Extensive List of Languages of Ivory Coast: Spoken and Extinct Languages
In this Country Profile
:: List of Languages ::
Abé [aba] 170,000 (1995 SIL). Southern Department, Agboville Subprefecture (except Krobou Canton); Tiassale Subprefecture, Abbe Canton. 70 villages. Alternate names: Abbé, Abbey, Abi. Dialects: Tioffo, Morie, Abbey-Ve, Kos (Khos). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Agneby
Abidji [abi] 50,500 (1993 SIL). Abidjan Department, Sikensi Subprefecture (12 villages); Dabou Subprefecture, a few villages. Alternate names: Abiji. Dialects: Enyembe, Ogbru. Classification:Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Agneby
Abron [abr] 132,000 in Côte d’Ivoire (1993 SIL). Eastern Department, Tanda and Bondoukou subprefectures. Alternate names: Bron, Brong, Doma, Gyaman. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Central, Akan
Abure [abu] 55,100 (1993 SIL). Southern Department, Bonoua Subprefecture; Grand Bassam Subprefecture, Abidjan. Alternate names: Abonwa, Abouré, Abule, Akaplass. Dialects: Most similar to Anyin [any]. Also close to Baoule [bci], Nzema [nzi]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Western
Adioukrou [adj] 100,000 (1999 SIL). Southern Department, Dabou Subprefecture. 49 villages. Alternate names: Adjukru, Adyoukrou, Adyukru, Ajukru. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Agneby
Aizi, Aproumu [ahp] 6,500 (1999 SIL). Southern Department, Jacqueville Subprefecture, Ebrié Lagoon banks, Attoutou A (new quarter), Attoutou B, Tefredji, Koko, Bapo (Allaba B, Taboth) villages; Dabou Subprefecture, Allaba village. Alternate names: Ahizi, Aprou, Aproumu, Aprwe, Oprou. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Aizi
Aizi, Mobumrin [ahm] 2,000 (1999 SIL). Southern Department, Jacqueville Subprefecture, Ebrié Lagoon north bank. 2 villages (Abraco and Abraniamiambo). Alternate names: Ahizi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Aizi
Aizi, Tiagbamrin [ahi] 9,000 (1999 SIL). Southern Department, Jacqueville Subprefecture, Ebrié Lagoon banks, Tiagba, Nigui-Assoko, Nigui-Saff, Tiémié, and Attoutou B (old quarter) villages. Alternate names:Ahizi, Lélémrin, Tiagba. Dialects: Not intelligible with Mobumrin Aizi [ahm], even though both are Kru languages. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Aizi
Alladian [ald] 23,000 (1993 SIL). Southern Department, Jacqueville Subprefecture, plain between the coast and Ebrie Lagoon. 21 villages. Alternate names: Alladyan, Allagia, Allagian. Classification:Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Avikam-Alladian
Anyin [any] 610,000 in Côte d’Ivoire (1993 SIL). Population total all countries: 860,000. South region, Abidjan and Aboisso departments; East-Central region, Abengourou and Agnibilekrou departments; North-East region, Bondoukou and Tanda departments; North-Central region, M’bahiakro Department; and Central region, Bongouanou and Daoukro departments; Between
Kulango and Abron [abr] north; Nzema [sfw], Abure [abu], and Lagoon languages south; Baoulé west [bci]. Also in Ghana. Alternate names: Agni, Anyi. Dialects: Sanvi, Indenie, Bini, Bona, Moronou, Djuablin, Ano, Abe, Barabo, Alangua. Most similar to Baoulé. Also similar to Nzema, Sehwi [sfw]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Central, Bia, Northern
Anyin Morofo [mtb] 300,000 (2002 SIL). Southern, Eastern, and Central departments, Moronou. Alternate names: Morofo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Central, Bia, Northern
Attié [ati] 381,000 (1993 SIL). Abidjan Department, Anyama and Alepe subprefectures; Adzope Department, Adzope, Affery, Agou, Akoupe, Yakasse-Attobrou subprefectures. Alternate names:Akie, Akye, Atche, Atie, Atshe. Dialects: Naindin, Ketin, Bodin. Bodin dialect is the most prestigious and numerous. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Attie
