ica [ica], Ede Idaca [idd], Ife [ife], Ede Ije [ijj], Ede Nago [nqg], Kura Ede Nago [nqk], Manigri-Kambole Ede Nago [xkb]. The various people groups seek to maintain their individual identities yet recognize the wider Yoruba community. Lexical similarity: 76% with Yoruba (Porto-Novo) [yor].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid, Edekiri
|
| Ede Ica | [ica]
63,000 (2002 SIL). Zou Province, Bante Subprefecture.
Alternate names: Ica.
Dialects: Ica, Ilodji (Ife). One of 8 languages comprising the Ede language subgroup (Yorboid) spread over southwestern Nigeria, southern and central Benin, and southern and central Togo. The subgroup also includes Ede Cabe [cbj], Ede Idaca [idd], Ife [ife], Ede Ije [ijj], Ede Nago [nqg], Kura Ede Nago [nqk], Manigri-Kambole Ede Nago [xkb]. The various people groups seek to maintain their individual identities yet recognize the wider Yoruba community. Lexical similarity: 83% with Yoruba of Porto-Novo [yor].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid, Edekiri
|
| Ede Idaca | [idd]
100,000 (2002 SIL). Collines Province (north half of former Zou Province), Dassa-Zoume and Glazoué Subprefectures.
Alternate names: Idaaca, Idaasa, Idaca, Idáìtsà.
Dialects: One of 8 languages comprising the Ede language subgroup (Yorboid) spread over southwestern Nigeria, southern and central Benin, and southern and central Togo. The subgroup also includes Ede Cabe [cbj], Ede Ica [ica], Ife [ife], Ede Ije [ijj], Ede Nago [nqg], Kura Ede Nago [nqk], Manigri-Kambole Ede Nago [xkb]. The various people groups seek to maintain their individual identities yet recognize the wider Yoruba community.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid, Edekiri
|
| Ede Ije | [ijj]
50,000 (2000 SIL). Plateau Province (north part of former Oueme Province), Pobe and Ketou subprefectures; Zou Province, Ouihni Subprefecture. Rural districts between Ketou and Pobe towns, westward to Oueme River; villages in Zou Province, Zogbodome Subprefecture, south of Zogbodome town.
Alternate names: Holi, Ije.
Dialects: One of 8 languages comprising the Ede language subgroup (Yorboid) spread over southwestern Nigeria, southern and central Benin, and southern and central Togo. The subgroup also includes Ede Cabe [cbj], Ede Ica [ica], Ede Idaca [idd], Ife [ife], Ede Nago [nqg], Kura Ede Nago [nqk], Manigri-Kambole Ede Nago [xkb]. The various people groups seek to maintain their individual identities yet recognize the wider Yoruba community. Lexical similarity: 85% with Yoruba of Porto-Novo [yor], 91% with Ede Nago [nqg].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid, Edekiri
|
| Ede Nago | [nqg]
200,000 (2002 SIL). Southeast, Plateau Province (formerly north Weme Province), Ketou, Pobe, Adja-Ouere, Ifangni, and Sakete subprefectures.
Alternate names: Nago, Nagot, Nagots.
Dialects: One of 8 languages comprising the Ede language subgroup (Yorboid) spread over southwestern Nigeria, southern and central Benin, and southern and central Togo. The subgroup also includes Ede Cabe [cbj], Ede Ica [ica], Ede Idaca [idd], Ife [ife], Kura Ede Nago [nqk], Manigri-Kambole Ede Nago [xkb]. The various people groups seek to maintain their individual identities yet recognize the wider Yoruba community. Lexical similarity: 87 to 91% with Yoruba [yor] of Porto-Novo.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid, Edekiri
|
| Ede Nago, Kura | [nqk]
25,000 (2002 SIL). Donga Province (formerly south Atakora Province), Bassila Subprefecture. Aledjo Koura is main center.
Alternate names: Nago.
Dialects: One of 8 languages comprising the Ede language subgroup (Yorboid) spread over southwestern Nigeria, southern and central Benin, and southern and central Togo. The subgroup also includes Ede Cabe [cbj], Ede Ica [ica], Ede Idaca [idd], Ife [ife], Ede Ije [ijj], Ede Nago [nqg], Manigri-Kambole Ede Nago [xkb]. The various people groups seek to maintain their individual identities yet recognize the wider Yoruba community. Lexical similarity: 78% with Ife of Tchetti, 76% with Manigri-Kambole Ede Nago, 68% with Yoruba [yor] of Porto-Novo, 65% with Ede Nago.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid, Edekiri
|
| Ede Nago, Manigri-Kambolé | [xkb]
30,000 in Benin (2002 SIL). Population total all countries: 70,000. Donga Province (formerly south Atakora Province), Bassila Subprefecture south and west of Bassila town, Bante Subprefecture south of Bassila along route RNIE3. Also in Togo.
