Oniyan
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A language of Senegal
ISO 639-3
Alternate Names
Ayan, Basari, Bassari, Biyan, Onian, Onëyan, Tenda Basari, Wo
Autonym
Oniyan
Population
15,000 (2015 J. Leclerc). Total users in all countries: 33,600.
Location
Kédougou and Tambacounda regions: border areas.
Language Maps
Language Status
5 (Developing). Recognized language (2005, Decree No. 987 of 21 October).
Dialects
Ane, Këd, Oxalac.
Language Use
Vigorous. All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes.
Language Development
Radio. Grammar. NT: 2011–2016.
Language Resources
Writing
Latin script [Latn].
Often identified by the majority population as Bassari. Tenda is a cover term for Oniyan [bsc], Badyara [pbp], Wamey [cou], and Ménik [tnr]. High mortality rate. Women intermarry with men from Fulbe and other groups; children become part of the other group. Trading is carried on with the Fulbe. Traditional religion, Christian.