Kusaal

A language of Ghana

Kusaas, Kusaasi, Kusale, Kusasi

Kʋsaal

535,000 in Ghana (2013 UNSD), increasing. 350,000 Agole, 70,000 Toende (2004 SIL). Total users in all countries: 549,000.

Location

Upper East region: Bawku district.

Language Maps

5 (Developing).

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

Dialects

Toende (Western Kusaal), Agole (Angole, Eastern Kusaal). Further investigation of the Toende dialect in Burkina Faso is needed. Possible marginal intelligibility with Eastern (Angole) Kusaal. Many claim to be able to understand the related languages: Mòoré [mos], Dagbani [dag], Mampruli [maw], and Farefare [gur]. Kusaal is a member of the Mòoré-Dagbani subgroup.

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains. Used by all. Also use Hausa [hau].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 1%–5%. Literacy rate in L2: 15%–25%. Literature. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 2015.

Language Resources

OLAC resources in and about Kusaal

Writing

Latin script [Latn], used since 1968.

Other Comments

Traditional religion, Muslim.