{"id":18611,"date":"2010-05-21T15:44:19","date_gmt":"2010-05-21T13:44:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.sorosoro.org\/?page_id=18611"},"modified":"2011-10-04T17:54:05","modified_gmt":"2011-10-04T15:54:05","slug":"niger-congo-languages","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sorosoro.org\/en\/niger-congo-languages\/","title":{"rendered":"Niger-Congo languages"},"content":{"rendered":"
Where are Niger-Congo languages spoken?<\/h5>\n

These languages are spoken in a large part of the African continent, equivalent to two thirds of the continent, and including all of Sub-Saharan Africa: West to East from Senegal to the Comoro Islands, North to South from Niger to South Africa.<\/p>\n

Roger Blench Niger-Congo language map<\/a><\/p>\n

Wikipedia Niger-Congo language map<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

Total number of speakers (estimates)<\/h5>\n

Approximately 400 000 000 according to the SIL<\/p>\n

\n

\n

Classification<\/h5>\n

The Niger-Congo family counts between 1 300 and 1 500 languages<\/strong>, depending on the classifications, representing alone nearly a quarter of the planet\u2019s languages. It is probably the family bearing the highest number of languages, before the Austronesian group.<\/p>\n

It is extremely difficult to present a detailed classification of a family as vast and complex as the Niger-Congo family. For the time being, the classification we present below has been simplified for display purposes. We are aware this classification is not fully satisfactory as such. However it is only displayed temporarily, until we\u2019re able to account for more detailed and scientific data. Work in progress.<\/em><\/p>\n

Detailed Niger-Congo language classification (pdf, 3 768ko)<\/a><\/p>\n

Detailed Bantu language classification (pdf, 1690 ko)<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

Kordofanian languages
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Talodi-Heiban group<\/p>\n

Heiban subgroup<\/p>\n

Ko, Warnang, Logol <\/strong>(alternative name: Lukha<\/em>), Otoro <\/strong>(alternative name: Utoro), Koalib <\/strong>(alternative name: kawalib, kawaaliib<\/em> <\/em>), Laru-Ebang <\/strong>(alternative name: Heiban<\/em>), Shirumba <\/strong>(alternative name: Shwai<\/em>), Moro, Tira <\/strong>(alternative name: Tiro<\/em>)<\/p>\n

\n

Talodi subgroup<\/p>\n

Lafofa <\/strong>(alternative name: Tegem<\/em>), Talodi <\/strong>(alternative name: Jomang<\/em>), Nding <\/strong>(alternative name: Eliri<\/em>), Ngile <\/strong>(alternative name: Daloka), <\/em>Dengebu <\/strong>(alternative name: Dagik<\/em>), Acheron, Lumun, Tocho, Torona<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rashad group
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Tagoi <\/strong>(dialect group), Tegali<\/strong><\/p>\n

Katla group<\/p>\n

Katla, Tima<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Atlantic languages (or West Atlantic)
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

North Atlantic or Senegal-Guinea languages<\/p>\n

Senegambian languages<\/p>\n

Serer-Sine, Fula<\/strong> (dialect group) (alternative names: Peul ; Peuhl ; Pulaar ; Fulfulde ; Fellani<\/em>), Wolof<\/strong> (dialect group)<\/p>\n

Cangin languages<\/p>\n

Laalaa, Ndut, Noon, Palor, Saafi-Saafi<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bak languages<\/p>\n

Balanta-Ganja, Balanta-Kentohe, Bayot, Jola, <\/strong>Manjaku <\/strong> <\/strong>(alternative names: Manjaco, Manjak, Mandjak<\/em>), Mankanya, Pepel <\/strong>(alternative names: Ium, Papei, Papel<\/em>), <\/strong>Kerak <\/strong>(alternative names:\u00a0 <\/strong>Keeraku, Keraay, Her<\/em>).<\/strong><\/p>\n

East branch<\/p>\n

Baynunk<\/a>, <\/strong>Kasanga, Kobiana, Badyara, Menik<\/a> <\/strong>(alternative name: Bedik<\/em>), Oniyan <\/strong>(alternative names: Bassari, Basari, <\/em>Niyan<\/em>), Biafada, Wamey<\/strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n

Isolate<\/p>\n

Mbulungish-Nalu<\/strong><\/p>\n

South Atlantic or Limba-Mel languages<\/p>\n

Limba<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sua-Mel languages<\/p>\n

Sua<\/strong> (alternative name: Mansoanka<\/em>), Temne, Baga Binari, Baga Kaloum, Baga Koga, Baga Manduri, Baga Sitemu, Baga Soban\u00e9, Landoma, Gola, Kissi, Bom, Bullom So, Krim, Sherbro, Bijago<\/strong><\/p>\n

