Farefare

A language of Ghana

Frafra, Gurene, Gurenne, Gurune

Farefare, Gurenɛ

638,000 in Ghana (2013 UNSD), increasing. 588,000 Gur and Nankansi, 49,200 Namnam (2013 UNSD). Total users in all countries: 663,100.

Location

Upper East region: Bolgatanga municipal district, Frafra area, west to Navrongo.

Language Maps

Burkina Faso

Ghana

Language Status

2 (Provincial). De facto provincial language in Upper East Region.

Classification

Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Western, Northwest

Dialects

Gurenne (Gudeni, Gudenne, Gurune, Zuadeni), Nankani (Naani, Nankanse, Ninkare), Booni, Talni (Taleni, Talensi), Nabt (Nabdam, Nabde, Nabdem, Nabdug, Nabit, Nabnam, Nabrug, Nabte, Namnam, Nangodi). 5 major dialects and many minor ones. Dialects are divided according to geography and ethnic sub-boundaries. Some named after towns or localities. Consider Southern Dagaare [dga] in particular a sister language.

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains. Used by all. Also use English [eng]. Used as L2 by Mampruli [maw].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 1%–5%. Literacy rate in L2: 5%–15%. Literature. Radio. Videos. Dictionary. Grammar. Texts. Bible: 2008.

Language Resources

OLAC resources in and about Farefare

Writing

Latin script [Latn], used since 1975.

Other Comments

Christian, traditional religion.