Avikam 21,000 (1993 SIL). Southern Department, Grand Lahou coastal plain area, Avikam Canton.Alternate names: Avekom, Brignan, Brinya, Gbanda, Kwakwa, Lahu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Avikam-Alladian
Bakwé [bjw] 10,300 (1993 SIL). Southern and West Central departments, Sassandra, Soubre, San Pedro prefectures. Dialects: Defa, Deple, Dafa, Nigagba, Nyinagbi. Most similar to Godié [god]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Bakwe
Bambara [bam] 5,500 in Côte d’Ivoire (1993 SIL). Alternate names: Bamako, Bamana, Bamanakan. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-East, Northeastern Manding, Bamana
Baoulé [bci] 2,130,000 (1993 SIL). Central Department, widespread in the south. Alternate names: Baule, Bawule. Dialects: Similar to Anyin [any]. Many subgroups, but all claim to understand the standard variety. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Central, Bia, Northern
Beng [nhb] 17,000 (1993 SIL). Central Department. M’bahiakro Subprefecture, northeast corner. 20 villages; Prikro Subprefecture. 2 villages. Alternate names: Ben, Gan, Ngain, Ngan, Ngen, Ngin, Nguin. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Nwa-Ben, Ben-Gban
Bété, Daloa [bev] 130,000 (1993 SIL). West Central Department, Daloa Subprefecture. Alternate names:Daloua Bété, Northern Bété. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Bete, Western
Bété, Gagnoa [btg] 150,000 (1989 SIL). Gagnoa Subprefecture. Alternate names: Eastern Bété, Gagnoua-Bété, Shyen. Dialects: Nekedi, Zadie, Niabre, Kpakolo, Zebie, Guebie, Gbadi (Gbadie, Badie). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Bete, Eastern
Bété, Guiberoua [bet] 130,000 (1993 SIL). West Central Department, Daloua, Issia, Guiberoua, Soubre, Buyo, Gregbeu, and Ouaragahio subprefectures. Alternate names: Central Bété, Western Bété. Dialects: Soubré, Guiberoua. Most similar to Godié [god]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Bete, Western
Beti [eot] 200 (1999 R. Blench). Ethnic population: 3,181 (1988 census). Southern Department, Vitre I and Vitre II villages, Grand Bassam Subprefecture. Alternate names: Eotile. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Western
Birifor, Southern [biv] 4,310 in Côte d’Ivoire (1993 SIL). Northeast corner. Alternate names: Birifo. Classification:Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Western, Northwest, Dagaari-Birifor, Birifor
Cerma [cme] 1,700 in Côte d’Ivoire (1991). Ouangolodougo area, north of Ferkessedougou. 5 villages.Alternate names: Gouin, Guin, Gwe, Gwen, Kirma. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Kirma-Tyurama
Daho-Doo [das] 4,000 (1996 SIL). Western Department, north of Tai and south of the Guéré. Doo are in 5 villages south of Guiglo. Dialects: Although the Daho and Doo are considered Wè, their speech is not understood by other Wè. The greatest lexical similarity they have to any Wè variety is 80%, and the least is 30%. Lexical similarity 92% between the Daho and Doo dialects. Classification:Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Wee, Guere-Krahn
Dan [daf] 800,000 in Côte d’Ivoire (1993 M. Bolli). 400,000 in Eastern Dan, 400,000 in western Dan. Population total all countries: 975,800. Man Prefecture (except Kouibly and Facoubly), Danané, Biankouma and Touba prefectures. 19 villages. Also in Guinea, Liberia. Alternate names: Da, Gio, Gio-Dan, Yacouba, Yakuba. Dialects: Gweetaawu (Eastern Dan), Blowo (Western Dan). At least 38 subdialects. In Liberia speakers in Garplay understood Côte d’Ivoire Yacouba dialect tapes as follows: Danane, Koulinle, Kale: very well; Blosse: quite well; Bloundo: reasonably well; dialects east of Blouno: considerable difficulty (M. Bolli SIL 1971). Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Guro-Tura, Tura-Dan-Mano, Tura-Dan
Deg [mzw] 1,100 in Côte d’Ivoire (1991). Alternate names: Aculo, Buro, Degha, Janela, Mmfo, Mo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Western