Volta-Congo languages
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

North-Volta or Savanna group<\/p>\n

Bariba <\/strong>(alternative name: Baatonum<\/em>), Viemo, Tyefo, Wara-Natyoro, Tusya
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kru languages<\/p>\n

Siamou, Aproumu Aizi, Mobumrin Aizi, Tiagbamrin Aizi, Kuwaa, Bakwe, Wane, Gagnoa Bete, Kouya, Daloa Bete, Guiberoua Bete, Godie, Lakota Dida, Yocoboue Dida, Neyo, Kodia <\/strong>(alternative name: Kwadia<\/em>), Bassa, Dewoin, Gbii, Glio-Oubi,<\/strong> Krumen <\/strong>(dialect group), Grebo, <\/strong>Jabo, Klao, Tajuasohn, Daho-Doo, Glaro-Twabo, West Krahn, Sapo, South We, South We, East Krahn, Nyabwa, North We<\/strong><\/p>\n

Gur languages<\/p>\n

Buli, Koma, Yom, Nawdm, Biali, Ditammari, Mbelime, Waama, Bimoba, Moba, Akaselem, Ntcham, Gourmanchema, Konkomba, Miyobe, Nateni, Ngangam, Notre, Farefare, M\u00f2ore, Safaliba, Wali, South Dagaare, Dagaari Dioula, North Dagaradu, Malba Birifor, South Birifor, Kusaal, Dagbani, Hanga, Kamara, Kantosi, Mampruli, Bomu, Buamu, Cwi Bwamu, L\u00e1\u00e1 L\u00e1\u00e1 Bwamu, <\/strong>Koromfe, Bago-Kusuntu, Chala, Delo, Kabiye, Lama, Lukpa, Tem, Kalamse, Kasem, Lyele, North Nuni, South Nuni, Pana, Chakali, Deg, Paasaal, Phuie, Tumulung Sisaala, West Sisaala, Sissala, Tampulma, Vagla, Winye, Kirma, Curama <\/strong>(alternative names : Cuuram\u00e3, Tchourama, Turka, Tourka, Turuka, Tyurama<\/em>), Lobi, Dyan, Dogoso, Khe, Dogose, Kaansa, Khisa<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kulango languages<\/p>\n

Kulango, Loma <\/strong>(alternative name: Malinke<\/em>), Teen <\/strong>(alternative name: Loron<\/em>).<\/p>\n

Chamba-Mumuye languages (alternative name: Leko-Nimbari<\/em>)<\/p>\n

Duli, Dii, Dugun, Duupa, <\/strong>Peere <\/strong>(alternative name: Kutin<\/em>), Longto <\/strong>(alternative name: Voko<\/em>), Dowayo, Vere, Gimme, Kolbila, Nyong, Samba, Leko Wom, Kumba, Mumuye, Pangseng, Rang, Teme, Waka, Bali, Kpasam, Kugama, Yendang, Nimbari<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mbum-Day languages<\/p>\n

Day,<\/strong> Bolgo, Bon Gula, Bua, Fania, Gula Iro, Koke, Niellim, Noy, Tunia, Zan Gula, Besme, Goundo, Kim, Mbum, Kuo, Karang, Kare, Nzakambay, Pana, Dama, Mono, Ndai, Mambai, Mundang, Tupuri <\/strong> <\/strong>(alternative name : t\u00fcp\u00fcr\u00ef, toupouri, toubouri, tpuri<\/em>),<\/strong> Dek, Laka, Pam, To<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bambuk languages<\/p>\n

Burak, Dza, Kyak, Leelau, Loo, M\u00e1ghd\u00ec, Mak, Mingang Doso, Moo, Tha, Longuda, Kaan, Mboi, Bena, Lala-Roba, Voro<\/strong><\/p>\n

Waja-Kam group<\/p>\n

Awak, Kamo, Dijim-Bwilim, Tso, Bangwinji, Tula, Waja,<\/strong> Dadiya, Kam, Baa, Fali<\/strong><\/p>\n

Senufo languages<\/p>\n

Mamara, Nanerige, Shempire, S\u00ecc\u00ecte, Supyire, East Karaboro, West Karaboro, Cebaara, Nyarafolo, Senara, Syenara, Kpalaga, Djimini, Tagwana, Nafaara<\/strong><\/p>\n

