Zialo

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A language of Guinea

ISO 639-3
zil
Alternate Names
Shialu, Zialu, Ziolo, Ziyolo
User Population

25,000 (2010 V. Vydrin).

Location

Nzérékoré region: Macenta prefecture, Zembezou and Panziazou subprefectures. 45 villages. About third of Zialo speakers live in the cities of Guinea.

Language Maps
Language Status

6a* (Vigorous).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Southwestern, Mende-Loma
Dialects

Kelighigo, Bayawa, Wolo-Ziolo (Wolo-Ziyolo), Woyjawa, Lawolozu (Laawolozu). Reportedly similar to Bandi [bza] and Toma [tod].

Typology

SOV; postpositions; noun head initial; dual number; 24 consonants and 28 vowels, contrasting in nasality and length; tonal (2 level tones: high, low), both lexical and grammatical; alienable/inalienable possession; inclusive/exclusive pronouns.

Language Use

Also use Toma [tod], especially the older generation (Babaev 2010).

Language Development

Dictionary. Grammar.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Zialo
Writing

Unwritten [Qaax].

Other Comments

Traditional religion, Christian.