Burkina Faso

Summary

Official Name
Population: 21,497,000
Principal Languages: French
Literacy Rate: 41% (2018 UNESCO)
International Conventions: ACHPR (1987), CDE (1960), CPPDCE (2006), CSICH (2012), ICCPR (1966), UNCRPD (2006), UNDRIP (2007)
General References: Bendor-Samuel and Hartell 1989, Harrison and Harrison 2001, Kedrebeogo et al 1988, Tiendrebeogo 1983, Tiendrebeogo and Yago 1983, Vanderaa 1991
Language Counts: The number of established languages listed for Burkina Faso is 71. All are living languages. Of these, 66 are indigenous and 5 are non-indigenous. Furthermore, 3 are institutional, 23 are developing, 35 are vigorous, 8 are in trouble, and 2 are dying.

Languages

American Sign Language ase: Scattered. Users: 102,000 in Burkina Faso (2021 DBS/DOOR/SIL). Estimated 60,000–120,000, based on 0.3%–0.6% of the total population. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: ASL, Burkina Faso Sign Language, LSAF, Langue des signes de l’Afrique francophone Classification: Sign language, Deaf community sign language
Biali beh: Est region: Kompienga province at Benin border, south of Arli, 3 villages. Users: 1,500 in Burkina Faso (1991). 450 monolinguals. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Berba, Bieri, Bjerb, Bjeri, Burba, Byali Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Eastern
Birifor, Malba bfo: Sud-Ouest region: Bougouriba, Ioba, Noumbie and Poni provinces; west of Black Volta river. Users: 108,000 in Burkina Faso (1993). Many monolinguals. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Birafour, Birifo, Birifor, Malba, Malba-Birifor, Ngmalba, Nmalba, Northern Birifor Autonym: Bɩrfʋɔr Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Western, Northwest, Dagaari-Birifor, Birifor
Bisa bib: Centre-Est region: Boulgou, Koulpelogo, and Kouritenga provinces; Centre-Sud region: Bazega province; Zoundweogo province, Garango, Gomboussougou, Tenkodogo, and Zabré cities; Plateau-Central region: Ganzourgou province, Boudry department. Users: 399,000 in Burkina Faso (2009 UNSD). Total users in all countries: 775,000. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Bissa, Bissa-Barka, Boussanse Autonym: Bɩsa Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Eastern, Bissa
Bobo Madaré, Southern bwq: Boucle du Mouhoun region: Banwa province; Est region; Hauts-Bassins region: Houet province, Bobo Dioulasso area; Kenedougou and Tuy provinces. Users: 181,000 (2009 UNSD). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Black Bobo, Bobo, Bobo Fi, Bobo Fing Autonym: Boboda Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Northwestern, Soninke-Bobo, Bobo
Bolon bof: Hauts-Bassins region: Houet and Kenedougou provinces, N’Dorola and Samorogouan areas. 12 villages. Users: 17,000 in Burkina Faso (1998 SIL). Total users in all countries: 22,920. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bo, Boka, Boon, Boron Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding
Bomu bmq: Boucle du Mouhoun region: Mainly Banwa province, Sami department; Hauts-Bassins region: Houet and Kenedougou provinces. Users: 56,000 in Burkina Faso (1991). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Bobo Oule, Boomu, Boré, Mu Boomu, Western Bobo Wule Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Bwamu
Buamu box: Boucle du Mouhoun region: Bale, Banwa, Kossi, Mouhoun, and Nayala provinces; Centre-Ouest region: Sissili province; Est region; Hauts-Bassins region: Houet and Tuy provinces; Sud-Ouest region: Bougouriba and Ioba provinces; area 80 km east–west and 200 km north–south. Users: 268,000 (2009 UNSD). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Bobo, Bomo, Bouamou, Bwaba, Bwamu, Eastern Bobo Oule, Eastern Bobo Wule, Red Bobo Autonym: Buamu Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Bwamu
Bwamu, Cwi bwy: Boucle du Mouhoun region: Bale province, Kabourou area; Est region; Hauts-Bassin region: Tuy province, Founzan; Sud-Ouest region: Ioba province. Users: 24,000 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bwamu Twĩ, Coo, Cwi, Twi Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Bwamu
Bwamu, Láá Láá bwj: Boucle du Mouhoun region: Bagassi, Bale province, Boni, and Pâ villages area; Hauts-Bassins region. Users: 69,200 (2000). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Buamu Laa, Buamu-laa, Bwamu Laa, Kàdenbà, Yere Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Bwamu
Cerma cme: Cascades region: Comoe province. Users: 51,900 in Burkina Faso (2009 UNSD). Total users in all countries: 53,600. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Goin, Gouin, Gwe, Gwen, Kirma Autonym: Cerma Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Kirma-Tyurama
Dagaari Dioula dgd: Centre-Ouest region: Sissili and Zuri provinces, Boromo, Dano, Diébougou, Dissin, Fara, French Hamele, Gao, Leo, Pa, Silly, Soukoulaye, To, and Wessa. Users: 21,000 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Dagaari Jula, Dagari Dyoula, Jari, Wala, Yari Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Western, Northwest, Dagaari-Birifor, Dagaari
Dagara, Northern dgi: Centre-Ouest region: Sissili province; Est region; Hauts-Bassins region: Tuy province; Sud-Ouest region: mainly Ioba and Bougouriba provinces; Noumbie and Poni provinces. Users: 247,000 (2009 UNSD). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Dagaara, Dagaare, Dagaari, Dagari, Dagati, Degati, Dogaari, Northern Dagaare Autonym: Dagara Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Western, Northwest, Dagaari-Birifor, Dagaari