South-Volta group<\/p>\n

Kwa languages<\/p>\n

Ebrie, <\/strong>Mbato, Krabo, Abure, Beti, Brong<\/strong> (alternative name: Abron<\/em>), Akan, Twi, Fante <\/strong>(alternative name: Mfantse<\/em>), Anufo, Anyin, Anyin Morofo, Baoule, Sehwi, Ahanta, Jwira-Pepesa, Nzema, Efutu <\/strong>(alternative name: Awatu<\/em>), Cherepon, Gua<\/strong> (alternative name: Anum<\/em>), Larteh, Chumburung, Dompo, Dwang, Foodo, Gikyode, Ginyanga, Gonja, Kplang, Krache, Nawuri, Nchumbulu, Nkonya, Dangme, Ga, Lelemi-Lefana, Siwu <\/strong>(alternative name: Akpafu-Lolobi),<\/em> Lipke, Santrokofi, Logba, Basila, Adele, Avatime, Nyangbo-Tafi, Bowili, Ahlo, Kposo, Animere, Akebu, Ewe <\/strong>(dialect group), Gen <\/strong>(dialect group), Aja, Fon <\/strong>(dialect group), Phla-Phera, Ega, Avikam, Alladian, Ajukru, Abidji, Abbey, Attie.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Benue Congo languages<\/p>\n

Akpes, Ayere, Ahaan<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yoruboid-Edoid-Akoko-Igboid<\/p>\n

Igala, Ede Cabe, Ede Ica, Ede Idaca, Ede Ije, Ede Nago, Kura, Manigri-Kambole, Ife, Isekiri, Lucumi, Mokole, Ulukwumi, Yoruba, Degema, Engenni, Epie, Edo, Emai-Iuleha-Ora, Esan, Ibilo, Enwan, Ghotuo, Igwe, Ikpeshi, Ivbie, North-Arhe Okpela, Ososo, Sasaru, Uneme, Yekhee, Ihievbe, Uokha, Ehueun, Iyayu, Uhami, Ukue, Akuku, Idesa, Okpamheri, Okpe, Oloma, Aduge, Eruwa, Isoko, Urhobo, Uvbie, Akoko, Ekpeye, Igbo, Ika, Ikwere, Izi-Ezaa-Ikwo-Mgbo, Ogbah, Ukwuani-Aboh-Ndoni<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Nupoid-Oko-Idomoid<\/p>\n

Ebira, Gade, Gbagyi, Gbari, Asu, Gupa-Abawa, Kakanda, Kami, Kupa, Nupe-Nupe-Tako, Dibo, Oko, Eloyi, Etulo, Agatu, Alago, Idoma, Igede, Yala, Akpa, Yace<\/strong><\/p>\n

Isolate<\/p>\n

Ukaan <\/strong>(alternative names: Ikan<\/em>, Anyaran<\/em>, Auga<\/em>, Kakumo<\/em>)<\/p>\n

Plateau group<\/p>\n

Tarok, Pe, Yangkam, Kwanka, Sur, Eloyi, Eggon, Ake, Jili, Koro-Zuba, Koro-Ija, Jijili, Nyeng, Ndun, Shakara, Akpondu, Alumu <\/strong>(alternative name: Arum<\/em>), Tesu <\/strong>(alternative name: Chessu<\/em>), Toro, Hasha<\/strong>(alternative name: Yashi<\/em>), Sambe, Anib, Ayu, Bu, Ce, Mada, Ningye, Ninka, Ninkyop, Numana, Numbu, Nunku, Fyem, Rukul, Horom, Firan, Cara, Cen, Ganang, Irigwe, Izere, Jju, Tyap, Ndun, Nyeng, Shakara, Berom, Iten, Cara, Shall, Doka, Idon, Iku-Gora-Ankwa, Ikulu, Kadara, Kuturmi<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Kainji languages<\/p>\n

Amo, Sheni, Gamo-Ningi, Gyem, Iguta, Izora, Janji, Jere, Kudu-Camo, Lemoro, Lere, Sanga, Shau, Tunzuii, Ziriya, Bina, Dungu, Gbiri-Niragu, Kaivi, Kinuku, Kono, Kurama, Mala, Ruma, Shuwa-Zamani, Surubu, Tumi, Vono, Panawa, Atsam, Piti, Basa, Basa-Gumna, Basa-Gurmana, Bassa-Kontagora, Bauchi, Gurmana, C\u2019lela, Gwamhi-Wuri, Hun-Saare, Ut-Ma\u2019in, Laru, Lopa, Baangi, Cishingini, Kakihum, Tsikimba, Tsishingini, Tsuvadi, East Acipa, West Acipa, Cinda-Regi-Tiyal, Fungwa, Hungworo, Pongu, Rogo, Shama-Sambuga, Reshe<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Jukunoid languages<\/p>\n

H\u00f5ne, Jibu, Jukun Takum, W\u00e3pha, Jiba, Wannu, Wapan, Como Karim, Jiru, Tita, Tigon Mbembe, Shoo-Minda-Nye, Etkywan, Kpan, Akum, Beezen, Kapya, Kutep, Yukuben, Bete<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cross River languages<\/p>\n

