Yangben

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A language of Cameroon

ISO 639-3
yav
Alternate Names
Central Yambassa, Kalɔŋ, Nuasue, Yambasa, Yambassa
Autonym
Nuasúɛ
User Population

2,300 (1994 SIL).

Location

Centre region: Mbam-and-Inoubou division, Bokito subdivision, Yangben canton south of Bokito town.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b (Threatened).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Sanaga (A.62)
Dialects

Nukalonge (Kalɔŋ, Kalong, Nukalɔŋɛ), Nutanga (Nupatang), Numende. Reportedly similar to Elip [ekm] and Mmaala [mmu]. Lexical similarity: 77% with Nubaca [baf], 51% with Mbule [mlb].

Language Use

Religious services. Some young people, all adults. Positive attitudes. Speakers do not think French [fra] will replace Yangben. Most also use French [fra], used in primary and secondary education. Some also use Bulu [bum], only in the Presbyterian Church. Some also use Ewondo [ewo], only in the Catholic Church. Also use Mmaala [mmu]. Also use Nugunu [yas]. Used as L2 by Bati [btc], Elip [ekm], Hijuk [hij], Mbule [mlb], Mmaala [mmu].

Language Development

Taught as subject in primary and secondary schools. Literature. Dictionary.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Yangben
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Nukalonge is the reference dialect.