Kenyang

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A language of Cameroon

ISO 639-3
ken
Alternate Names
Banjangi, Banyang, Banyangi, Bayangi, Manyang, Nyang
Population

65,000 (1992 SIL), increasing. Ethnic population: 65,000.

Location

South West Region, Manyu division, Mamfe Central and Upper Banyang subdivisions, around and southwest of Mamfe; Kupe-Muanenguba division, west corner of Nguti subdivision.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Mamfe
Dialects

Bakoni (Kicwe, Kitwii, Manyeman, Manyemen, Northern Balong, Twii, Upper Balong), Lower Kenyang (Bas-Kenyang), Upper Kenyang (Haut-Kenyang).

Typology

SVO; prepositions; genitives, articles, adjectives, numerals, relatives after noun heads; question word final; maximum prefixes 3.

Language Use

All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes. Also use Cameroon Pidgin [wes], Denya [anv], Ejagham [etu]. Used as L2 by Kendem [kvm].

Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: 10%. Literacy rate in L2: 30% (gov’t figure). Used informally in education. Poetry. Radio programs. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 2010.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Kenyang
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Upper Balong is distinct from Bafaw-Balong [bwt]. Christian, Muslim, traditional religion.