Mòoré
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A language of Burkina Faso
6,360,000 in Burkina Faso (2009 UNSD). Total users in all countries: 7,984,800.
Widespread. Central Ouagadougou area.
3 (Wider communication). De facto language of national identity. The Mossi (who are Mòoré speakers) settled in Burkina Faso in the tenth century and were the most powerful and influential ethnic group. Mòoré is spoken by more than half of the population of Burkina Faso. Spread throughout the central part of the country, with sub-populations in all major cities.
Saremdé, Taolendé, Yaadré, Ouagadougou, Yaande, Zaore (Joore), Yana (Jaan, Yanga). Yana dialect has over 90% intelligibility with the Ouagadougou dialect 75%–80% with the Joore dialect. Joore with Ouagadougou varies from 88% in Tibga to 95% in Diabo. Yanga in Togo, completely intelligible with Central Mòoré.
SVO; postpositions; genitives, articles, adjectives, numerals after noun heads; question word final; word order distinguishes subjects, objects; CV, CVC, CVV, CCV; tonal.
Dominant African language of Burkina Faso. Used by all. Also use Jula [dyu]. Used as L2 by Bisa [bib], Dagaari Dioula [dgd], Gourmanchéma [gux], Kasem [xsm], Koromfé [kfz], Lyélé [lee], Malba Birifor [bfo], Matya Samo [stj], Maya Samo [sym], Sininkere [skq], Southern Nuni [nnw], Southern Samo [sbd].
Literacy rate in L1: 24% (2006 census). Used in adult literacy classes (2021 SIL). Taught as subject in some primary schools through grades 3–5. Radio. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1983.
Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim.