Zarma

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A language of Niger

ISO 639-3
dje
Alternate Names
Adzerma, Djerma, Dyabarma, Dyarma, Dyerma, Zabarma, Zarbarma, Zarmaci, Zerma
Autonym
Zarma sanni, Zarmaciine
User Population

4,240,000 in Niger (2019). Total users in all countries: 4,330,100.

Location

Dosso and Tillabéri regions; also Niamey.

Language Maps
Language Status

4 (Educational). Recognized language (1999, Constitution, Article 3).

Classification
Nilo-Saharan, Songhai, Southern
Dialects

Songhoyboro Ciine (“Kaado” (pej.)). In Niger, dialects from Dendi [ddn] and Songai blend into Zarma. Intelligibility is high, ethnic autonym: Dendi or Songai. Cannot understand Songhay, Koyraboro Senni [ses] in Mali.

Language Use

Used as L2 by Western Niger Fulfulde [fuh].

Language Development

Taught in primary schools in early grades only in Zarma-speaking areas. Radio. TV. Dictionary. Grammar. Texts. Bible: 1990.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Zarma
Writing

Arabic script, Naskh variant [Arab]. Braille script [Brai]. Latin script [Latn], primary usage.

Other Comments

Ethnic groups include Kurtey (32,000), Wogo (28,000), Songhay (400,000), Dendi (40,000). Muslim, Christian, traditional religion.

Also spoken in:

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