Alege, Bekwarra, Bete-Bendi, Bokyi, Bumaji, Obanliku, Putukwam, Ubang, Ukpe-Bayobiri, Agoi, Bakpinka, Doko-Uyanga, Olulumo-Ikom, Lokaa, Lubila, Nkukoli, Legbo, Lenyima, Leyigha, Mbembe, Oring, Kukele, Uzekwe, Gwagwune, Kohumono, Umon, Ubaghara, Kiong, Korop, Odut, Ukpet-Ehom, Anaang, Efik, Ibibio, Ukwa, Ekit, Etebi, Enwan, Uda, Ibuoro, Ito, Itu Mbon Uzo, Nkari, Ebughu, Efai, Ibino, Iko, Ilue, Okobo, Oro, Usaghade, Eki, Idere, Obolo, Gokana, Khana, Tee, Baan, Eleme, Abua, Odual, Kugbo, Abureni, Obulom, O\u2019chi\u2019chi\u2019, Ogbia, Ogbogolo, Ogbronuagum, Gokana, Khana, Tee, Baan, Eleme<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bantoid languages<\/p>\n

North Bantoid languages<\/p>\n

Dirim, Dong, Gaa, Lamja-Dengsa-Tola, Samba Daka, Fam, Kwanja, Twendi, Mambila, Mbongno, Mvanip, Ndunda, Somyev, Njerep, Ndoolai, Suga, Vute, Wawa, Bikya, Buru, Tikar<\/strong><\/p>\n

South Bantoid languages<\/p>\n

Bebe, Cung, Kemezung, Naki, Ncane, Noone, Saari, Abar, Fang, Koshin, Mbu\u2019, Mundabli, Bukwen, Mashi, Abanyom, Efutop, Ejagham, Ekajuk, Nde-Nsele-Nta, Ndoe, Nkem-Nkum, Nnam, Mbonga, Nagumi, Ngong, Bada, Bile, Duguri, Dulbu, Gwa, Jarawa, Kulung, Labir, Lame, Mama, Mbula-Bwazza, Shiki, Denya, Kendem, Kenyang, Leti, Tuki, Bati, Nomaande, Tuotomb, Yambeta, Tunen, Elip, Mbule, Mmaala, Nubaca, Nugunu, Yangben<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Bantu languages<\/p>\n

Group D<\/p>\n

Bembe, Buyu, Amba, Bera, Bhele, Bila, Bodo, Budu, Homa, Kaiku, Kango, Komo, Mbo, Ndaka, Nyali, Vanuma, Enya, Lengola, Mbole, Mituku, Bali, Beeke, Hamba, Holoholo, Kanu, Kwami, Lega-Mwenga, Lega-Shabunda, Lika, Songoora, Zimba, Nyanga<\/strong><\/p>\n

Group E<\/p>\n

Gweno, Kahe, Machame, Mochi, Rombo, Rwa, Vunjo, Gichuka, Kim\u00ee\u00eeru, Kitharaka, Mwimbi-Muthambi, Dhaiso, Gikuyu, Kamba, Kiembu, Ekegusii, Ikizu, Ikoma-Nata-Isenye, Kabwa, Kuria, Ngoreme, Suba, Suba-Simbiti, Temi, Zanaki, Kiwilwana, Kipfokomo, Dawida, Sagalla, Chichonyi-Chidzihana-Chikauma, Chidigo, Chiduruma, Kigiryama, Segeju<\/strong><\/p>\n

Group F<\/p>\n

Langi, Mbugwe, Nilamba, Nyaturu, Bungu, Kimbu, Konongo, Nyamwezi, Sukuma, Sumbwa, Bende, Fipa, Mambwe-Lungu, Pimbwe, Rungwa, Tongwe<\/strong><\/p>\n

Group G<\/p>\n

Bena, Hehe, Kinga, Kisi, Magoma, Manda, Pangwa, Sangu, Vwanji, Gogo, Kagulu, Ndamba, Pogolo, Northern C<\/strong>h\u00e0s\u00fa<\/strong>, Southern <\/strong>C<\/strong>h\u00e0s\u00fa<\/strong> Bondei, Shambala, Taveta, Mwali, Ndzwani, Ngazidja, Maore, Makwe, Mwani, Swahili, Doe, Kami, Kutu, Kwere, Luguru, Mushungulu, Ngulu, Sagala, Vidunda, Zaramo, Zigula<\/strong><\/p>\n

Group H<\/p>\n

Hungana, Beembe, Doondo, Kaamba Koongo, San Salvador Kongo, Kunyi, Laari, Suundi, Vili, Yombe, Bolo, Kimbundu, Sama, Songo, Lonzo, Mbangala, Ngongo, Pelende, Sonde, Suku, Yaka<\/strong><\/p>\n

Group J<\/p>\n

Haya, Jita, Kara, Kerewe, Kwaya, Nyambo, Subi, Talinga-Bwisi, Zinza, Konzo, Nande, Saamia, Lubukusu, Luidakho-Luisukha-Lutirichi, Lulogooli, Nyala, Olunyole, Lukabaras, Lutachoni, Masaaba, Nyole, Olukhayo, Olumarachi, Olumarama, Olushisa, Olutsotso, Oluwanga, Chiga, Ganda, Gungu, Gwere, Hema, Kenyi, Nyankore, Nyoro, Ruuli, Singa, Soga, Tooro, Ha, Hangaza, Rundi, Rwanda, Shubi, Vinza, Fuliiru, Havu, Hunde, Joba, Kabwari, Kinyindu<\/strong> (alternative name: Nyindu<\/em>), Shi, Tembo<\/strong><\/p>\n

Group K<\/p>\n

Chokwe, Lucazi, Luimbi, Luvale, Mbunda, Mbwela, Nkangala, Nyemba, Nyengo, Diriku, Mbala, Holu, Kwese, Phende, Samba, Kwangali, Luyana, Mashi, Mbowe, Mbukushu, Simaa, Lunda, Ruund, Salampasu, Fwe, Kuhane, Totela<\/strong><\/p>\n

Group L<\/p>\n

Bwile, Kaonde, Nkoya, Hemba, Kanyok, Luba-Kasai, Luba-Katanga, Lwalu, Sanga, Bangubangu, Binji, Kete, Luna, Songe<\/strong><\/p>\n

Group M<\/p>\n

Nyakyusa, Bisa, Lemba, Aushi, Bemba, Taabwa, Chinamukuni <\/strong>(alternative name: <\/strong>Lenje<\/em>),\u00a0Tonga <\/strong>(alternative name:\u00a0Chitonga<\/em>), Lambya, Malila, Ndali, Nyamwanga, Nyiha, Nyika, Safwa, Wanda<\/strong><\/p>\n

Group N<\/p>\n

Nyanja, Tumbuka, Mpoto, Matengo, Ngoni, Tonga, Barwe, Kunda, Nyungwe, Phimbi, Sena, Nsenga<\/strong><\/p>\n

Group P<\/p>\n

Chuwabu, Kokola, Koti, Lolo, Lomwe, Maindo, Makhuwa, Manyawa, Marenje, Nathembo, Takwane, Matumbi, Mbunga, Ndendeule, Ndengereko, Ngindo, Nindi, Rufiji, Machinga, Makonde, Nyasa, Mwera, Ndonde, Hamba, Yao<\/strong><\/p>\n

Group R<\/p>\n

Herero, Zemba, Kwambi, Mbalanhu, Ndonga, Ngandyera, Oshiwambo,<\/strong> Yeyi <\/strong>(alternative name:\u00a0Kuba<\/em>),\u00a0Ndombe, Nkumbi, Nyaneka, Umbundu<\/strong><\/p>\n

Group S<\/p>\n

Chopi, Bitonga, Ndebele, Swati, Xhosa, Zulu, Dema, Kalanga, Manyika, Nambya, Ndau, Shona, Tawara, Tewe, Kgalagadi, Ndebele, North Sotho, South Sotho, Birwa, Tswana, Lozi, Tswapong, Venda, Boguru, Gbati-ri, Isanzu, Kari, Mayeka, Ngbee, Ngbinda, Nyanga-li, Songo<\/strong><\/p>\n

Group A<\/p>\n

Ripka <\/strong>(alternative name:\u00a0Bafia<\/em>),\u00a0Bafia, Dimbong, Hijuk, Lefa, Tibea, Bakoko, Bankon, Barombi, Basaa, Yasa <\/strong>(alternative name: Ngumbi<\/em>), Batanga, Benga<\/a>, Bube, Bakole, Bubia, Duala, Isu, Malimba, Mokpwe, Wumboko, Kako, Kwakum, Pol, Akoose, Bafaw-Balong, Bakaka, Bassossi, Mbo, Oroko, Bonkeng, Nkongho, Bekwel<\/a><\/strong>, Bomwali, Byep, Gyele, Kol, Koonzime, Kwasio, Makaa, Mpiemo, Mpongmpong, Njyem, So, Ukhwejo, Bebele, Bebil, Beti, Bulu, Eton, Ewondo, Fang, Mengisa, <\/strong>Shiwa <\/strong>(alternative names: Chiwa, Makina, Fang mekina, Osieba<\/em>).<\/p>\n

Group B<\/p>\n

Akele<\/a>, Kota, Mahongwe, Mbangwe, Ndasa, Ngom, Sake, Seki, Sighu, Wumbvu, Kaningi, Mbere, Ndumu, Ngul, Ombamba, Yangho, Mpongwe<\/a><\/strong> (Myene), Duma, Njebi, Tsaangi, Wandji, Barama, Bwisi, Lumbu, Punu<\/a>, Sangu, Sira, Vumbu, Ngungwel, Tchitchege, Ibali Teke, Yaka, Eboo, Fuumu, Kukuya, Laali, Nzikou, Tege, Tsaayi, Tyee, Bubi, Kande, Pinji, Simba, Tsogo, Geviya<\/a><\/strong>, Molengue, Boma, Ding, Mfinu, Mpuono, Tiene, Yansi<\/strong><\/p>\n