Dogon, Jamsay djm: Nord region: Yatenga province; Sahel region: Soum province. North border with Mali. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Dyamsay Tegu Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Dogon
Dogon, Tomo Kan dtm: Boucle du Mouhoun region: Kossi province, Kombori department, near Mali border. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Tomo-Kan Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Dogon
Dogosé dos: Cascades region: Comoe province, Sidéradougou subdistrict, Koro, Kouere, Ouo, Sidéradougou, and Sirakoro; Hauts-Bassins region: Houet province; Sud-Ouest region: Poni province. Users: 20,000 (1991 O. Balagassina). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Doghose, Doghosié, Dokhobe, Dokhosié, Dorhossié, Dorhosye, Doro Doghosié, Dorobé, Dorosie, Dorossé Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Gan-Dogose
Dogoso dgs: Cascades region: Comoe province, Bondokoro, Dandougou, Sakédougou, Sokoura, Tolandougou, and Torokoro. Users: 9,000 in Burkina Faso (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bambadion-Dogoso, Bambadion-Dokhosié, Black Dogose, Dorhosié-Finng, Dorhosié-Noirs, Dorossié-Fing Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Dogoso-Khe
Dyan dya: Boucle du Mouhoun region: small areas in Bale province; Hauts-Bassins region: Houet province; Sud-Ouest region: Bougouriba province, Dolo, near Diébougou. Users: 14,100 (Vanderaa 1991). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Dan, Dian, Dya, Dyane, Dyanu Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Dyan
Dzùùngoo dnn: Hauts-Bassins region: Kenedougou province, Samogohiri and Samorogouan departments, Orodara town area, Diomou, Gnalé, Samogo-Iri, Samogogouan, Saraba, Sokouraba, and Todié. Cascades region: Leraba province, Sindou and Kankalaba departments (Kpeengo dialect). Users: 13,400 (1998 P. Solomiac). 4,020 monolinguals. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Dzùùn, Eastern Duun, Samogho, Samogo, Samoro Autonym: Dzùùngoo, Kpankagooma Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Northwestern, Samogo
French fra: Users: 5,400,000 in Burkina Faso, all users. L1 users: 170,000 in Burkina Faso (2009 UNSD). L2 users: 5,230,000 (Marcoux et al 2022). Status: 1 (National). Statutory national language (1991, Constitution, Article 35). Alternate Names: Français Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Western, Gallo-Iberian, Gallo-Romance, Gallo-Rhaetian, Oïl, French
Fulfulde, Northeastern Burkina Faso fuh: Boucle du Mouhoun region: Kossi and Sourou provinces south of Mopti town, Mali border; Centre-Nord region: Bam and Namentega provinces, small border areas; Sahel region: Oudalan, Seno, Soum, and Yagha provinces. Users: 1,170,000 in Burkina Faso (2009 UNSD). Status: 5* (Developing). De facto language of national identity. Alternate Names: Fulfulde Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Atlantic, Northern, Senegambian, Fula-Wolof, Fula, East Central
Gourmanchéma gux: Centre-Est region: Koulpelogo province; Centre-Nord region: Namentenga province; Est region: Gnagna, Gourma, Komandjari, Kompienga and Tapoa provinces; Sahel region: Seno and Yagha provinces. Users: 772,000 in Burkina Faso (2009 UNSD). Total users in all countries: 1,115,000. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Goulmacema, Gourmantche, Gulimancema, Gulmancema, Gurma, Migulimancema Autonym: Gourma Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Gurma
Hausa hau: Scattered. Est region: Gourma and Tapoa provinces. Users: 3,000 in Burkina Faso (2021 Joshua Project). Status: 5* (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Haoussa Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.1
Jalkunan bxl: Cascades region: Leraba province west of Banfora, Blédougou near Sindou town. Users: 500 (1995 SIL). Ethnic population: 800 (1995 SIL). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Blé, Dyala, Dyalanu, Jalkuna Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Jogo-Jeri, Jeri-Jalkuna
Jowulu jow: Cascades region: Leraba province, Noussoun and Tena villages near Mali boundary. Users: 1,000 in Burkina Faso (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Jo, Samogho Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Northwestern, Samogo
Jula dyu: Boucle du Mouhoun region: Kossi province; Cascades region: Comoe and Leraba provinces; Hauts-Bassins region: Houet province; Kenedougou province, scattered. Users: 3,616,000 in Burkina Faso, all users. L1 users: 616,000 in Burkina Faso (2009 UNSD). L2 users: 3,000,000 (2012 V. Vydrine). Status: 3 (Wider communication). De facto language of national identity. Used as a trade language in the western half of the country, and sub-populations in all major cities. Alternate Names: Dioula, Dioula Véhiculaire, Diula, Djula, Dyoula, Dyula, Jula Kong, Julakan, Kong Jula, Tagboussikan, Trade Jula Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-East, Northeastern Manding, Bamana
