Saya

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A language of Nigeria

ISO 639-3
say
Alternate Names
Sayanci, Sayara, Sayawa, Seiyara, Seya, Seyawa, Vigzar, Vikzar, Zaar
User Population

300,000 (2013 SIL). 7,000 Sigidi (1995 CAPRO).

Location

Bauchi state: Bogoro, Dass, Tafawa-Balewa, and Toro LGAs; Plateau state: Kanem and Mangu LGA borders.

Language Maps
Language Status

6a (Vigorous).

Classification
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Zaar Proper
Dialects

Ntumu, Okak (Ntumu), Sigidi (Segiddi, Sigdi, Sugudi), Gambar (Gambar Leere, Kal, Lusa, Vigzar, Vikzar). Dialect cluster within Barawa language cluster (Crozier and Blench 1992). Lusa is the prestige dialect and other dialects are thought to be shifting to Lusa.

Language Use

Home, market. Used by all.

Language Development

Radio. Bible portions: 2013.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Saya
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

A person who speaks Zaar is known as a Vigzar (Vikzar). Traditional religion, Christian.