Dida, Lakota [dic] 93,800 (1993 SIL). All Dida: 195,400 (1993 SIL). Lakota town area. Alternate names:Brabori, Dieko, Gabo, Guébie, Satro, Ziki. Dialects: Vata. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Dida
Dida, Yocoboué [gud] 102,000 (1993 SIL). 7,100 Guitry, 94,500 Divo. Southern Department, Guitry Subprefecture, Guitry town area. Dialects: Lozoua (Guitry, Yocoboue, Yokouboué, Gakpa, Goudou, Kagoué), Divo. Lakota Dida [dic] is marginally intelligible with Yocoboué Dida. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Dida
Ebrié [ebr] 75,900 (1988 census). Abidjan Department, urban Abidjan, Dabou Subprefecture, Bingerville Subprefecture. 57 villages, including 27 in Abidjan. Alternate names: Cama, Caman, Kyama, Tchaman, Tsama, Tyama. Dialects: Not related to surrounding languages. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Potou
Ega [ega] 2,500 (2001 B. Connell). Southern Department, Diés Canton, Borondoukou village near Gly.Alternate names: Diés, Egwa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Ega
French [fra] 17,500 in Côte d’Ivoire (1988 census). Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Western, Gallo-Iberian, Gallo-Romance, Gallo-Rhaetian, Oïl, French
Gagu [ggu] 36,600 (1993). West Central Department, Oume Subprefecture. Alternate names: Gagou, Gban. Dialects: Bokwa, N’da, Bokabo, Tuka. N’da dialect is central. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Nwa-Ben, Ben-Gban
Glio-Oubi [oub] 2,500 in Côte d’Ivoire (1991). Western Department, Tai Subprefecture, Tai Canton. 6 towns on each side of the border. Alternate names: Glio, Oubi, Ubi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Glio-Oubi
Godié [god] 26,400 (1993 SIL). Southern Department, Sassandra and Fresco subprefectures; Kotrohou Canton, Koyo. Alternate names: Godye. Dialects: Tiglu, Glibe, Kagbo, Dagli, Nugbo, Dlogo, Jluko, Nyago, Koyo. The Koyo dialect may be more similar to Dida than to Godié. Kagbo is the most widely understood dialect. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Bete, Western
Grebo, Southern [grj] Dialects: Seaside Grebo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Liberian
Guro [goa] 332,000 (1993 SIL). West Central and Central departments, Zuénoula, Vavoua, Gouitafla, Bouafle, Sinfra, Oumé subprefectures. Alternate names: Gouro, Kwéndré, Kweni, Lo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Guro-Tura, Guro-Yaoure
Jeri Kuo [jek] 1,500 (1990 R. Kastenholz). Ethnic population: 20,000 (1990 R. Kastenholz). Southwest; some north of Korhogo. Alternate names: Celle, Jeli Kuo. Dialects: Related to Ligbi [lig] of Ghana and Tongon, an extinct blacksmith argot of the Djimini Senoufo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Jogo-Jeri
Jula [dyu] 179,000 in Côte d’Ivoire (1991). North region, Ferkessédougou Department, Kong Subprefecture; widespread in major cities. Alternate names: Dioula, Diula, Djula, Dyoula, Dyula, Jula Kong, Kong Jula, Tagboussikan. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-East, Northeastern Manding, Bamana
Khisa [kqm] 5,000 in Côte d’Ivoire (Vanderaa 1991). Population total all countries: 8,000. Also in Burkina Faso. Alternate names: Khi Khipa, Komono, Kumwenu. Dialects: Speakers say they can understand Kaansa [gna] given time. Also reportedly Senoufo. Lexical similarity: 82% with Dogosé [dos], 72% with Kpatogo dialect of Kaansa, 71% with Kaansa, 16% with Dogoso [dgs], 13% with Khe [kqg]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Gan-Dogose
Kodia [kwp] 840 (1993 SIL). South central. Alternate names: Kwadia, Kwadya. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Kwadia
Koro [kfo] 40,000 (1999 SIL). Mankono Department, Tiéningboué Subprefecture. Alternate names:Koro Jula. Dialects: High comprehension of Koyaga [kga]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-East, Southeastern Manding, Maninka-Mori