Kaansa gna: Cascades region: Comoe province; Sud-Ouest region: Poni province, Gaoua subdistrict, Loropéni department, bounded by Derbi east, Djigoué south, Loropéni west, and Yérifoula north; Bougouriba province. Users: 6,000 (1990 S. Showalter). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Gan, Gane, Gã, Kaan, Kaanse, Kan, Kãasa Autonym: Kã́asa Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Gan-Dogose
Kalamsé knz: Boucle du Mouhoun region: Sourou province, Tougan subdistrict, on Mali border. Users: 9,570 in Burkina Faso (1985 census). Total users in all countries: 12,070. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kalemsé, Sàmòmá Autonym: Sàmó Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Northern
Karaboro, Eastern xrb: Cascades region: Comoe province, east of main Ferké to Bobo-Dioulosso road and Banfora. Users: 35,000 in Burkina Faso (1995 SIL). Total users in all countries: 40,610. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Kɛ yur, Kai, Kar, Ker, Kler Autonym: Kai Yor Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Karaboro
Karaboro, Western kza: Cascades region: Comoe province, west of main Ferké to Bobo-Dioulosso road and Banfora. Users: 30,200 (Vanderaa 1991). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Syer-Tenyer Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Karaboro
Kasem xsm: Centre-Ouest region, Sissili province; Centre-Sud region: Nahouri province, Guiaro, Po, and Tiébélé towns. Users: 83,600 in Burkina Faso (2009 UNSD). Total users in all countries: 232,600. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Kasena, Kasim, Kassem, Kassena Autonym: Kasem Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Northern
Khe kqg: Cascades region: Comoe province, Boli, Lobo, Moromoro, Noumoukiedougou, Sessagbo, and Tiébata. Users: 1,300 in Burkina Faso (1983 SIL). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Bambadion-Kheso, Kheso Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Dogoso-Khe
Khisa kqm: Cascades region: Comoe province, Mangodara prefecture, 25 villages near Côte d’Ivoire border. Users: 3,000 in Burkina Faso (1991 SIL). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Khi, Khi Khipa, Komono, Kumwenu Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Gan-Dogose
Konabéré bbo: Boucle du Mouhoun region: Banwa province, Tansilla area; Kossi province. Users: 35,000 in Burkina Faso (1995 SIL). Total users in all countries: 60,000. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Black Bobo, Bobo, Bobo Fi, Bobo Madaré, Boboda, Northern Bobo Madaré, “Bobo Fing” (pej.) Autonym: Kʋnabɩrɩ Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Northwestern, Soninke-Bobo, Bobo
Koromfé kfz: Centre-Nord region: Bam and Sanmatenga provinces; Nord region: Loroum province; Yatenga province: Titao subdistrict; Sahel region: Soum province, Djibo-Aribinda subdistrict. Users: 196,000 in Burkina Faso (Johnstone and Mandryk 2001). Total users in all countries: 202,000. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Fula, Fulse, Koromba, Kouroumba, Kuruma, Kurumba, Kurumfe Autonym: Koromfe Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Kurumfe
Kpeego cpo: Cascades region: Leraba province, Kankalaba department, Noumousoba and Tourny villages; southwest. Users: 2,000 (2012 SIL). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Noumou, Noumoukan, Numu Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Northwestern
Kusaal kus: Centre-Est region: Boulgou province, villages south of Zabré. Centre-Sud region: Narhouri province. Users: 12,800 in Burkina Faso (2009 UNSD). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Koussassé, Kusaas, Kusale, Kusasi, Kʋsaal Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Western, Southeast
Lobi lob: Cascades region: Comoe province; Sud-Ouest region: Bougouriba and Noumbiel provinces; Poni province, Gaoua southwest border area. Users: 220,000 in Burkina Faso (2009 UNSD). Total users in all countries: 490,000. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Lobiri, Miwa Autonym: ’Lobiire Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Lobi
Lyélé lee: Boucle du Mouhoun region: Nayala province; Centre-Ouest region: Boulkiende province; north and central Sanguie province, Dassa, Didyr, Godyr, Kordie, Kyon, Réo, and Tenado subdistricts, Réo principal center; Nord region: Passore province. Users: 213,000 (2009 UNSD). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Gurunsi, Lela, Lele, Lyela, Lyele, Lyæ̀læ Autonym: Lyélé Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Northern
Marka rkm: Boucle du Mouhoun region: Bale, Banwa, Nayala, and Sourou provinces; Kossi and Mouhoun provinces: Nouna and Dedougou areas. Users: 135,000 in Burkina Faso (2009 UNSD). Total users in all countries: 185,800. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Dafing, Marka Dafing Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-East, Marka-Dafin
Moba mfq: Centre-Est region: Koulpelogo province, Ouargaye subdistrict. Users: 1,800 in Burkina Faso (Vanderaa 1991). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ben, Moa, Moab, Moare, Muaba Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Gurma, Moba
Mòoré mos: Widespread. Central Ouagadougou area. Users: 6,360,000 in Burkina Faso (2009 UNSD). Total users in all countries: 7,984,800. Status: 3 (Wider communication). De facto language of national identity. The Mossi (who are Mòoré speakers) settled in Burkina Faso in the 10th century and were the most powerful and influential ethnic group. Mòoré is spoken by more than half of the population of Burkina Faso. Spread throughout the central part of the country, with sub-populations in all major cities. Alternate Names: Mole, Moose, More, Moré, Moshi, Mossi Autonym: Mòoré Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Western, Northwest
N’ko nqo: Scattered. Users: No known L1 speakers in Burkina Faso. Ethnic population: No ethnic community. Status: 9 (Second language only). Classification: Mixed language
Natioro nti: Cascades region: Leraba province, Sindou subdistrict, Sindou town area west of Banfora; Dinaoro, Kawara, and Timba. Users: 2,400 (Vanderaa 1991). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Koo’ra, Natjoro, Natyoro Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Wara-Natioro
Ninkare gur: Centre-Est region: Boulgou province; Centre-Sud region: Narhouri province, Zecco and Ziou subdistricts; Zoundweogo province. Users: 25,100 in Burkina Faso (1991). Status: 5 (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Farefare, Frafra, Gurenne, Gurne, Gurune, Nankani, Ninkarsé, fãrfãrɛ, gʋrnɛ Ninkãrɛ, nankam, nankana, ninkãrɛ Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Western, Northwest
Nuni, Northern nuv: Boucle du Mouhoun region: Bale and Mouhoun provinces, near Boromo; Centre-Ouest region: Sanguie province. Dialect dividing line is Mouhoun river. Users: 45,000 (1995 SIL). 15,000–25,000 in Northwestern Nuni, 25,000–35,000 in Northeastern Nuni. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Nibulu, Nouni, Nounouma, Nuna, Nune, Nunuma, Nuruma Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Northern
Nuni, Southern nnw: Boucle du Mouhoun region: Bale province, east Mouhoun province; Centre-Ouest region: Sanguie, Sissili and Zuri provinces; Centre-Sud region: west Narhouri. Over 100 villages. Users: 147,000 (2009 UNSD). Census figure (2009) is for all Nuni. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Nibulu, Nouni, Nounouma, Nuna, Nune, Nuni, Nunuma, Nuruma Autonym: Nʋnɩ Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Northern
Paleni pnl: Cascades region: Leraba province, Loumana department, Faniagara village. Users: 260 (2012 SIL). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Wara Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Wara-Natioro
Pana pnq: Boucle du Mouhoun region: Sourou province, Kassoum subdistrict, Oué town area, Sourou river valley from Mali. Users: 5,000 in Burkina Faso (1998). Total users in all countries: 7,800. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Sama Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Northern
Phuie pug: Hauts-Bassins region: Houet and Tuy provinces; Sud-Ouest region: Bougouriba and Ioba provinces north and west of Diébougou, northeast of Dano; possibly Est region. Users: 14,300 (2000). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Buguli, Buguri, Phuien, Phuó, Phwĩe, PhwĩƗ, Pougouli, Puguli, Pwa, Pwe, Pwie, Pwien, Pwo Autonym: Phuieŋ, Phuĩé Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Western
Samo, Matya stj: Boucle du Mouhoun region: Kossi province; Sourou province, Mouna and Solenzo areas; Bobo-Diolaso, Dedougou, Koudougou, and Ouagadougou cities. Users: 105,000 in Burkina Faso (1995 R. Jones). All Samo (San) languages: 233,000 (2009 UNSD). Total users in all countries: 106,000. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Northern San Macaa, Northwestern Samo, San, San Ma Caa, San Macaa, San Matya, Sane, Sànán, Tougan, West Central Goe Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Eastern, Samo
Samo, Maya sym: Boucle du Mouhoun region: Sourou province; Nord region: Yatenga and Zoundma provinces. North central. Users: 38,000 (1999). All Samo (San) languages: 233,000 (2009 UNSD). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Leburu, Northeastern Samo, Northern San Mayaa, Sa, San, San Maya, San Mayaa Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Eastern, Samo
Samo, Southern sbd: Boucle du Mouhoun region: mainly Nayala province, Nouna and Solenzo areas; Sourou province; Centre-Ouest region: Sanguie province; Nord region: Passore province; Bobo-Dioulasso, Dedougou, Koudougou, and Ouagadougou cities. Gassan, Gossina, Kougny, Toma, Yaba, and Ye departments (Toma dialect). Users: 85,000 (1998). All Samo (San) languages: 233,000 (2009 UNSD). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Sa, Samo, San Maka, Sane Autonym: San Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Eastern, Samo
Seeku sos: Hauts-Bassins region: Houet province, Bobo-Dioulasso department, Bama, Banzo, Bouendé, Karankasso, Tiara, and Torosso villages; Kenedougou province. Users: 16,000 (2009 UNSD). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Sambla, Samogho, Seenku, Sembla, Southern Samo Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Northwestern, Samogo
Sénoufo, Nanerigé sen: Hauts-Bassins region: Houet province, Bobo-Dioulasso department; Kenedougou province, Djigouera and north. Users: 50,000 (1985 census). All Senoufo languages: 173,000 (2009 UNSD). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Naani, Nandereke, Nandergé, Nanergué, Nanergé, Nanerige Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Suppire-Mamara
Sénoufo, Senara seq: Cascades region: Comoe and southern Leraba provinces. Users: 50,000 (1995 SIL). All Senoufo languages: 173,000 (2009 UNSD). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Niangolo, Sénoufo Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Senari
Sénoufo, Sìcìté sep: Cascades region: Leraba province, Oueleni department; Hauts-Bassins region: Kenedougou province, Koloko and Ouelaní prefectures, Tagouara plateau to Mali border. Users: 35,000 in Burkina Faso (1999 SIL). All Senoufo languages: 173,000 (2009 UNSD). Total users in all countries: 38,000. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Sucite, Sìcìré, Sìcìté, Sìpììté, Tagba Autonym: Sìcijuungé Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Suppire-Mamara
Siamou sif: Hauts-Bassins region: Houet province, Toussiana department; Kenedougou province: Orodara is center, Bandougou, Didéri, Diéri, Diéridéni, Diossogou, Kotoudéni, Lidara, and Tin villages. Users: 17,400 in Burkina Faso (2009 UNSD). Total users in all countries: 52,100. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Seme, Siemu, Siémou, Syémou, Sému Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Seme
Sininkere skq: Centre-Nord region: Sanmatenga province near Pensa. Users: 6,000 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Silanke, Silinkere Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding
Sissala sld: Centre-Ouest region: Sissili province between Léo and Hamale, 30 villages; Sud-Ouest region: Ioba province, Niego and Ouessa departments. Users: 13,000 (1991 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Isala, Sisaali, Sɩsaala Autonym: Sɩ́ssalɩ́ Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Western
Songhay hmb: Sahel region: Oudalan and Seno provinces, Falagountou, Ouanobian, and other towns. Central northeast. Users: 10,000 in Burkina Faso (2011 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Central Songai, Humburi Senni Songhay, Songai, Songay, Songay Senni, Songhai, Songoi, Songoy, Sonrai, Sonrhai Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Songhai, Southern
Tamasheq, Kidal taq: Nord region: Loroum province, into Yatenga province; Sahel region: Oudalan province. Users: 122,000 in Burkina Faso (2009 UNSD). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Tamashekin, Timbuktu, Tomacheck, Tuareg Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Berber, Tamasheq, Southern
Téén lor: Sud-Ouest region: Poni province, Kampti subdistrict, 2 pockets west of Kampti. Users: 2,000 in Burkina Faso (1999). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Loghon, Lorhon, Loron, Nabe, Tegesie, Ténhé Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Teen
Tiéfo tiq: Cascades region: Comoe province, Dramandougou Tiéfo; Hauts-Bassins region: Houet province. Users: 1,000 (1995 SIL). Ethnic population: 12,000 (1995 SIL). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Kiefo, Tyefo, Tyeforo Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Tiefo
Toussian, Northern tsp: Hauts-Bassins region: Houet province west of Bobo-Dioulasso; Kenedougou province north, east, and south of Orodara. Users: 19,500 (1995 SIL). 1,000 in Wenteene dialect, 18,500 in the other dialects. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Tusia, Tusian, Tusya, Tusyang Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Tusia
Toussian, Southern wib: Cascades region: Comoe Hauts-Bassins region, Houet province, halfway between Banfora and Bobo-Dioulasso; Toussiana is center area. Users: 19,500 in Burkina Faso (1995 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Tusia, Tusian, Tusya, Tusyang, Win Autonym: Wĩ́nwɛ́y Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Tusia
Turka tuz: Cascades region: Comoe province north and west of Banfora; Leraba province; Hauts-Bassins region: Houet and Kenedougou provinces; principal villages are dialect names. Users: 37,000 in Burkina Faso (1998 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Curama, Cuuramã, Tchourama, Tourka, Turuka, Tyurama Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Kirma-Tyurama
Viemo vig: Cascades region: Comoé province; Hauts-Bassins region: Houet province, Karankasso Vigué department, southeast of Bobo Dioulasso; Sud-Ouest region: Bougouriba province. Users: 8,000 (1995 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Vige, Vigué, Vigye Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Viemo
Wara wbf: Cascades region: Leraba province, Sindou town area, Néguéni is main village. Users: 4,500 (Johnstone 1993). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ouala, Ouara, Samoe, Samwé Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Wara-Natioro
Winyé kst: Boucle du Mouhoun region: Bale province, Boromo subdistrict, Boromo area, halfway between Bobo-Dioulosso and Ouagadougou, 17 to 18 villages; Centre-Ouest region: Sanguie province. Users: 20,000 (1999 SIL). Most are monolingual. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kols, Kolsi, Kõ Autonym: Winɩ́ɛ Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Western
Zarma dje: Est region: Tapoa province, scattered settlements. Users: 600 in Burkina Faso (1987 SIL). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Adzerma, Djerma, Dyabarma, Dyarma, Dyerma, Zabarma, Zarbarma, Zarma sanni, Zarmaciine, Zerma Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Songhai, Southern

