Languages of Ghana
See language map.[See also SIL publications on the languages of Ghana.]
Republic of Ghana. Formerly Gold Coast and British Togoland. 22,535,000. National or official language: English. Literacy rate: 36% (1992 UNESCO). Immigrant languages: American Sign Language, Foodo (1,000), Klao, Lobi, Mòoré. Information mainly from J. Bendor-Samuel and Hartell 1989; E. Hall 1983; GILLBT 1970–2007. Blind population: 60,418. Deaf institutions: 20. The number of individual languages listed for Ghana is 79. Of those, all are living languages.
| Abron | [abr]
1,050,000 in Ghana. Population total all countries: 1,182,000. Southwest, northwest of Asante Twi [aka]. Also in Côte d’Ivoire.
Alternate names: Bron, Brong, Doma, Gyaman.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Central, Akan
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| Adamorobe Sign Language | [ads]
3,400 including hearing people (2003). East region, Adamorobe village.
Classification: Deaf sign language
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| Adangbe | [adq]
200 in Ghana (2006). Population total all countries: 2,200. Togo border area east of Ho. Agotime mostly in Volta region, Kpoeta, Apegame. Also in Togo.
Alternate names: Adan, Adantonwi, Agotime, Dangbe.
Dialects: Similar to Igo [ahl].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Kposo-Ahlo-Bowili
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| Adele | [ade]
11,000 in Ghana (2003). East central border with Togo. Upper Adele in Togo; Lower Adele in Ghana.
Alternate names: Bidire.
Dialects: Upper Adele, Lower Adele.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Basila-Adele
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| Ahanta | [aha]
142,000 (2003). Southwest coast.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Central, Bia, Southern
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| Akan | [aka]
8,300,000 in Ghana (2004 SIL). Population includes 2,800,000 Asante Twi, 1,900,000 Fante, 555,000 Akuapem Twi (2004). Asante are south central, Ashanti Province; Akuapem are southeast, north of Accra; Fante are south central, between Winneba, Takoradi, and Obuasi.
Dialects: Agona, Anomabo Fanti, Abura Fanti, Gomua; Ahafo, Akuapem (Akwapem Twi, Akuapim, Akwapi, Twi), Akyem (Akyem Bosome), Asante (Ashante Twi, Asanti, Achanti), Asen, Dankyira, Fante (Fanti, Mfantse), Kwawu (Kwahu).
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Central, Akan
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| Akposo | [kpo]
7,500 in Ghana (2003). South.
Alternate names: Akposso, Ikposo, Kposo.
Dialects: Amou Oblou, Ikponu, Iwi (Uwi), Litime (Badou), Logbo, Uma.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Kposo-Ahlo-Bowili
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| Animere | [anf]
700 (2003). East central, Kecheibi and Kunda villages, remote.
Alternate names: Anyimere, Kunda.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Kebu-Animere
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| Anufo | [cko]
66,000 in Ghana (2003). Population total all countries: 137,600. Northeast, Wawjayga area. Also in Benin, Togo.
Alternate names: Chakosi, Chokosi, Kyokosi, Tchokossi, Tiokossi.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Central, Bia, Northern
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| Anyin | [any]
250,000 in Ghana (2003). Between Abron north and Nzema south, Côte d’Ivoire west, Twi east. Aowin dialect in Ghana.
Alternate names: Agni, Anyi.
Dialects: Aowin (Brissa, Brosa).
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Central, Bia, Northern
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| Avatime | [avn]
24,000 (2003). Southeast, center at Amedzofe (Amajofe).
Alternate names: Afatime, Si-ya, Sia, Sideme.
Dialects: Similar to Nyangbo [nyb], Tafi [tcd].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Avatime-Nyangbo
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| Awutu | [afu]
180,000 (2003). Coast, west of Accra.
Dialects: Awutu, Efutu, Senya.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Guang, South Guang
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| Bimoba | [bim]
120,000 (2004 SIL). Ethnic population: 200,000. Northeast, Gambaga District, south of Kusaasi, north of Konkomba.
Alternate names: Moar, Moor.
Dialects: Related to Moba [mfq] of Togo.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Gurma, Moba
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| Birifor, Southern | [biv]
125,000 in Ghana (2003), increasing. Population total all countries: 129,310. Northwest corner. Also in Côte d’Ivoire.