Alternate names: Ana, Manigri.
Dialects: One of 8 languages comprising the Ede language subgroup (Yorboid) spread over southwestern Nigeria, southern and central Benin, and southern and central Togo. The subgroup also includes Ede Cabe [cbj], Ede Ica [ica], Ede Idaca [idd], Ede Ije [ijj], Ife [ife], Ede Nago [nqg], Kura Ede Nago [nqk]. The various people groups seek to maintain their individual identities yet recognize the wider Yoruba community. Lexical similarity: 87%–91% with Ede Nago, 77% with Yoruba [yor] of Porto-Novo, 78% with Ife of Tchetti.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid, Edekiri
|
| Fon | [fon]
1,400,000 in Benin (2006), increasing. Population total all countries: 1,435,500. Zou Province, Atlantic Province, south Abomey-Calavi and Ouidah Subprefectures; Littoral Province, Cotonou. Interspersed with other groups south and in towns north. Also in Togo.
Alternate names: Dahomeen, Djedji, Fo, Fogbe, Fongbe, Fonnu.
Dialects: Agbome, Arohun, Gbekon, Kpase.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe, Fon
|
| Foodo | [fod]
24,500 in Benin (2002 SIL). Population total all countries: 25,500. Atakora Province, Ouake Subprefecture, Semere town. Also in Ghana.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Guang, North Guang
|
| French | [fra]
16,700 in Benin (Johnstone 1993).
Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Western, Gallo-Iberian, Gallo-Romance, Gallo-Rhaetian, Oïl, French
|
| Fulfulde, Borgu | [fue]
280,000 in Benin (2002 SIL). Population total all countries: 328,200. Atakora and Borgou provinces, villages, and encampments; Borgou region, Bakuure north of N’Dali; central and south Borgou region, Parakou area, Korakuure; north, Atacora region, Djougoure, from Djougou north to Burkina border. May extend west into north Togo; Tchabankeere in Zou region. Also in Nigeria, Togo.
Alternate names: Benin-Togo Fulfulde, Fulbe-Borgu, Peul, Peulh.
Dialects: Bakuure, Korakuure, Djougoure (Juguure), Tchabankeere (Caabankeere).
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Atlantic, Northern, Senegambian, Fulani-Wolof, Fula, West Central
|
| Fulfulde, Gorgal | [fuh]
30,000 in Benin. Northernmost Borgou Province.
Alternate names: Fulfulde, Western Niger Fulfulde, Peul, Peulh.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Atlantic, Northern, Senegambian, Fulani-Wolof, Fula, East Central
|
| Gbe, Ayizo | [ayb]
227,000 (2006). Mono and Atlantique provinces.
Alternate names: Ayizo, Ayizo-Gbe, Ayzo.
Dialects: Kadagbe (Kada-Gbe), Ayizo-Seto, Ayizo-Tori, Ayizo-Kobe. Similar to Fon [fon].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe, Aja
|
| Gbe, Ci | [cib]
25,000 (2002 SIL). Mono Province, Lalo Subprefecture.
Alternate names: Ayizo-Ci, Ci, Cigbe, Tchi.
Dialects: A member of the Gbe language subgroup. Ci is very similar linguistically to Fon [fon] and is considered the same by Ci Gbe speakers. Lexical similarity: 80% with Fon, 77% with Ayizo Gbe [ayb], 59% with Aja [ajg].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe
|
| Gbe, Defi | [gbh]
13,500 (2002 SIL). Southeast corner, Oueme Province, Seme-Kpodji Subprefecture between Oueme River north, Cotonou-Porto-Novo railroad west, Gulf of Guinea south, and into Nigeria east.
Dialects: A member of the Gbe language subgroup. Defi is similar linguistically to Gun [guw].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe, Aja
|
| Gbe, Eastern Xwla | [gbx]
80,000 (2002 SIL). Southeast along coast, Oueme Province, Seme-Kpodji Subprefecture.
Alternate names: Houla, Kpla, Offra, Ophra, Phla, Pla, Popo, Xwla.
Dialects: A member of the Gbe language subgroup. Lexical similarity: 90% with Gun [guw], 82% with Fon [fon], 68% with Gen [gej], 68% with Aja [ajg].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe
|
| Gbe, Gbesi | [gbs]
65,000 (2002 SIL). Atlantic Province, Kpomasse, Alada, and Tori-Bossito Subprefectures, individual and mixed villages; Mono Province, Bopa Subprefecture along Lake Aheme.