Kouya [kyf] 10,100 (1993 SIL). West Central Department, Vavoua Subprefecture, Kouya Canton. 12 villages. Alternate names: Kowya, Kuya, Sokya. Dialects: Most similar to Gbadi Bété, Dida. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Bete, Eastern
Koyaga [kga] 60,000 (1999 SIL). Mankono Department, western 4 subprefectures. Alternate names:Koya, Koyaa, Koyaga Jula, Koyagakan, Koyaka, Koyara. Dialects: Koyaga, Siaka, Sagaka, Nigbi. High comprehension of Koro [kfo]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-East, Southeastern Manding, Maninka-Mori
Krahn, Western [krw] 12,200 in Côte d’Ivoire (1993 SIL). West, Toulépleu area. Alternate names: Krahn, Northern Krahn. Dialects: Pewa (Peewa), Biai. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Wee, Guere-Krahn
Krobu [kxb] 9,920 (1993 SIL). Southern Department, Agboville Subprefecture. 4 villages. Alternate names: Krobou. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Krobu
Krumen, Plapo [ktj] 100 (2004). Southwest corner, between Bapo and Honpo dialects of Tepo Krumen [ted].Alternate names: Plapo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Ivorian
Krumen, Pye [pye] 20,000 (1993 SIL). All Krumen: 48,300 (1993 SIL). Southwest, Tai, Tai, Bereby, and part of San Pedro subprefectures. Alternate names: Kroumen, Northeastern Krumen, Southeastern Krumen. Dialects: Trepo, Wluwe-Hawlo (Haoulo), Gbowe-Hran, Wlepo, Dugbo, Yrewe (Giriwe), Yapo, Pie (Pye, Pie-Pli-Mahon-Kuse-Gblapo-Henekwe). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Ivorian
Krumen, Tepo [ted] 28,300 in Côte d’Ivoire (1993 SIL). All Krumen: 48,300 (1993 SIL). Population total all countries: 31,210. Southwest, Tabou and Grabo subprefectures. Also in Liberia. Alternate names:Kroumen, Kru, Krumen, Southern Krumen, Southwestern Kroumen. Dialects: Tepo, Bapo, Wlopo (Ropo), Dapo, Honpo, Yrepo (Kapo), Glawlo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Ivorian
Kulango, Bondoukou [kzc] 77,000 in Côte d’Ivoire (1993 SIL). Population total all countries: 104,000. Eastern Department, Bondoukou Subprefecture. Also in Ghana. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Kulango
Kulango, Bouna [nku] 142,000 in Côte d’Ivoire (1993). Population total all countries: 157,500. Eastern Department, Nassian Subprefecture. Also in Ghana. Alternate names: Koulango, Kulange, Nkuraeng, Nkurange. Dialects: Nabanj. Bouna dialect speakers understand Bondoukou, but not the reverse. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Kulango
Ligbi [lig] 4,000 in Côte d’Ivoire (Vanderaa 1991). Eastern Department, Bineto village; Bouna community; Slil town near Boundoukou; Ourodougou near Malinke [loi] territory. Alternate names:Banda, Jogo, Ligwi, Nigbi, Nigwi, Tuba. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Jogo-Jeri, Jogo
Lobi [lob] 156,000 in Côte d’Ivoire (1993 SIL). Eastern Department, north strip. Alternate names: Lobiri, Miwa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Lobi
Loma [loi] 8,010 (2000). Tèèn and Kulango areas. Alternate names: Lomakka, Lomapo, Lomasse, Malinke. Dialects: Similar to Tèèn [lor] and Kulango [kzc] but not inherently intelligible. More similar to Kulango than Tèèn is to Kulango. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Teen
Mahou [mxx] 169,000 (1993 SIL). Northwest region, Touba Department. Alternate names: Mahu, Maou, Mau, Mauka, Mauke. Dialects: Mahouka, Koroka, Tenenga, Finanga, Baralaka (Barala). Some listed dialect speakers may not be able to use Mahou literature. Barala may be dialect of Wojenaka [jod]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-East, Southeastern Manding, Maninka-Mori
Maninka, Forest [myq] 15,000. Northwest region, Odienné Department, near Mali and Guinea borders. Dialects:Wasulu (Wassulunka, Wassoulounka, Wassulunke). This may be the same language as Eastern Maninkakan [emk], Wojenaka [jod], or different from both. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-East, Southeastern Manding, Maninka-Mori
