Mandinka

A language of Senegal

Kolda region: Oussadou area on southeast border with Guinea; Sédhiou region: Casamance river north to The Gambia; Ziguinchor region: south of Casamance river.

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Gambia

Language NameMandinka

User Population

879,000 in Gambia (2014).

Location

Widespread.

Alternate Names

Manding, Mandingo, Mandinque, Mandé, Socé

Language Status

3 (Wider communication). The secondary LWC of commerce and the media, after Wolof [wof] (Biel 2014).

Language Use

Main language of middle Gambia. Home, religion, and local business. Positive attitudes. Many also use English [eng], as the language of education and government (Biel 2014). Also use Gambian Wolof [wof], as the language of commerce and media (Biel 2014). Used as L2 by Bambara [bam], Bandial [bqj], Bassari [bsc], Guinea-Bissau Creole [pov], Jola-Fonyi [dyo], Karon [krx], Mandjak [mfv], Pulaar [fuc], Serahule [snk], Serer-Sine [srr], Western Maninkakan [mlq].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 10%. About 50% in Mandinka in Arabic script. People read newspapers but not books.

Other Comments

Muslim.

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Guinea-Bissau

Language NameMandinka

User Population

182,000 in Guinea-Bissau (2018).

Location

Bafata region: Contuboel, north Gamamundo, and Sonaca sectors; Cacheu region: Bigene, Cacheu, and São Domingos sectors; Gabu region: Pirada and Sonaco sectors; Oio region: Farim and north Mansaba sectors.

Alternate Names

Manding, Mandinga, Mandingo, Mandingue, Mandinque

Language Status

6a* (Vigorous).

Language Use

Most also use Guinea-Bissau Creole [pov], as the language of interethnic unity, communication, and commerce. Some also use Portuguese [por], as the language of education and communication with foreigners. Used as L2 by Badyara [pbp], Kasanga [ccj], Soninke [snk].

Other Comments

Muslim.

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Mandinka

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A language of Senegal

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