Dialects: Gbokpa. A member of the Gbe language subgroup. Lexical similarity: 91% with Kotafon [kqk], 85% with Fon [fon], 73% with Aja [ajg], 70% with Gen [gej].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe
|
| Gbe, Kotafon | [kqk]
100,000 (2002 SIL). Mono Province, mainly Lokassa and Athieme subprefectures; Bopa Subprefecture north and south of Bopa along Lake Aheme; Grand Popo Subprefecture, north of Grand-Popo, a few villages.
Alternate names: Ko, Kogbe.
Dialects: A member of the Gbe language subgroup. Lexical similarity: 82% with Gbe Ayizo [ayb], 81% with Fon [fon], 69% with Gen [gej], 65% with Aja [ajg].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe
|
| Gbe, Maxi | [mxl]
66,000 in Benin (Johnstone 1993). Population total all countries: 91,300. Collines Province (formerly north Zou Province), Dassa-Zoume, Savalou, Bante, Glazoue, and Ouessi subprefectures. Also in Togo.
Alternate names: Mahi, Maxi, Maxi-Gbe.
Dialects: A member of the Gbe language subgroup. Lexical similarity: 80% with Fon [fon], 68% with Ayizo Gbe [ayb], 51% with Aja [ajg].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe, Fon
|
| Gbe, Saxwe | [sxw]
6,270 (2000 WCD). Mono Province.
Alternate names: Saxwe, Saxwe-Gbe.
Dialects: Saxwe, Daxe, Se.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe
|
| Gbe, Tofin | [tfi]
66,000 (2006). Atlantique Province, So-Ava Subprefecture.
Alternate names: Tofi, Tofin, Tofingbe.
Dialects: A member of the Gbe language subgroup. Lexical similarity: 88% with Gun [guw], 87% with Fon [fon], 82% with Eastern Xwla Gbe [xwe], 75% with Ayizo Gbe [ayb], 66% with Gen [gej].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe, Aja
|
| Gbe, Waci | [wci]
110,000 in Benin (Johnstone 1993). Mono Province.
Alternate names: Ouatchi, Waci, Waci-Gbe, Watyu.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe
|
| Gbe, Weme | [wem]
60,000 (Vanderaa 1991). Weme and Atlantic provinces.
Alternate names: Weme, Weme-Gbe.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe, Aja
|
| Gbe, Western Xwla | [xwl]
50,000 in Benin (2002 SIL). Population total all countries: 71,000. South, Mono Province along west coast, Grand-Popo Subprefecture; Atlantique Province, Ouidali Subprefecture; Littoral Province, Cotonou. Also in Togo.
Alternate names: Phla, Xwla, Xwla-Gbe.
Dialects: A member of the Gbe language subgroup. Lexical similarity: 86% with Gun [guw], 84% with Fon [fon], 73% with Gen [gej], 68% with Aja [ajg], 90% with Eastern Xwela Gbe [gbx], 88% with Saxwe Gbe [sxw].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe
|
| Gbe, Xwela | [xwe]
65,000 (2002 SIL). Mono Province, Come Subprefecture near Lake Aheme, southernmost Bopa Subprefecture; Atlantic Province, Kpomasse and Ouidah subprefectures.
Alternate names: Houeda, Peda, Phera, Xwela, Xwela-Gba.
Dialects: A member of the Gbe language subgroup. Lexical similarity: 90% with Western Xwla [xwl], 85% with Fon [fon], 71% with Gen [gej], 82% with Saxwe [sxw], 68% with Aja [ajg].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe
|
| Gen | [gej]
126,000 in Benin (2006). Mono and Atlantique provinces.
Alternate names: Ge, Gegbe, Gen-Gbe, Guin, Mina, Mina-Gen, Popo.
Dialects: Anexo, Agoi, Gen, Gliji.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe, Mina
|
| Gourmanchéma | [gux]
62,000 in Benin (Johnstone and Mandryk 2001). North, Atakora Province, primarly Tanguieta and Kerou subprefectures; some villages in Materi and Cobly subprefectures; Borgou Province, Banikoara and Karimama subprefectures.
Alternate names: Goulmancema, Gourmantche, Gulimancema, Gurma, Migulimancema.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Gurma
|
| Gun | [guw]
320,000 in Benin (2006). Population total all countries: 579,000. Southeast, Weme Province, Akpro-Misserete, Avrankou, Adjara, and Porto-Novo subprefectures. Also in Nigeria.
Alternate names: Alada, Alada-Gbe, Egun, Goun, Gu, Gugbe, Gun-Alada, Gun-Gbe, Seto-Gbe, Toli-Gbe.
Dialects: Ajra, Alada, Seto, Toli.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe, Aja
|
| Hausa | [hau]
800,000 in Benin (2006). Atacora and Borgou provinces, mainly larger towns and market villages.
Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.1
|
| Ifè | [ife]
80,000 in Benin (1990 SIL). Collines Province (north former Zou Province), Savalou Subprefecture; Tchetti is main center.
