Gbari

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A language of Nigeria

Alternate Names
Gbari Yamma, Gwari Yamma, Nkwa, West Gwari
Autonym
Gbari
User Population

550,000 (2020).

Location

Abuja Capital Territory: Gwagwalada; Kogi state: Kogi LGA; Niger state: Zungeru to Kaduna river north, southeast through Agaie, Chanchaga, Lapai, Minna, Paiko, Rafi, and Suleija LGAs.

Language Status

6a (Vigorous).

Dialects

Kwali, Izem, Gayegi, Gbagyi Nkwa, Paiko, Botai, Jezhu, Kong, Kwange (Agbawi, Kangye, Wake, Wi), Wahe. Lexical similarity: 89%–98% with major dialects, 66%–78% with Gbagyi dialects.

Language Use

All non-formal contexts. Used by all. Also use English [eng]. Used as L2 by Koro Nulu [vkn], Koro Zuba [vkz].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L2: 5%–15%. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible portions: 1925–2018.

Writing

Latin script [Latn], used since 2001.

Other Comments

Do not want to be considered Gbagyi [gbr]. Muslim, Christian, traditional religion.