Oniyan

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A language of Senegal

ISO 639-3
bsc
Alternate Names
Ayan, Basari, Bassari, Bassari-Tanda, Biyan, Onian, Onëyan, Tenda Basari, Wo
Autonym
Oniyan
User Population

18,200 in Senegal (2017). Total users in all countries: 31,200.

Location

Kédougou and Tambacounda regions: border areas.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing). Recognized language (2005, Decree No. 987 of 21 October).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Atlantic, Northern, Eastern Senegal-Guinea, Tenda
Dialects

Ane, Këd, Oxalac.

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Many also use Wolof [wol], as the language of commerce and interethnic communication (Sarr and Thiaw 2012). Some also use French [fra], as the language of education and government (Diouf et al 2017).

Language Development

Radio. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 2011–2016.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Oniyan
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Often identified by the majority population as Bassari. Tenda is a cover term for Oniyan [bsc], Badyara [pbp], Wamey [cou], and Ménik [tnr]. High mortality rate. Women intermarry with men from Fulbe and other groups; children become part of the other group. Trading is carried on with the Fulbe. Traditional religion, Christian.

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