Kenyang

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A language of Cameroon

ISO 639-3
ken
Alternate Names
Banjangi, Banyang, Banyangi, Bayangi, Manyang, “Nyang” (pej.)
Autonym
Kɛnyaŋ
User Population

65,000 (1992 SIL), increasing. Ethnic population: 65,000.

Location

South West region: Koupé-Muanengouba division, west corner of Nguti subdivision; Manyu division, Mamfe Central and Upper Banyang subdivisions, Mamfe area and southwest.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Mamfe
Dialects

Upper Kenyang (Haut-Kenyang), Lower Kenyang (Bas-Kenyang), Bakoni (Kicwe, Kitwii, Manyeman, Manyemen, Northern Balong, Twii, Upper Balong).

Typology

SVO; prepositions; genitives, articles, adjectives, numerals, relatives after noun heads; question word final; maximum prefixes 3.

Language Use

All domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes. All also use Cameroon Pidgin [wes]. Most also use English [eng]. Some also use Denya [anv]. Some also use Ejagham [etu]. A few also use French [fra]. Used as L2 by Akoose [bss], Denya [anv], Ejagham [etu], Kendem [kvm].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 10%. Literacy rate in L2: 30% (gov’t figure). Used informally in education. Literature. Radio. NT: 2010.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Kenyang
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Upper Balong is distinct from Bafaw-Balong [bwt]. Christian, Muslim, traditional religion.