Alternate names: Ana, Ana-Ife, Anago, Baate, Ede Ife.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid, Edekiri
|
| Kabiyé | [kbp]
30,000 in Benin (Vanderaa 1991). Donga Province (formerly south Atakora Province), Ouake, Djougou, and Bassila subprefectures, scattered villages.
Alternate names: Cabrai, Cabrais, Kabre, Kabure, Kabye.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Eastern
|
| Kyenga | [tye]
1,000 in Benin (1995 SIM). Alibori Province (formerly north Borgou Province), Segbana Subprefecture, Tungan Bage, scattered villages.
Alternate names: Cenka, Tyenga.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Eastern, Busa
|
| Lama | [las]
60,000 in Benin (2006). Atakora Province, Boukombe Subprefecture, north west of Boukombe, scattered villages; Donga Province (formerly South Atakora Province), Djougou and Bassila subprefectures.
Alternate names: Lamba, Losso.
Dialects: Kande (Kante), Kadjala (Kadjalla).
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Eastern
|
| Lukpa | [dop]
50,000 in Benin (Johnstone and Mandryk 2001). Population total all countries: 63,600. West Djougou and border areas, Atakora Province. Primarily Kémérida area. Also in Togo.
Alternate names: Dompago, Legba, Logba, Lokpa, Lugba.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Eastern
|
| Mbelime | [mql]
24,500 (Vanderaa 1991). Atakora Province, Cobly Subprefecture, and 5 villages in Boukombe Subprefecture.
Alternate names: Mbilme, “Niende” , “Niendi”.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Eastern
|
| Miyobe | [soy]
7,000 in Benin (1991). Population total all countries: 8,700. Atakora Province. Also in Togo.
Alternate names: Bijobe, Biyobe, Kayobe, Kuyobe, Meyobe, Sola, Solamba, Solla, Sorouba, Soruba, Uyobe.
Dialects: Lexical similarity: 27% with Moba [mfq], 25% with Ditammari [tbz], 47% with Ngangam [gng].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Gurma
|
| Mokole | [mkl]
65,500 (Vanderaa 1991). Borgou Province, Kandi and villages north and east.
Alternate names: Féri, Mokollé, Mokwale, Monkole.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid, Edekiri
|
| Nateni | [ntm]
66,000 (Johnstone and Mandryk 2001). Atakora Province. Natemba in Toukountouna District; Tayaba in Tanguiéta District; Kuntemba in Kobly, Matiri, and Tanguiéta districts; Okoma in Tanguiéta and Kouandé districts. Tayakou is center of traditional beliefs and practices.
Dialects: Nateni (Natemba, Natimba), Tayari (Tayaba), Kunteni (Kuntemba), Okoni (Okoma).
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Gurma
|
| Ngangam | [gng]
20,000 in Benin (2002 SIL).
Alternate names: Dye, Gamgan.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Gurma
|
| Notre | [bly]
1,500 (2002 SIL). Atakora Province, Tanguiéta Subprefecture, northwest, north, and northeast of Tanguiéta town, including Yarka section northeast.
Alternate names: Boulba, Bulba, Burusa, Nootre.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Western, Nootre
|
| Tchumbuli | [bqa]
2,500 (2000 SIL). Département des Collines, Save and Ouessi subprefectures, 3 villages: Okounfo, Edaningbe, and Gbede.
Alternate names: Basa, Chombulon, Tchombolo, Tshummbuli.
Dialects: Cobecha, Tchumbuli. Lexical similarity: 80% with Chumburung [ncu].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Central, Akan
|
| Tem | [kdh]
50,000 in Benin (Johnstone and Mandryk 2001).
Alternate names: Cotocoli, Kotokoli, Tembe, Tim, Timu.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Eastern
|
| Waama | [wwa]
50,000 (2000 SIL), increasing. 20,000 monolinguals. Atakora Province, at least 20 villages. Natitingou is cultural center. Several thousand in Cotonou, Parakou area, and west Nigeria.
Alternate names: Yoabou, Yoabu.
Dialects: Waama, Tangamma.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Eastern
|
| Yom | [pil]
74,000 (Johnstone and Mandryk 2001). Atakora Province, Djougou area.
Alternate names: Kpilakpila, Pila, Pilapila.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Yom-Nawdm
|
| Yoruba | [yor]
465,000 in Benin (Johnstone 1993). Porto-Novo and widespread in towns and major villages.
Alternate names: Ede-Yoruba, Yariba, Yooba.
Dialects: Egba.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid, Edekiri
|
Ethnologue: Web |
Ethnologue: Print |
Bibliography |
Publications Catalog |
Software |
Email Updates
Who we are |
Shopping cart |
Site search |
Site map |
Home
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | External links
Copyright © 2012 SIL International (formerly known as the Summer Institute of Linguistics)
