Iyasa

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A language of Cameroon

ISO 639-3
yko
Alternate Names
Bongwe, Lyaasa, Maasa, Yasa, Yassa
Autonym
Iyasa
User Population

2,200 in Cameroon (2015 SIL). Ethnic population: 4,400 (2015 SIL). Total users in all countries: 3,200.

Location

South region: Océan division, Campo and Kribi subdivisions, 15 villages on the coast near Equatorial Guinea.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Bubi-Benga (A.33)
Dialects

Avandje, Iyasa (Iyassa). Iyasa (primarily in Cameroon) is closely related to Kombe [nui] and its dialects.

Language Use

Youth moving to towns, where language proficiency decreases. All domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Most also use French [fra]. Some also use Bulu [bum]. Used as L2 by Bulu [bum].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 80% read, 40% write, though not a conventional orthography. Want literacy. Radio. Bible portions: 2017–2019.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Iyasa
Writing

Latin script [Latn], used since 2011.

Other Comments

Christian, traditional religion.

Also spoken in:

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