Balanta-Kentohe

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A language of Guinea-Bissau

ISO 639-3
ble
Alternate Names
Alante, Balanda, Balant, Balanta, Balante, Ballante, Belante, Brassa, Bulanda, Frase
User Population

369,000 (2018).

Location

Widespread in central west.

Language Maps
Language Status

5* (Developing).

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

Nhacra (Fora), Kantohe (Kentohe, Queuthoe), Naga, Mane. Naga, Mane, and Kantohe dialects may be separate languages. Distinct from Balanta-Ganja [bjt] in Senegal. Not intelligible with Mansoanka [msw]. Naga and Mane are related on one end, and Nhacra and Kentohe are very closely related on the other end of the dialect chain, with Kentohe and Mane being furthest apart. Mane speakers say they are the same as Balanta Ganja [bjt] of Senegal. (2009 B. Paris).

Language Use

Most also use Guinea-Bissau Creole [pov], as the language of interethnic unity, communication, and commerce. Some also use Portuguese [por], as the language of education and communication with foreigners.

Language Development

Taught in primary schools as subject. Videos. NT: 2011.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Balanta-Kentohe
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Traditional religion, Christian.