Buwal

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A language of Cameroon

ISO 639-3
bhs
Alternate Names
Bual, Gadala
Autonym
Ma Buwal
User Population

10,000 (2004 SIL), increasing.

Location

Far North region: Mayo-Tsanaga division, Mokolo subdivision, Gadala area, south of Mokolo.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.7
Dialects

None known. Distinct phonological, grammatical and sociolinguistic differences with Gavar [gou]. Lexical similarity: 90% with Gavar [gou].

Language Use

Most domains. Used by all. Neutral attitudes. Some also use Gavar [gou]. Also use Adamawa Fulfulde [fub], in markets and churches. Also use French [fra], as language of instruction in school. Used as L2 by Gavar [gou], Mafa [maf], Mbudum [xmd].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 1%. Literacy rate in L2: 30% in Fulfulde [fub], 20% in French [fra]. L1 literacy is new. Literature. Grammar. Bible portions: 2019.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Buwal
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Outsiders’ name for Buwal is often Gadala, which is not offensive to Buwal speakers. Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim.