Bum

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A language of Cameroon

ISO 639-3
bmv
Alternate Names
Bom
Autonym
Bum
User Population

21,400 (2001 SIL), increasing.

Location

North West region: Boyo division, Bum subdivision, mainly Fonfuka village.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Ring, Center
Dialects

None known. Lexical similarity: 71% with Kom [bkm].

Language Use

Bum and Cameroon Pidgin [wes] used in health centers and with outsiders. Almost all domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Also use Cameroon Pidgin [wes], in health centers and with outsiders. Also use Chung [cnq]. Also use English [eng], as language of public education. Also use Kom [bkm]. Also use Nchane [ncr]. Also use Noone [nhu]. Used as L2 by Chung [cnq], Kom [bkm], Mbuk [bpc], Nchane [ncr], Noone [nhu].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 15%. Literacy rate in L2: 30%. Most women and children learn to read and write. L1 used informally in education. English medium of education. Literature. Radio. Texts. NT: 2014.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Bum
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Christian, Muslim, traditional religion.