Languages by Status

1 (National)

French

[fra] 1 (National). Statutory national language (1991, Constitution, Article 35). 5,400,000 in Burkina Faso, all users. L1 users: 170,000 in Burkina Faso (2009 UNSD). L2 users: 5,230,000 (Marcoux et al 2022).

3 (Wider communication)

Jula

[dyu] 3 (Wider communication). De facto language of national identity. Used as a trade language in the western half of the country, and sub-populations in all major cities. 3,616,000 in Burkina Faso, all users. L1 users: 616,000 in Burkina Faso (2009 UNSD). L2 users: 3,000,000 (2012 V. Vydrine).

Mòoré

[mos] 3 (Wider communication). De facto language of national identity. The Mossi (who are Mòoré speakers) settled in Burkina Faso in the 10th century and were the most powerful and influential ethnic group. Mòoré is spoken by more than half of the population of Burkina Faso. Spread throughout the central part of the country, with sub-populations in all major cities. 6,360,000 in Burkina Faso (2009 UNSD). Total users in all countries: 7,984,800.

5 (Dispersed)

Hausa

[hau] 5* (Dispersed). 3,000 in Burkina Faso (2021 Joshua Project).

Ninkare

[gur] 5 (Dispersed). 25,100 in Burkina Faso (1991).

5 (Developing)

Biali

[beh] 5 (Developing). 1,500 in Burkina Faso (1991). 450 monolinguals.

Birifor, Malba

[bfo] 5 (Developing). 108,000 in Burkina Faso (1993). Many monolinguals.

Bisa

[bib] 5 (Developing). 399,000 in Burkina Faso (2009 UNSD). Total users in all countries: 775,000.

Bobo Madaré, Southern

[bwq] 5 (Developing). 181,000 (2009 UNSD).

Bomu

[bmq] 5 (Developing). 56,000 in Burkina Faso (1991).

Buamu

[box] 5 (Developing). 268,000 (2009 UNSD).

Bwamu, Láá Láá

[bwj] 5 (Developing). 69,200 (2000).

Cerma

[cme] 5 (Developing). 51,900 in Burkina Faso (2009 UNSD). Total users in all countries: 53,600.

Dagara, Northern

[dgi] 5 (Developing). 247,000 (2009 UNSD).

Fulfulde, Northeastern Burkina Faso

[fuh] 5* (Developing). De facto language of national identity. 1,170,000 in Burkina Faso (2009 UNSD).

Gourmanchéma

[gux] 5 (Developing). 772,000 in Burkina Faso (2009 UNSD). Total users in all countries: 1,115,000.

Kaansa

[gna] 5 (Developing). 6,000 (1990 S. Showalter).