Group C<\/p>\n

Kela, Bamwe, Bangi, Boko, Bolia, Bolondo, Bomboli, Bomboma, Bozaba, Dzando, Lobala, Mabaale, Moi, Ntomba, Sakata, Sengele, Yamongeri, Babango, Bangala, Boloki, Budza, Lingala, Lusengo, Ndolo, Baloi, Libinza, Likila, Ndobo, Bushoong, Dengese, Lele, Songomeno, Wongo, Foma, Kele, Lombo, Mbesa, Poke, So, Akwa, Koyo, Likuba, Likwala, Mboko, Mbosi, Lalia, Mongo-Nkundu, Ngando, Ombo, Ngando, Yaka, Bwa, Bwela, Kango, Ligenza, Ngelima, Ngombe, Pagibete, Tembo, Bomitaba, Bongili, Dibole, Mbati, Ngundi, Pande, Kusu, Nkutu, Tetela, Yela<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bantu isolates:<\/p>\n

Bemba, Songa<\/strong><\/p>\n


\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tivoid languages<\/p>\n

Abon, Ambo, Balo, Batu, Bitare, Caka, Eman, Esimbi, Evant, Iceve-Maci, Ipulo, Iyive, Manta, Mesaka, Osatu, Otank, Tiv, Busuu, Bishuo, Borna, Bikya, Buya, Moingi<\/strong><\/p>\n

Grassfields languages<\/p>\n

Befang, Fe\u2019fe\u2019, Ghom\u00e1l\u00e1\u2019, Kwa\u2019, Mengaka, Nda\u2019nda\u2019, Ngiemboon, Ngomba, Ngombale, Ngwe, Yemba, Awing, Bafut, Bambili-Bambui, Bamukumbit, Beba Kpati, Mendankwe-Nkwen, Ngemba, Pinyin, Dzodinka, Kwaja, Limbum, Mbo\u2019, Mfumte, Ndaktup, Yamba, Baba, Bafanji, Bamali, Bambalang, Bamenyam, Bamun, Bangolan, Medumba, Mungaka, Menka, Meta\u2019, Mundani, Ngamambo, Ngie, Ngoshie, Ngwo, Njen, Babanki, Bum, Kom, Kuk, Kung, Mmen, Oku, Bamunka, Kenswei Nsei, Vengo, Wushi, Aghem, Isu, Laimbue, Weh, Zhoa, Lamnso\u2019, Nde-Gbite, Viti, Fum, Ambele, Atong, Busam<\/strong><\/p>\n

South Bantoid isolates<\/p>\n

Anka, Buku, Kwak, Nshi<\/strong><\/p>\n


\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Comments on the classification of Niger-Congo languages<\/strong><\/h5>\n

It is extremely difficult to establish a detailed, stable and consensual internal classification of Niger-Congo languages: most of these languages have been insufficiently studied for one to establish their classification with certainty. The classification presented her does not claim to be exhaustive or final. We have used both Williamson\u2019s and Blench\u2019s (2000) classifications, one provided by Blench on his website (see sources), work by Gunthrie (1947 & 1971) on Bantu languages and SIL\u2019s classification on ethnologue.com (16th edition) in order to establish the one provided here.<\/p>\n

As done by Dimmendaal (2008), we have excluded Dogon, Oubanguian and Mande languages from our classification, because their ties to this group have not been sufficiently demonstrated.<\/p>\n

Many aspects of the classification presented here need clarification.<\/p>\n

– Kordofanian languages represent probably the oldest branch of Niger-Congo languages. And R. Blench claims in an unpublished article that the Rashad group counts 8 languages.<\/p>\n

– The uniqueness of Atlantic languages is controversial: the three main branches could well turn out to be three independent Niger-Congo branches, according to Dimmendaal (2008). The dialect cluster Fula, or Peul, comprises 9 main dialects sometimes regarded as 9 actual languages (ethnologue.com, for example). Likewise for the dialect cluster Dioula.<\/p>\n

– As far as Kru languages are concerned, the Grebo dialect group comprises 4 or 5 main dialects sometimes regarded as languages, notably by the SIL. There is a debate among linguists about whether Jabo is a Grebo dialect or an independent language.<\/p>\n

–\tAbout Gur languages: Wara and Natyoro are sometimes regarded as two distinct languages.<\/p>\n

