Masana

A language of Chad

Masa, Massa, “Banana” (pej.)

Massana

239,000 in Chad (2019). Total users in all countries: 342,000.

Mayo-Kebbi Est region: Mayo-Boneye department, Bongor subprefecture, along Logone river; small group in Chari-Baguirmi region.

Language Maps

5* (Developing).

Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Masa

Dialects

Yagwa (Yagoua), Bongor, Wina (Viri), Walia (Walya), Domo, Gizay (Gisey, Guissey), Bugudum (Budugum), Gumay (Goumaye), Ham. All dialects understand Yagoua dialect well; Gizay and Yagoua dialects are 80% mutually intelligible. Lexical similarity: 97% between the Budugum dialect and the most similar other dialect.

Language Use

Positive attitudes.

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 8%. Taught as subject in primary schools. Dictionary. Grammar. Texts. Bible: 2003.

Language Resources

OLAC resources in and about Masana

Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Traditional religion, Christian.

Also spoken in:

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Cameroon

Language NameMasana

User Population

103,000 in Cameroon (1982 SIL).

Location

Far North region: southeast Mayo-Danay division, Yagoua town area.

Alternate Names

Masa, Massa, Massana, “Banana” (pej.)

Dialects

Yagwa (Yagoua), Domo, Walya (Walia), Bongor, Wina (Viri), Gizay (Guissey), Budugum. The first 3 dialects listed are West Masa; Wina and Gizay are Central Masa.

Language Status

5* (Developing).

Language Use

Most also use Adamawa Fulfulde [fub]. Many also use Chadian Spoken Arabic [shu]. Many also use French [fra]. Some also use Musgu [mug]. Some also use Tupuri [tui]. A few also use Musey [mse]. Used as L2 by Musey [mse], Tupuri [tui].

Other Comments

Traditional religion, Christian.

View other languages of Cameroon

Masana

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A language of Chad

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