Karaboro, Eastern

[xrb] 5 (Developing). 35,000 in Burkina Faso (1995 SIL). Total users in all countries: 40,610.

Kasem

[xsm] 5 (Developing). 83,600 in Burkina Faso (2009 UNSD). Total users in all countries: 232,600.

Koromfé

[kfz] 5* (Developing). 196,000 in Burkina Faso (Johnstone and Mandryk 2001). Total users in all countries: 202,000.

Lobi

[lob] 5 (Developing). 220,000 in Burkina Faso (2009 UNSD). Total users in all countries: 490,000.

Nuni, Southern

[nnw] 5 (Developing). 147,000 (2009 UNSD). Census figure (2009) is for all Nuni.

Samo, Southern

[sbd] 5 (Developing). 85,000 (1998). All Samo (San) languages: 233,000 (2009 UNSD).

Sénoufo, Sìcìté

[sep] 5 (Developing). 35,000 in Burkina Faso (1999 SIL). All Senoufo languages: 173,000 (2009 UNSD). Total users in all countries: 38,000.

Sissala

[sld] 5 (Developing). 13,000 (1991 SIL).

Tamasheq, Kidal

[taq] 5* (Developing). 122,000 in Burkina Faso (2009 UNSD).

6a (Vigorous)

American Sign Language

[ase] 6a* (Vigorous). 102,000 in Burkina Faso (2021 DBS/DOOR/SIL). Estimated 60,000–120,000, based on 0.3%–0.6% of the total population.

Bolon

[bof] 6a (Vigorous). 17,000 in Burkina Faso (1998 SIL). Total users in all countries: 22,920.

Bwamu, Cwi

[bwy] 6a (Vigorous). 24,000 (1999 SIL).

Dagaari Dioula

[dgd] 6a* (Vigorous). 21,000 (1999 SIL).

Dogon, Jamsay

[djm] 6a* (Vigorous).

Dogon, Tomo Kan

[dtm] 6a* (Vigorous).

Dogosé

[dos] 6a (Vigorous). 20,000 (1991 O. Balagassina).

Dogoso

[dgs] 6a (Vigorous). 9,000 in Burkina Faso (1999 SIL).

Dyan

[dya] 6a* (Vigorous). 14,100 (Vanderaa 1991).

Dzùùngoo

[dnn] 6a (Vigorous). 13,400 (1998 P. Solomiac). 4,020 monolinguals.

Jowulu

[jow] 6a (Vigorous). 1,000 in Burkina Faso (1999 SIL).

Kalamsé

[knz] 6a (Vigorous). 9,570 in Burkina Faso (1985 census). Total users in all countries: 12,070.

Karaboro, Western

[kza] 6a* (Vigorous). 30,200 (Vanderaa 1991).

Konabéré

[bbo] 6a* (Vigorous). 35,000 in Burkina Faso (1995 SIL). Total users in all countries: 60,000.

Kusaal

[kus] 6a (Vigorous). 12,800 in Burkina Faso (2009 UNSD).

Marka

[rkm] 6a (Vigorous). 135,000 in Burkina Faso (2009 UNSD). Total users in all countries: 185,800.

Moba

[mfq] 6a (Vigorous). 1,800 in Burkina Faso (Vanderaa 1991).

Natioro

[nti] 6a (Vigorous). 2,400 (Vanderaa 1991).

Nuni, Northern

[nuv] 6a (Vigorous). 45,000 (1995 SIL). 15,000–25,000 in Northwestern Nuni, 25,000–35,000 in Northeastern Nuni.

Pana

[pnq] 6a (Vigorous). 5,000 in Burkina Faso (1998). Total users in all countries: 7,800.

Phuie

[pug] 6a (Vigorous). 14,300 (2000).

Samo, Matya

[stj] 6a* (Vigorous). 105,000 in Burkina Faso (1995 R. Jones). All Samo (San) languages: 233,000 (2009 UNSD). Total users in all countries: 106,000.

Samo, Maya

[sym] 6a (Vigorous). 38,000 (1999). All Samo (San) languages: 233,000 (2009 UNSD).

Seeku

[sos] 6a (Vigorous). 16,000 (2009 UNSD).

Sénoufo, Nanerigé

[sen] 6a (Vigorous). 50,000 (1985 census). All Senoufo languages: 173,000 (2009 UNSD).

Sénoufo, Senara

[seq] 6a (Vigorous). 50,000 (1995 SIL). All Senoufo languages: 173,000 (2009 UNSD).

Siamou

[sif] 6a* (Vigorous). 17,400 in Burkina Faso (2009 UNSD). Total users in all countries: 52,100.

Sininkere

[skq] 6a (Vigorous). 6,000 (1999 SIL).

