Zulgo-Gemzek

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A language of Cameroon

ISO 639-3
gnd
Alternate Names
Gemjek, Guemjek, Guemshek, Guemzek, Zoulgo
Autonym
Gemzek, Zulgo
User Population

26,000 (2002 SIL).

Location

Far North region: Mayo-Sava division, Tokombéré subdivision, 16 villages on east edge of Mandara mountains, north of Maroua; Some parts of Mayo-Tsanaga division.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.5
Dialects

Gemzek (Gaduwa), Mineo (Minew), Zulgo (Zelgwa, Zoulgo, Zulgwa). Slight dialect differences between villages.

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains. Used by all. Many also use Merey [meq]. Some also use French [fra], as language of public education. Some also use Mafa [maf]. Also use Adamawa Fulfulde [fub], in church, but with interpretation into Gemzek or Zulgo. Used as L2 by Mada [mxu], Matal [mfh], Merey [meq].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L2: 10%. Literature. Dictionary. NT: 1988–1997.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Zulgo-Gemzek
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

The Mbuko [mqb], Muyang [muy], and Mada [mxu] languages are in the surrounding area. Christian, traditional religion.