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Presentation of the Punu language by the linguist Jean-Marie Hombert
The Punu tribe accounts for one of the most important ethnic groups in Gabon. It is mainly situated in the Nyanga and Ngounié regions (Southwest Gabon) and along the main route which connects Mouila to Libreville. Historically, the Punu people occupied an area south of where they live today.
Punu is one of the main languages of Gabon with more than 100,000 speakers. This language, which belongs to the Bantu family of languages, is linguistically close to its neighbouring languages : Lumbu, Eshira, Sangu, Vungu, Varama and Ngove. Speakers of these languages can understand each other almost completely.
The movement of the Punu tribe to urban areas (in particular to Libreville and Port Gentil) is leading to the rapid loss of traditions, especially oral traditions. Very often, younger generations have a limited knowledge of traditional lore about the history and creation of the Punu tribe.
Presentation on the Punu language by Jean-Marie Hombert
Linguist : Jean-Marie Hombert
Image and sound : Luc-Henri Fage
Editing : Caroline Laurent