Balanta-Ganja

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A language of Senegal

ISO 639-3
bjt
Alternate Names
Alante, Balanda, Balant, Balante, Ballante, Belante, Brassa, Bulanda, Fjaa, Fraase
User Population

116,000 (2017).

Location

Sédhiou region: north of the Casamance river between Sindina and Sédhiou, south of the river between Mangakounda Goudomp and Tanaff, and south to the Guinea-Bissau border.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b (Threatened). Recognized language (2005, Decree No. 979 of 21 October).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Atlantic, Northern, Bak, Balant-Ganja
Dialects

Fganja (Ganja), Fjaalib (Blip). Minor differences between the 2 dialects.

Language Use

Some young people, all adults. Most also use Mandinka [mnk]. Some also use Wolof [wol], as the language of commerce and interethnic communication. A few also use French [fra], particularly those who have attended school. Also use Mandjak [mfv]. Also use Mankanya [knf].

Language Development

Literacy classes. Radio. Videos. Dictionary. Grammar. Texts.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Balanta-Ganja
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

A separate language from Balanta-Kentohe [ble] in Guinea-Bissau. Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim.