Mafa

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A language of Cameroon

ISO 639-3
maf
Alternate Names
Mofa, Natakan, “Matakam” (pej.)
Autonym
Mafa
User Population

500,000 in Cameroon (1997 SIL). Total users in all countries: 504,910.

Location

Far North region: Mayo-Tsanaga division, Mokolo town and north.

Language Maps
Language Status

3 (Wider communication).

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

West Mafa (Magoumaz, Mavoumay, Moskota), Central Mafa (Djingliya, Gouzda, Koza, Ldamtsai, Mokola, Mokolo, Ouzal), East Mafa (Bao, Mazam, Midre, Soulede), Roua. The Roua dialect may be a separate language.

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains. Used by all. Some also use Adamawa Fulfulde [fub]. Some also use Buwal [bhs]. Some also use French [fra]. Some also use Mefele [mfj]. Some also use North Mofu [mfk]. A few also use Hausa [hau]. A few also use Hdi [xed]. Used as L2 by Cuvok [cuv], Gavar [gou], Hdi [xed], Mefele [mfj], Mofu-Gudur [mif], Vemgo-Mabas [vem], Zulgo-Gemzek [gnd].

Language Development

New orthography in Catholic schools. Taught as subject in some primary schools. Literature. Radio. Dictionary. Bible: 1989.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Mafa
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Traditional religion.

Also spoken in:

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