Waigali

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A language of Afghanistan

ISO 639-3
wbk
Alternate Names
Kalasha ala, Suki, Wai, Wai-Ala, Waigala, Waigalii, Waigeli, Zhonjigali
User Population

28,000 (2017), increasing. 2,300 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 28,000 (2017).

Location

Kunar province: north of Pech; Nuristan province: southeast; north Waigal valley (Varjan): Ameshdesh, Jamach, Waigal, Zonchigal villages, and east in Veligal valley villages; lower valley villages (Chima-Nishey).

Language Maps
Language Status

6a (Vigorous).

Classification
Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Nuristani
Dialects

Varjan, Chima-Nishey. Lexical similarity: 76%–80% with Tregami [trm].

Language Use

All domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Most also use Northern Pashto [pbu].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L2: 15%.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Waigali
Writing

Unwritten [Qaax].

Other Comments

Muslim.