Mbato [gwa] 25,000 (1993 SIL). Southern Department, Petit Alépé Subprefecture. Alternate names:Goaa, Gwa, M’bato, Mbatto, Mgbato, N-Batto, Ogwia, Potu. Dialects: Related to Ebrii [ebr]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Potou
Mbre [mka] 200 (2000 SIL). Ethnic population: 700. Marabadiassa area, northwest of Bouake and Diabo, Bondosso and Niantibo villages. Alternate names: Bere, Bre, Pre, Pre Pisia. Dialects:Considerably different from surrounding Mande and nearby Kwa languages. Classification:Niger-Congo, Unclassified
Mwan [moa] 17,000 (1993 SIL). Kongasso Subprefecture and south Mankono Subprefecture. Alternate names: Mona, Mouan, Muan, Muana, Mwa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Nwa-Ben, Wan-Mwan
Neyo [ney] 9,200 (1993 SIL). Southern Department, Sassandra Subprefecture, Neyo, and Kébé cantons, from Niégba west to Dagbégo east and Niabayo north. Alternate names: Gwibwen, Towi. Dialects: Most similar to the Kagbo dialect of Godié [god], but they consider themselves a separate ethnic group. May be more similar to Dida than to Bété. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Dida
N’ko [nqo] Classification: Mixed language
Nyabwa [nwb] 42,700 (1993 SIL). 32,500 Nyabwa, 7,700 Nyedebwa, 2,500 Kouzié. West Central Department, northwest corner, Vavoua (Nyedebwa), Issia, Buyo, Zoukougbeu (Nyabwa), Daloua subprefectures. Alternate names: Niaboua, Nyaboa, Nyabwa-Nyédébwa. Dialects: Nyabwa, Nyedebwa (Niédéboua). Lexical similarity: 90% between the Nyabwa and Nyedebwa dialects, 74%–80% between them and We Southern [gxx] and We Northern [wob]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Wee, Nyabwa
Nzema [nzi] 66,700 in Côte d’Ivoire (1993 SIL). Aboisso Department, Tiapoum Subprefecture, southeast coast; Abidjan. Alternate names: Appolo, Nzima. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Central, Bia, Southern
Senoufo, Cebaara [sef] 862,000 (1993 SIL). North, around Korhogo. Alternate names: Senadi, Senari, Syenere, Tiebaara, Tyebala. Dialects: Kafire, Kasara, Kufuru, Tagbari (Mbengui-Niellé), Patara, Pogara, Tyebara, Tagara, Tenere, Takpasyeeri (Messeni), Southwest Senari, Kandere (Tengrela), Papara, Fodara, Kulere, Nafara. Korhogo dialect is central. The Kulele speak the Kulere dialect scattered throughout the Senoufo area. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Senari
Senoufo, Djimini [dyi] 95,500 (1993 SIL). Dabakala Department, northwest corner. Alternate names: Djimini, Dyimini, Jinmini. Dialects: Diamala (Djamala, Dyamala), Djafolo, Dofana, Foolo, Singala. Singala is the prestige dialect of Dabakala. Lexical similarity: 76%–81% with Tagwana Senoufo [tgw]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Tagwana-Djimini
Senoufo, Nyarafolo [sev] 48,000 (2003 SIL). Northeast Ferkessédougou area. Alternate names: Nyarafolo-Niafolo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Senari
Senoufo, Palaka [plr] 8,000 (1995 SIL). Central Department, Sikolo area, north of Djimini. Alternate names:Kpalagha, Palaka, Palara, Pallakha, Pilara. Dialects: Lexical similarity: 65%–70% with other Senufo languages and dialects. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Kpalaga
Senoufo, Shempire [seb] 100,000 (1996). North of Tingréla. Alternate names: Shenpire, Syempire. Dialects: 3 or 4 dialects. Relationship to Supyire Senoufo [spp] in Mali is undetermined. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Suppire-Mamara
Senoufo, Tagwana [tgw] 138,000 (1993 SIL). Central Department, north central area, west of Djimini. Alternate names: Tagbana, Tagouna, Tagwana. Dialects: Gbo (Zoro), Tafire, Niediekaha, Niangbo, Niakaramadougou, Fondebougou, Djidanan, Fourgoula, Katiara, Katiola. Lexical similarity: 76%–81% with Djimini dialects. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Tagwana-Djimini