Alternate names: Birifo, Ghana Birifor.
Dialects: A separate language from Wali [wlx], Southern Dagaari [dga], Malba-Birifor [bfo] of Burkina Faso.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Western, Northwest, Dagaari-Birifor, Birifor
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| Bissa | [bib]
166,000 in Ghana (2003). Northeast.
Alternate names: Bisa.
Dialects: Lebir (Western Bisa), Baraka (Eastern Bisa).
Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Eastern, Bissa
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| Buli | [bwu]
150,000 (2003 GILLBT), increasing. Sandema District.
Alternate names: Bulisa, Guresha, Kanjaga.
Dialects: Most similar to Konni [kma]. Lexical similarity: 77% with Mampruli [maw].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Buli-Koma
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| Chakali | [cli]
6,000 (2003 GILLBT). East of Wa; Ducie village largest.
Dialects: Lexical similarity: is 62% with Tampulma [tpm], 68% with Vagla [vag].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Western
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| Chala | [cll]
3,000 (2003 GILLBT). Volta region, Nkwanta, Odomi, Ago villages; Northern region, Jadigbe village near Seipe, south of Ekumdipe is 35% Chala.
Alternate names: Cala, Tshala.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Eastern
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| Cherepon | [cpn]
111,000 (2003). A pocket between Ga [gaa] and Twi areas, north of Larteh.
Alternate names: Chiripon, Chiripong, Kyerepong, Okere.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Guang, South Guang
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| Chumburung | [ncu]
69,000 (2004 SIL), increasing. 2,700 Yeji. A triangular area with Volta Lake south, Daka River northwest. Yeji is south of the lake.
Alternate names: Kyongborong, Nchimburu, Nchummuru.
Dialects: Northern Chumburung (Banda), Southern Chumburung (Lonto, Gurubi, Chinderi, Bejamse, Borae), Yeji (Yedji). Somewhat intelligible with Krache [kye]. Lexical similarity: 77% with the Yeji dialect, 79% with Kplang [kph], 78% with Krache, 69% with Dwang [nnu], 67% with Nawuri [naw] and Gikyode [acd], 60% with Gonja [gjn].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Guang, North Guang
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| Dagaare, Southern | [dga]
700,000 (2003), increasing. 1,000,000 including Northern Dagara in Burkina Faso (2003). Northwest corner, west Upper West region.
Alternate names: Dagaare, Dagara, Dagari, Dagati, Degati, Dogaari, Southern Dagari.
Dialects: Southern Dagaare and Southern Birifor [biv] are partially intelligible. Distinct from Northern Dagara [dgi] in Burkina Faso.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Western, Northwest, Dagaari-Birifor, Dagaari
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| Dagbani | [dag]
800,000 (2004 SIL), increasing. Northeast Tamale area, as far as Yendi.
Alternate names: Dagbamba, Dagbane, Dagomba.
Dialects: Nanuni (Nanumba). Lexical similarity: 95% with Mampruli [maw], 90% with Farefare [gur], 89% with Kusaal [kus].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Western, Southeast
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| Dangme | [ada]
800,000 (2004 SIL). Southeast, coast east of Accra and inland.
Alternate names: Adangme.
Dialects: Ada, Ningo, Osu, Shai, Gbugbla, Krobo.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Ga-Dangme
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| Deg | [mzw]
26,400 in Ghana (2003). Population total all countries: 27,500. West central, west of Volta Lake. Also in Côte d’Ivoire.
Alternate names: Aculo, Buru, Degha, Janela, Mmfo, Mo.
Dialects: Longoro, Mangum, Boe. Lexical similarity: 78% with Vagla [vag].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Western
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| Delo | [ntr]
10,900 in Ghana (2003), increasing. Population total all countries: 16,300. East central border with Togo. The paramount chief is at Brewaniase, 35 km south of Nkwanta. Also in Togo.
Alternate names: Ntribou, Ntribu, Ntrubo.
Dialects: Reclassified from Kwa to Gur family.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Eastern
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| Dompo | [doy]
65 (Blench 1999), decreasing. Ethnic population: 965 (2000 WCD). Brong-Ahafo region, Banda quarter called Dompofie.
