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Ethnologue: Languages of the World
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Ethnologue > Web version > Country index > Africa > Chad > Masana

Masana

A language of Chad

ISO 639-3: mcn

Population  130,000 in Chad (2006). Population total all countries: 233,000.
Region  Mayo-Kebbi Est region, Mayo-Boneye Department, Bongor Subprefecture, along Logone River. Also in Cameroon.
Language map  Southwestern Chad, reference number 37
Alternate names   “Banana” , Masa, Massa
Dialects  Yagwa (Yagoua), Bongor, Wina (Viri), Walia (Walya), Domo, Gizay (Guissey, Gisey), Bugudum (Budugum), Gumay (Goumaye), Ham. All dialects understand Yagoua dialect well; Gizay and Yagoua dialects have 80% intelligibility. Lexical similarity: 97% between the Budugum dialect and the most similar other dialect.
Classification  Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Masa
Language use  Positive attitude.
Language development  Primary school program by gtz-Education. ELN and PARSET. Dictionary. Bible: 2003.
Writing system  Latin script.
Comments  “Banana” has been used perjoratively by some neighboring groups. Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim.

Also spoken in:

Cameroon

Language name   Masana
Population  103,000 in Cameroon (1982 SIL).
Region  Far North Province, southeast Mayo-Danay Division, Yagoua area.
Language map  Northern Cameroon, reference number 58
Alternate names  “Banana” , Masa, Massa, Walia
Dialects  Yagwa (Yagoua), Domo, Walya, Bongor, Wina (Viri), Gizay (Guissey), Budugum.
Comments  The first 3 dialects listed are West Masa; Wina and Gizay are Central Masa. Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim.