Gwak

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A language of Nigeria

ISO 639-3
jgk
Alternate Names
Bankalawa, Gingwak, Jar, Jaracin Kasa, Jaranchi, Jaranci, Jarancin Kasa, Jarawa, Jarawan Bununu, Jarawan Kasa, Lasjar
Autonym
Gwak
User Population

70,000 (2011 SIL).

Location

Bauchi state: Dass and Tafawa-Balewa LGAs, Bar, Buyital, Dulem, Garam, Gital, Kardam, Kumgas, and Michiyan Kuka.

Language Maps
Language Status

6a (Vigorous).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian
Dialects

None known. Reportedly similar to Bankal [jjr], Duguri [dbm], and Bada [bau].

Language Use

Some pressure to shift to Hausa [hau], especially in Bununu Kasa. Used by all. Also use Hausa [hau] (Blench 2019).

Language Development

Bible portions: 1940–2013.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Gwak
Writing

Latin script [Latn], in development.

Other Comments

The Bagyak people identify both as Bagyak and also as Jarawa or Jar people. Muslim.