Alternate names: Dumpo, Ndmpo.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Guang, North Guang
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| Dwang | [nnu]
8,200 (2003 GILLBT). 1,600 Bekye, 3,300 Kenyen, 3,300 Wiase. South of Volta Lake and the Chumburung, east of Atebubu.
Alternate names: Dwan, Nchumunu.
Dialects: Bekye, Kenyen, Wiase. Most similar to Kplang [kph]. 75% comprehension of Chumburung [ncu]. Krache [kye] is understood well because of contact.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Guang, North Guang
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| English | [eng]
Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, English
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| Éwé | [ewe]
2,250,000 in Ghana (2003), increasing. Population total all countries: 3,112,000. Southeast corner. Also in Togo.
Alternate names: Ebwe, Efe, Eibe, Eue, Eve, Gbe, Krepe, Krepi, Popo, Vhe.
Dialects: Anglo (Anlo), Awuna, Hudu, Kotafoa. Westernmost language of the Gbe language subgroup.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe
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| Farefare | [gur]
820,000 in Ghana (2003), increasing. Up to 656,000 in Upper East region, and at least 164,000 in various towns and cities in other regions (2003). Population total all countries: 845,100. Northeast, Upper East region, Bolgatanga area, Frafra District, as far west as Navrongo. Also in Burkina Faso.
Alternate names: Frafra, Gurenne, Gurune, Nankani, Ninkare.
Dialects: Gurune (Gudenne, Gurenne, Gudeni, Zuadeni), Nankani (Naani, Nankanse), Booni, Talni (Talensi, Talene), Nabt (Nabit, Nabde, Nabte, Nabdam, Nabdug, Nabrug, Nabnam, Namnam). 5 major dialects and many minor ones. Dialects are divided according to geography and ethnic sub-boundaries. Some named after towns or localities. Consider Southern Dagaare [dga] in particular a sister language.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Western, Northwest
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| Fulfulde, Maasina | [ffm]
7,300 in Ghana (1991). North, in small groups.
Alternate names: Fulbe, Maacina, Peul.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Atlantic, Northern, Senegambian, Fulani-Wolof, Fula, West Central
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| Ga | [gaa]
600,000 (2004 SIL). Southeast, Accra coast area.
Alternate names: Accra, Acra, Amina, Gain.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Ga-Dangme
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| Ghanaian Sign Language | [gse]
Dialects: Related to American [ase] and Nigerian [nsi] sign languages. Brought in 1957 by missionary Andrew Foster. Differs from American Sign Language in lexicon. New and local signs, and some modified from ASL.
Classification: Deaf sign language
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| Gikyode | [acd]
10,400 (2003), increasing. East central, on Togo border. 9 remote villages.
Alternate names: Chode, Kyode.
Dialects: Lexical similarity: 75% with Ginyanga [ayg] of Togo.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Guang, North Guang
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| Gonja | [gjn]
230,000 (2004 SIL), increasing. Northern region, south; west central, upper branches of Volta Lake area; Black Volta River to White Volta area, both sides.
Dialects: Gonja, Choruba (Choroba).
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Guang, North Guang
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| Gua | [gwx]
60,200 (2003). A pocket in Éwé [ewe] area.
Alternate names: Anum-Boso, Gwa.
Dialects: Anu (Anum), Boso.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Guang, South Guang
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| Hanga | [hag]
6,800 (2003 GILLBT), increasing. 4,100 in the traditional area, 2,700 elsewhere. North central, southeast of Mole game reserve, Damongo District. Murugu is biggest village.
Alternate names: Anga.
Dialects: Northern Hanga, Southern Hanga. Kamara [jmr] is a separate language. Subdialects of Southern Hanga are Langantere, Murugu, Damongo; subdialects of Northern Hanga are Yazori and Bowena. Lexical similarity: 84% with Southern Dagaare [dga] and Farefare [gur].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Western, Southeast
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| Hausa | [hau]
Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.1
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| Jwira-Pepesa | [jwi]
18,000 (2003 GILLBT). Southwest corner; Jwira north of Axim from Bamiankaw to Humjibere along Ankobra River (18 villages); Pepesa on Wasa land between Agona Junction and Tarkwa. Dompim is main town. A mountain range separates the 2 groups.
Alternate names: Pepesa-Jwira.
Dialects: Jwira, Pepesa. 60% intelligibility with Nzema [nzi].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Central, Bia, Southern
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| Kabiyé | [kbp]
North.
Alternate names: Cabrai, Cabrais, Kabire, Kabure, Kabye.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Eastern
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| Kamara | [jmr]
3,000 (2003 GILLBT), increasing. Ethnic population: 5,000 in Ghana (2003 GILLBT). Middle Northern region, edge of Hanga [hag] area, on road west of Damongo, Larabanga village. Safaliba [saf] sources report another small village 30 km south of Bole.
Dialects: Significantly different linguistically and culturally from Hanga [hag]. More similar to Dagbani [dag] than to Hanga (1997 G. Hunt).
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Western, Southeast
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| Kantosi | [xkt]
2,300 in Ghana (2003 GILLBT). 280 to 400 in Sandema District, probably about 280 in Kpaliwongo. North central, Sandema District, among Bulsa (Buli [bwu]); Navrongo, Bolgatonga, Nalerigu, and Kpaliwogo, near Wa. Also in Burkina Faso.
Alternate names: Dagaare-Dioula, Kantonsi, Yare, Yarsi.
Dialects: Similar to Kamara [jmr], Farefare [gur], Dagbani [dag].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Western, Southeast
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| Kasem | [xsm]
130,000 in Ghana (2004 SIL), increasing. North central, Navrongo District.
Alternate names: Kasena, Kassena, Kassene.
Dialects: Nunuma, Lela, Kasem, Fere.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Northern
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| Konkomba | [xon]
500,000 in Ghana (2003), increasing. Population total all countries: 550,100. Northeast border area, Guerin, Yendi District; north central, many scattered groups. Also in Togo.
Alternate names: Kom Komba, Kpankpam.
Dialects: Lichabool-Nalong, Limonkpel, Linafiel, Likoonli (Likonl, Liquan), Ligbeln.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Gurma
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| Konni | [kma]
3,800 (2003 GILLBT), increasing. Southeast of the Sisaala and west of the Mamprusi. Remote, isolated, no roads. 5 villages, Yikpabongo the main one, Nangurima another.
Alternate names: Koma, Komung, Koni.
Dialects: Related to Mampruli [maw], Hanga [hag], Buli [bwu]. Lexical similarity: 60% with Buli.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Buli-Koma
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| Kplang | [kph]
1,600 (2003 GILLBT). South of Volta Lake, south of Yeji (Chumburung).
Alternate names: Prang.
Dialects: 73% intelligibility with Chumburung [ncu]. 96% comprehension of the Yeji dialect of Chumburung due to proximity. Lexical similarity: 92% with the Yeji, 79% with Chumburung.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Guang, North Guang
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| Krache | [kye]
58,000 (2004 SIL), increasing. Central, near Nchimburu, Kete Krachi area.
Alternate names: Krachi, Krakye.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Guang, North Guang
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| Kulango, Bondoukou | [kzc]
27,000 in Ghana (2003 GILLBT). West central, west of Wenchi.
Alternate names: Bonduku, Kolango, Koulango, Kulange, Kulango, Nkuraeng, Nkurange.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Kulango
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| Kulango, Bouna | [nku]
15,500 in Ghana (1991). West central border area.
Alternate names: Bouna Koulango, Buna Kulango, Nkuraeng.
Dialects: Sekwa, Nabanj.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Kulango
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| Kusaal | [kus]
420,000 in Ghana (2004 SIL), increasing. 350,000 Angole, 70,000 Toende. Population total all countries: 437,000. Northeast corner, Bawku District. Also in Burkina Faso.
Alternate names: Kusale, Kusasi.
Dialects: Angole (Eastern Kusaal), Toende (Western Kusaal). Further investigation of the Toende dialect in Burkina Faso is needed. Possible marginal intelligibility with Eastern (Angole) Kusaal. Many claim to be able to understand the related languages: Mòoré [mos], Dagbani [dag], Mampruli [maw], Farefare [gur]. Kusaal is a member of the Mòoré-Dagbani subgroup.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Western, Southeast, Kusaal
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| Lama | [las]
Several hundred or perhaps thousands in Ghana (1996). 100 km south of Bassar, to Yendi, as far as Tamale, and southeast of Tamale.