– Chamba-Mumuye, Mbum-Day, Bambukique, Waja-Kam, Baa and Fali are often classified in the Sae group of the Adamawa languages but nowadays the integrity of the Adamawa group is considerably questioned.<\/p>\n

– The classification of Fali is very uncertain, it could be a primary branch of the Atlantic languages, sometimes considered a group of two languages.<\/p>\n

–\tThe classification of Gbe languages is very uncertain; they could be part of the West Benue-Congo languages.<\/p>\n

– The classification of the languages of the Plateau is controversial, the one suggested here is based on Blench\u2019s classification (see his website in the sources).<\/p>\n

–\tA connection is sometimes made between Bendi and Bantu languages.<\/p>\n

– The legitimacy of the Bantoid group is questionable. Dakoid languages are sometimes regarded as a separate branch of the Benue-Congo languages.<\/p>\n

– The classification of Bantu languages offered here uses the work of Gunthrie. Nonetheless, it should be indicated that this classification by \u201czone\u201d, each represented by a letter of the alphabet (from A to S), is mainly a geographical grouping. Bantu languages are traditionally included in the Niger-Congo group, but this belonging is also regularly questioned.<\/p>\n

Here is Bantu language layout map by Gunthrie, available on wikipedia<\/em>.<\/p>\n

http:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/1\/12\/Bantu_zones.png<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

Additional links<\/h5>\n

Page dedicated to the Niger-Congo languages on africanlanguages.org<\/p>\n

http:\/\/africanlanguages.org\/nigercongo.html<\/a><\/p>\n

Website on Jola, with online dictionaries and various articles on the Jola languages<\/p>\n

http:\/\/people.virginia.edu\/~ds8s\/Kujamaat-Joola\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Bassa-English Dictionnary on Roger Blench\u2019s website<\/p>\n

www.rogerblench.info\/RBOP.htm<\/a><\/p>\n

Roger Blench: linguistic data on some Niger-Congo languages<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.rogerblench.info\/Linguistics%20papers%20opening%20page.htm#Nigercongo<\/a><\/p>\n

Detailed information on Ega (French)<\/p>\n

http:\/\/coral.lili.uni-bielefeld.de\/langdoc\/EGA\/EgaSketchGrammar\/L_Ega_dg.html<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

– On Bantu languages<\/p>\n

Website on Bantu languages.<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.bantu-languages.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Bantu myths and legends<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.sacred-texts.com\/afr\/mlb\/index.htm<\/a><\/p>\n

Website on Duala with online lessons and glossary<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.studentsoftheworld.info\/sites\/divers\/584.php<\/a><\/p>\n

Preliminary draft of a French-Eton dictionary<\/p>\n

http:\/\/webh01.ua.ac.be\/markvandevelde\/dictionnaire%20\u00e9ton%20(brouillon)%20Mark%20Van%20de%20Velde.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

Fang-French-Spanish-Portuguese Dictionary<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.monefang.com\/dico\/dico.php<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

– On Sawhili:<\/p>\n

Online Swahili courses<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.fsi-language-courses.com\/Swahili.aspx<\/a><\/p>\n

English-Swahili Dictionary<\/p>\n

http:\/\/africanlanguages.com\/swahili\/<\/a><\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.websters-online-dictionary.org\/definition\/Swahili-english\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Kongo-English Dictionary<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.websters-online-dictionary.org\/definition\/Kongo-english\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Rundi-English dictionary<\/p>\n

http:\/\/amajambo.ijuru.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Personal site dedicated to Lingala offering online lessons and a Lingala-French \/French-Lingala dictionary<\/p>\n

http:\/\/pagesperso-orange.fr\/pascal.grouselle\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Online Lingala courses on the USA Foreign Service Institute website<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.fsi-language-courses.org\/Content.php?page=Lingala<\/a><\/p>\n

Zulu-English Dictionary<\/p>\n

http:\/\/isizulu.net\/<\/a><\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.websters-online-dictionary.org\/definition\/Zulu-english\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Soga-English dictionary<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.websters-online-dictionary.org\/translation\/Soga\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Website dedicated to Bemba including grammatical descriptions, texts and audio documents.<\/p>\n

http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20041106020742\/www.anthropology.emory.edu\/FACULTY\/ANTDS\/Bemba\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Lozi-English Dictionary<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.websters-online-dictionary.org\/definition\/Lozi-english\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Online Shona courses on the USA Foreign Service Institute website<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.fsi-language-courses.org\/Content.php?page=Shona<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

\n

References<\/h5>\n

Gerrit Dimmendaal, “Language Ecology and Linguistic Diversity on the African Continent”, Language and Linguistics Compass 2\/5:842. 2008.<\/p>\n

Kay Williamson & Roger Blench \u201cNiger-Congo\u201d, in Heine, Bernd and Nurse, Derek (eds) African Languages – An Introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge University press (2000)<\/p>\n

