Aasáx
PrintPrimary tabs
A language of Tanzania
350 (1999 J. Carr), decreasing.
Manyara region: Landenai, Lolbeni, and Ndovu Okutu villages in central Maasai steppe; reportedly also in Lemelebo, Landrobo, and Naitomani districts.
8b (Nearly extinct).
Aasáx is being lost due to language shift. In 1999, it was reportedly spoken in central Massai Steppe. It was dependent on and absorbed into Maasai [mas] and nearby Bantu groups. Because of stigmatization, Aasáx speakers may identify themselves as Maasai. Smith (in Blackburn n.d.) mentions the number of about 100 people who have some knowledge of the language; this statement has yet to be verified. (Sommer 1992) Some Assa with some knowledge of Aasáx, but most now use Maasai [mas] or Swahili [swh] or both. Also use Maasai [mas], Swahili [swh].
Literacy rate in L2: 0%.
Unwritten [Qaax].
Lamanik and Il Konono apparently are identifications of ancestry and not the language. In some districts the Assa are nomadic.