Alternate names: Lamba, Losso.
Dialects: Kadjala (Kadjalla).
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Eastern
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| Larteh | [lar]
74,000 (2003 GILLBT). A pocket in Ga [gaa] and Twi areas, south of Cherepon.
Alternate names: Gua, Late, Lete.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Guang, South Guang
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| Lelemi | [lef]
48,900 (2003), increasing. Southeast, Jasikan town.
Alternate names: Buem, Lafana, Lefana.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Lelemi, Lelemi-Akpafu
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| Ligbi | [lig]
15,000 in Ghana (2003 GILLBT). Population total all countries: 19,000. Numasa, northwest Brong-Ahafo; east of Sampa and northwest of Wenchi. Also in Côte d’Ivoire.
Alternate names: Banda, Dzowo, Jogo, Ligwi, Namasa, Nigbi, Nigwi, Tsie, Tuba, Weela, Weila, Wiila.
Dialects: Bungase, Gyogo, Hwela (Weila, Wiila, Weela, Vwela), Dwera (Manji-Kasa), Atumfuor (Atumfuor-Kasa), Ntoleh.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Jogo-Jeri, Jogo
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| Logba | [lgq]
7,500 (2003). Southeast.
Alternate names: Ikpana.
Dialects: A population sample averaged 87% comprehension of Éwé [ewe] mixed discourse types.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Logba
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| Mampruli | [maw]
220,000 in Ghana (2004 SIL), increasing. Northeast Northern region, east and west of Gambaga. Also in Togo.
Alternate names: Mamprule, Manpelle, Ngmamperli.
Dialects: Eastern Mampruli, Western Mampruli. 50% intelligibility with Dagbani [dag]. Lexical similarity: 95% with Dagbani, 90% with Farefare [gur].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Western, Southeast
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| Nafaanra | [nfr]
61,000 in Ghana (2003 GILLBT), increasing. West border, east of Bondoukou. Also in Côte d’Ivoire.
Alternate names: Banda, Dzama, Gambo, Nafaara, Nafana, Pantera-Fantera.
Dialects: Pantera, Fantera.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Nafaanra
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| Nawdm | [nmz]
Accra, Ho, Kpandu, and Volta region.
Alternate names: Naoudem, Naudm, Nawdam.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Yom-Nawdm
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| Nawuri | [naw]
14,000 (2003 GILLBT), increasing. East central, Lake Volta, mostly Oti River west bank branch.
Dialects: Most inherent intelligibility with Gikyode [acd]. Highest lexical similarity 72% with the Buipe dialect of Gonja [gjn].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Guang, North Guang
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| Nchumbulu | [nlu]
1,800 (2003 SIL). West of Volta Lake near Kplang. 3 villages.
Dialects: Similar to Chumburung [ncu], Dwang [nnu].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Guang, North Guang
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| Nkonya | [nko]
28,000 (2004 SIL). Southeast, northwest of Éwé [ewe]. Some among Gua [gwx].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Guang, North Guang
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| Ntcham | [bud]
57,000 in Ghana (2004 SIL).
Alternate names: Basar, Basare, Basari, Bassar, Bassari, Ncham, Tobote.
Dialects: Bitaapul.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Gurma, Ntcham
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| Nyangbo | [nyb]
6,400 (2003). Southeast.
Alternate names: Tutrugbu.
Dialects: People who have had no contact with Tafi [tcd] had 67% intelligibility of it on tests; people 30 to 50 years old had nearly perfect comprehension. There are reportedly only phonological differences.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Avatime-Nyangbo
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| Nzema | [nzi]
262,000 in Ghana (2004 SIL). Population total all countries: 328,700. Southwest corner. Also in Côte d’Ivoire.
Alternate names: Appolo, Nzima.
Dialects: Evalue.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Central, Bia, Southern
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| Paasaal | [sig]
36,000 (2003 GILLBT), increasing. Upper West region, south of Tumu, 105 km east of Wa. About 18 villages.
