Mbembe, Tigon

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A language of Cameroon

ISO 639-3
nza
Alternate Names
Akonto, Tigon, Tigong, Tigum, Tigun, Tikun, cha Mbémbe, chya Mbembe, cya Mbembe
Autonym
Mbémbe
User Population

40,000 in Cameroon (2005 SIL), increasing. Based on the actual population of the subdivision where the Tigon Mbembe people are present, as of the official 2005 census (2014 C. Hamm). Total users in all countries: 60,000.

Location

North West region: Donga-Mantung division, Ako subdivision, north of Nkambe.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Mbembe
Dialects

Ashuku (Kitsipki), Nama (Dama, Namu), Nzare (Izale, Izare, Ndzale, Njari, Nsare), Kporo, Eneeme.

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Many also use Cameroon Pidgin [wes]. Some also use English [eng]. Some also use Limbum [lmp]. Also use Hausa [hau]. Also use Naami [bzv]. Used as L2 by Kemedzung [dmo], Limbum [lmp], Naami [bzv], Sari [asj].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 10%. Literacy rate in L2: 15%–25%. 5% can read and write. Used informally in education. Literature. Radio. Dictionary. Grammar. Texts. NT: 2018.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Mbembe, Tigon
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Distinct from Mbembe [mfn] of Nigeria, which is in the Cross River group. Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim.

Also spoken in:

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