Bata

A language of Nigeria

Batta, Bete, Birsa, Bwaatye, Bwatiye, Demsa Bata, Dunu, Eastern Bwatiye, Gboati, Gbwata, Gbwate

User Population

302,000 in Nigeria (2020). Total users in all countries: 304,500.

Location

Adamawa state: Demsa, Fufore, Girei, Maiha, Song, and Yola North LGAs.

Language Maps

6a (Vigorous).

Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8

Dialects

Zumu (Jimo, Zomo), Wadi (Wa’i), Malabu, Kobotschi (Kobocĩ), Ribaw (Ribow), Njoboliyo, Garoua (Garua), Jirai, Furo, Song Bata. Bacama [bcy] and Central Bwatiye [bcy] 54%–68% of non-riverine dialects (Furo and Song); Njoboliyo [bta] 87% of Furo [bta], Song [bta], and Central Bwatiye [bcy]; Njoboliyo [bta] 73% of Bacama. Upriver dialects have contact with downriver dialects due to fishing practices. Dialect chain: Bacama [bcy] 89% with Central Bwatiye [bcy], 81% with Njoboliyo [bta], 86% with Furo [bta], 84% with Song Bata [bta].

Language Use

Most Muslims shifted to Fulfulde [fub]. All domains. Used by all. Mixed attitudes. Also use Adamawa Fulfulde [fub], especially adults middle-aged and above. Also use Hausa [hau]. Used as L2 by Mbula-Bwazza [mbu].

Language Resources

OLAC resources in and about Bata

Writing

Unwritten [Qaax].

Other Comments

Bacama [bcy] are joined with the Bata in the Bwaatye Association. Christian, Muslim.