Téén [lor] 6,100 in Côte d’Ivoire (1991). Population total all countries: 8,100. Bouna Department, Téhini Subprefecture. Also in Burkina Faso. Alternate names: Loghon, Lorhon, Loron, Nabe, Tegesie, Ténhé. Dialects: Different from Kulango. Most similar to Loma [loi], Bouna Kulango [nku]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Teen
Tonjon [tjn] Extinct. Dabakala Department, among the Djimini Senoufo [dyi]. Dialects: Related to Ligbi [lig] of Ghana and Jeri Kuo of Côte d’Ivoire [jek]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Jogo-Jeri, Jogo
Toura [neb] 38,500 (1993 SIL). East Biankouma Department, mountainous region east of Man to Touba main road, north of Man to Seguela main road, north of Bafing River; Bafing and Sassandra rivers from north and east borders. Alternate names: Tura, Ween. Dialects: Naò, Boo, Yiligele, Gwéò, Wáádú, Guse. Probably most similar to Dan [daf]. Also similar to Guro [goa], Gagu [ggu], Mann [mev] (in Liberia). Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Guro-Tura, Tura-Dan-Mano, Tura-Dan
Wan [wan] 22,000 (1993 UBS). Kounahiri and west Beoumi subprefectures. Alternate names: Nwa. Dialects: Miamu, Kemu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Nwa-Ben, Wan-Mwan
Wané [hwa] 2,100 (1993 SIL). Southwest coast. Alternate names: Hwane, Ngwané. Classification:Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Bakwe
Wè Northern [wob] 156,000 (1993 SIL). Western Department, Kouibly and Fakobly subprefectures. Alternate names: Ouobe, Wèè, Wobé. Dialects: Tao, Péomé, Sémien (Gbéan). Kouibly dialect intelligible to about half of Wè Southern [gxx] speakers. Lexical similarity: 90%–94% among dialects, Kouibly dialect (Tao and Gbean) has 84%–89% lexical similarity with Wè Southern dialects. Classification:Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Wee, Wobe
Wè Southern [gxx] 293,000 (1999 SIL). 20,000 Niao (1995 SIL). Western Department, Guiglo, Duékoué, Bangolo, Tai and subprefectures. Alternate names: Central Guéré, Gere, Guéré, Wèè. Dialects:Zibiao, Zagne, Zagna, Beu (Zarabaon), Zaa (Zaha), Neao (Niabo, Neabo), Gboo (Gbobo), Fleo, Nyeo. Southern Wè has 7 more consonants than Northern Wè [wob]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Wee, Guere-Krahn
Wè Western [wec] 25,200 (1998 SIL). 20,000 Kaoro (1995 SIL). Western Department, Toulépleu Subprefecture. Alternate names: Gere, Guéré, Neyo, Wèè. Dialects: Nidrou (Nidru), Kaoro (Kaawlu, Kaowlu). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Wee, Guere-Krahn
Wojenaka [jod] 120,000 (1999 SIL). 15,000 Wasulu. Northwest region, Odienné Department. Alternate names: Malinké, Odienné Jula, Odiennekakan. Dialects: Odienneka, Sienkoka, Nafana, Bodougouka, Toudougouka, Vandougouka, Wasulu (Wassulunka, Wassoulounka, Wassulunke, Forest Maninka). Some dialects listed may be separate languages. The Forest Maninka dialect may be Folongakan, a dialect of Wojenaka. The Barala dialect of Mahou [mxx] may be a dialect of Wojenaka. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-East, Southeastern Manding, Maninka-Mori
Worodougou [jud] 80,000 (1999 SIL). Northwest region, Séguéla Department. Alternate names: Bakokan, Ouorodougou, Worodougou Jula, Worodougoukakan, Worodugu. Dialects: Worodougouka, Karanjan, Kanika. The Karanjan dialect may be a separate language. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-East, Southeastern Manding, Maninka-Mori
Yaouré [yre] 24,600 (Vanderaa 1991). 13,000 in villages, 7,000 in cities (1982 SIL). Bouaflé Department, Bouafli Subprefecture, Yaoure Canton, bounded south by Red Bandama, east by White Bandama River, north by Lake Kossou, west by Bouaflé. Alternate names: Yaure, Yohowré, Youré. Dialects: Klan, Yaan, Taan, Yoo, Bhoo. Most similar to Guro [goa]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Guro-Tura, Guro-Yaoure
:: Reference ::
Gordon, Raymond G., Jr. (ed.), 2005. Ethnologue: Languages of the World, Fifteenth edition. Dallas, Tex.: SIL International. Online version: http://www.ethnologue.com/
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