Alternate names: Funsile, Pasaale, Pasaale Sisaala, Southern Sisaala.
Dialects: Gilbagala, Pasaali. The Gilbagala more similar to Paasaal than to Tumulung Sisaala [sil]. The dialect in Funsi Kundogo is predominant among the Paasaal villages.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Western
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| Safaliba | [saf]
4,000 (2003), increasing. West Northern region, west and south of Bole, Mandari, Tanyire, Manfuli, and Gbenfu, villages; settlements in nearby towns of Bote, Sawla, Kalba.
Alternate names: Safalaba, Safalba, Safali.
Dialects: Lexical similarity: 79% with Southern Dagaari [dga].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Western, Northwest
|
| Sehwi | [sfw]
250,000 (2003). Southwest.
Alternate names: Asahyue, Sefwi.
Dialects: Similar to Anyin [any] of Côte d’Ivoire.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Central, Bia, Northern
|
| Sekpele | [lip]
23,400 (2003). Southeast, north of Hohoe.
Alternate names: Bosele, Likpe, Mu.
Dialects: Sekwa, Sekpele.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Lelemi, Likpe-Santrokofi
|
| Selee | [snw]
11,300 (2003 GILLBT). Southeast, Benua, Bume, Gbodome villages.
Alternate names: Santrokofi, Sele, Sentrokofi.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Lelemi, Likpe-Santrokofi
|
| Sisaala, Tumulung | [sil]
105,000 (2003 GILLBT). North central, Tumu District.
Alternate names: Hissala, Isaalung, Issala, Sisai, Sisala Tumu.
Dialects: Isala, Gil Bagale (Galebagla), Nsihaa, Potule.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Western
|
| Sisaala, Western | [ssl]
30,000 (2003 GILLBT). North central, Lambusie area.
Alternate names: Busillu Sisala, Hissala, Issala, Sisai.
Dialects: Similar to Sissala [sld] of Burkina Faso.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Western
|
| Siwu | [akp]
27,000 (2003). Southeast, north of Hohoé.
Alternate names: Akpafu-Lolobi, Lolobi-Akpafu, Siwusi.
Dialects: Akpafu, Lolobi. Lolobi and Akpafu dialects are inherently intelligible, but have been politically separate since the 1800s. A population sample averaged 66% comprehension of Éwé [ewe] mixed discourse types.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Lelemi, Lelemi-Akpafu
|
| Tafi | [tcd]
4,400 (2003). East central, near Togo border.
Alternate names: Tegbo.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Avatime-Nyangbo
|
| Tampulma | [tpm]
16,000 (2003). North central, south of Sisaala, Damongo District. 25 villages.
Alternate names: Tampele, Tamplima, Tampole, Tampolem, Tampolense, Tamprusi.
Dialects: 2 inherently intelligible dialects. Lexical similarity: 62% with Chakali [cli].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Western
|
| Tem | [kdh]
53,000 in Ghana. Accra mostly.
Alternate names: Cotocoli, Kotokoli, Temba, Tim, Timu.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Eastern
|
| Tuwuli | [bov]
11,400 (2003 GILLBT). Volta region, Volta Lake east to Amanfro on Hohoe-Jasikan road.
Alternate names: Bawuli, Bowili, Bowiri, Liwuli, Siwuri, Tuwili.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Kposo-Ahlo-Bowili
|
| Vagla | [vag]
13,500 (2003 GILLBT), increasing. West central, Northern Province, Damongo District, near Sawla.
Alternate names: Kira, Konosarola, Paxala, Sitigo, Vagala.
Dialects: Bole, Buge. Lexical similarity: 68% with Chakali [cli].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Western
|
| Wali | [wlx]
138,000 (2003). Northwest corner.
Alternate names: Ala, Ouala, Waali, Wala.
Dialects: Fufula, Yeri Waali, Cherii, ’Bulengee, ’Dolimi. Distinct from Southern Birifor [biv] and Southern Dagaari [dga].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Western, Northwest
|
| Wasa | [wss]
309,000 (2003). Southwest.
Alternate names: Wasaw, Wassa.
Dialects: Amenfi, Fianse. Some intelligibility with Abron [abr].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Central, Akan
|
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