R.Blench’s page dedicated to the Plateau languages<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.rogerblench.info\/Language%20data\/Niger-Congo\/Benue-Congo\/Plateau\/Plateau%20page.htm<\/a><\/p>\n

Guthrie, Malcolm.The classification of the Bantu languages. London: Oxford University Press for the International African Institute (1948)<\/p>\n

Guthrie, Malcolm.Comparative Bantu, Vol 2. Farnborough: Gregg International. (1971)<\/p>\n

Page dedicated to the Niger-Congo languages on the SIL\u2019s ethnologue.com 16th edition<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.ethnologue.com\/show_family.asp?subid=68-16<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

9 juillet 2010<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

L\u2019adult\u00e8re chez les Ak\u00e9l\u00e9s<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Apr\u00e8s la demande en mariage, la dot et la polygamie, Sorosoro poursuit son exploration des liens conjugaux au Gabon\u00a0: la vid\u00e9o propos\u00e9e aujourd\u2019hui traite d\u2019un sujet qui ne manque pas de piquant, un sujet dont on peut sans doute affirmer qu\u2019il est, \u00e0 quelques exceptions pr\u00e8s, universel\u2026\u00a0: l\u2019adult\u00e8re\u00a0! <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

P\u00e8re de bien des maux, l\u2019adult\u00e8re sert parfois de pr\u00e9texte aux plus belles histoires, comme celle de Sh\u00e9h\u00e9razade, dans les fameux contes persans\u00a0: condamn\u00e9e \u00e0 mort pour avoir tromp\u00e9 son \u00e9poux, elle se sert de toutes les ressources po\u00e9tiques de sa langue et de son imagination pour tisser, durant mille et une nuits, l\u2019histoire qui lui sauvera la vie. Tenu en haleine par ses prouesses de conteuse, son mari renoncera finalement \u00e0 la tuer\u00a0!<\/p>\n

\n

On le voit \u00e0 travers cette histoire, l\u2019adult\u00e8re est consid\u00e9r\u00e9 comme une faute si grave que celle qui l\u2018a commise est passible de la peine de mort. Il s\u2019agit certes l\u00e0 d\u2019un cas extr\u00eame, mais il am\u00e8ne \u00e0 se poser la question du pourquoi d\u2019une sentence aussi violente.<\/p>\n

\n

Sans doute trouve-t-on un \u00e9l\u00e9ment de r\u00e9ponse dans le fait que le mariage est une institution tout \u00e0 la fois sociale et juridique qui, quelle que soit la forme qu\u2019elle rev\u00eat, qu\u2019il s\u2019agisse de polygamie ou de monogamie, garantit une certaine p\u00e9rennit\u00e9 du lien conjugal\u00a0; et, ce faisant, une stabilit\u00e9 au sein de la soci\u00e9t\u00e9, le respect de l\u2019ordre \u00e9tabli. L\u2019adult\u00e8re est donc per\u00e7u comme un d\u00e9sordre social, voire une atteinte \u00e0 la propri\u00e9t\u00e9, la femme apparaissant \u00e0 la fois vol\u00e9e et voleuse. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

D\u00e8s lors, il ne s\u2019agit plus d\u2019une affaire individuelle, mais bien d\u2019une affaire collective appelant une sanction de la communaut\u00e9 : la r\u00e9action va d\u2019une modeste r\u00e9paration du dommage \u00e0 la mise \u00e0 mort d\u2019une partie, ou des deux, en passant par le divorce ou la r\u00e9pudiation. Et comme on peut s\u2019y attendre, dans la plupart des cas, l\u2019adult\u00e8re n\u2019a pas la m\u00eame port\u00e9e s\u2019il est commis par l\u2019homme ou par la femme\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Au Gabon, chez les Ak\u00e9l\u00e9 des Lacs, c\u2019est Jean K\u00e9dine qui nous donne sa vision des choses, en faisant bien le distingo entre, pr\u00e9cis\u00e9ment, l\u2019adult\u00e8re masculin et l\u2019adult\u00e8re f\u00e9minin.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Where are Niger-Congo languages spoken? These languages are spoken in a large part of the African continent, equivalent to two thirds of the continent, and including all of Sub-Saharan Africa: West to East from Senegal to the Comoro Islands, North to South from Niger to South Africa. Roger Blench Niger-Congo language map Wikipedia Niger-Congo language […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-18611","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nNiger-Congo languages - Sorosoro<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sorosoro.org\/en\/niger-congo-languages\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Niger-Congo languages - Sorosoro\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Where are Niger-Congo languages spoken? These languages are spoken in a large part of the African continent, equivalent to two thirds of the continent, and including all of Sub-Saharan Africa: West to East from Senegal to the Comoro Islands, North to South from Niger to South Africa. 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