Songhay

[hmb] 6a (Vigorous). 10,000 in Burkina Faso (2011 SIL).

Toussian, Northern

[tsp] 6a (Vigorous). 19,500 (1995 SIL). 1,000 in Wenteene dialect, 18,500 in the other dialects.

Toussian, Southern

[wib] 6a (Vigorous). 19,500 in Burkina Faso (1995 SIL).

Turka

[tuz] 6a (Vigorous). 37,000 in Burkina Faso (1998 SIL).

Viemo

[vig] 6a (Vigorous). 8,000 (1995 SIL).

Wara

[wbf] 6a (Vigorous). 4,500 (Johnstone 1993).

Winyé

[kst] 6a* (Vigorous). 20,000 (1999 SIL). Most are monolingual.

6b (Threatened)

Kpeego

[cpo] 6b (Threatened). 2,000 (2012 SIL).

Lyélé

[lee] 6b (Threatened). 213,000 (2009 UNSD).

Paleni

[pnl] 6b (Threatened). 260 (2012 SIL).

Téén

[lor] 6b* (Threatened). 2,000 in Burkina Faso (1999).

Zarma

[dje] 6b* (Threatened). 600 in Burkina Faso (1987 SIL).

7 (Shifting)

Jalkunan

[bxl] 7 (Shifting). 500 (1995 SIL). Ethnic population: 800 (1995 SIL).

Khe

[kqg] 7 (Shifting). 1,300 in Burkina Faso (1983 SIL).

Khisa

[kqm] 7 (Shifting). 3,000 in Burkina Faso (1991 SIL).

8a (Moribund)

Tiéfo

[tiq] 8a (Moribund). 1,000 (1995 SIL). Ethnic population: 12,000 (1995 SIL).

Maps

Burkina Faso

Graphs

Language Vitality Profile
Full explanation
This graph shows the profile of languages in Burkina Faso with respect to their level of language vitality. Each individual language that has an entry for Burkina Faso is included in the profile. The horizontal axis represents the estimated level of vitality. The height of each bar indicates the number of languages that are estimated to be at the given level.
The vitality levels and the color coding of the bars match the scheme used in the guide on How many languages are endangered? In this scheme, the levels and colors are as follows:
- Dark green = Institutional (EGIDS 0-4) — The language has been developed to the point that it is used and sustained by institutions beyond the home and community.
- Light green = Stable (EGIDS 5-6a) — The language is not being sustained by formal institutions, but It is still the norm in the home and community that all children learn and use the language.
- Red = Endangered (EGIDS 6b-9) — It is no longer the norm that children learn and use this language.
These three summary levels have been derived by grouping levels in the Expanded Graded Intergenerational Disruption Scale (EGIDS), which is the more fine-grained scale that Ethnologue uses to assess the status of every language in terms of development versus endangerment; see the Language Status page for a description of the levels of that scale. See also the pages on Development and Endangerment for more discussion.
Language Status Profile
Full explanation
This graph shows the profile of languages in Burkina Faso with respect to their status of language development versus language endangerment. Each individual language that has an entry for Burkina Faso is included in the profile. The horizontal axis represents the estimated level of development or endangerment as measured on the EGIDS scale. (See the pages on Development and Endangerment for a fuller explanation.) The height of each bar indicates the number of languages that are estimated to be at the given level. Consult the Status listings for Burkina Faso in order to see the specific languages for each level.
The color coding of the bars matches the color scheme used in the summary profile graphs on the navigation maps for the site. In this scheme, the EGIDS levels are grouped as follows:
- Purple = Institutional (EGIDS 0-4) — The language has been developed to the point that it is used and sustained by institutions beyond the home and community.
- Blue = Developing (EGIDS 5) — The language is in vigorous use, with literature in a standardized form being used by some though this is not yet widespread or sustainable.
- Green = Vigorous (EGIDS 6a) — The language is unstandardized and in vigorous use among all generations.
- Yellow = In trouble (EGIDS 6b-7) — Intergenerational transmission is in the process of being broken, but the child-bearing generation can still use the language so it is possible that revitalization efforts could restore transmission of the language in the home.
- Red = Dying (EGIDS 8a-9) — The only fluent users (if any) are older than child-bearing age, so it is too late to restore natural intergenerational transmission through the home; a mechanism outside the home would need to be developed.
- Black = Extinct (EGIDS 10) — The language has fallen completely out of use and no one retains a sense of ethnic identity associated with the language.

Resources

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Digest of the languages of Burkina Faso ($299.95, 57 page PDF)

Burkina Faso

Summary

Languages

Languages by Status

Maps

Burkina Faso

Graphs

Language Vitality Profile

Language Status Profile

Resources

Contributions

Editorial Action