Benin

Languages

Aguna aug

Collines department: southern border areas; Coufou department: Aplahoue commune; Zou department: Djidja commune, Agouna village area. Users: 14,000 in Benin (2014 SIL). Total users in all countries: 28,000. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Aguna-gbe, Agunaco, Awuna Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe

Aja ajg

Coufou department: Aplahoué, Djakotomè, Dogbo, Klouékanmè, Lalo, and Tovinklin communes on Mono river; Mono department: Athiémè, Houéyogbé communes; Zou department: Agbangnizoun and Djidja communes; Cotonou and many southern mixed-language towns. Users: 941,000 in Benin (2018). Total users in all countries: 1,131,000. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Adja, Hwè Autonym: Ajagbe Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe, Aja

American Sign Language ase

Scattered. Users: 12,500 in Benin (2008 WFD). Approximately 0.1% of the total population. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: ASL, Benin Sign Language, LSAF, Langue des signes de l’Afrique francophone Classification: Sign language, Deaf community sign language

Anii blo

Donga department: Bassila commune northwest, on Togo border, and 18 area villages. Users: 33,600 in Benin (2011 SIL). Total users in all countries: 48,900. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Baseca, Basila, Bassila, Gisida, “Ouinji-Ouinji” (pej.), “Winji-Winji” (pej.) Autonym: Anii Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Basila-Adele

Anufo cko

Atacora department: Boukoumbée and Cobly communes, a few villages. Users: 13,800 in Benin (2002 SIL). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Chakosi, Chokosi, Chokossi, Tchokossi Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Central, Bia, Northern

Baatonum bba

Alibori department: central and southeast; Atacora department: east; Borgou department: Bembereke, Kalale, N’Dali, Nikki, Parakou, Sinende, Perere, and east Tchaourou communes; Donga department: Djougou commune. Users: 941,000 in Benin (2018). Total users in all countries: 1,041,000. Status: 3 (Wider communication). Used as conquest language in 17th century. Widespread under European colonization beginning in the 1880s in northeast Benin and northwest Nigeria. Language of colonization, trade, and church. Alternate Names: Baatombu, Baatonu, Barba, Barganchi, Bargawa, Bargu, Bariba, Baruba, Berba, Bogung, Burgu Autonym: Baatonum Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Bariba

Biali beh

Atacora department: Cobly, Materi, and Tanguieta communes; Collines department: Ouessi commune; Donga department: small border area west of Oueme river. Users: 162,000 in Benin (2018). Total users in all countries: 166,080. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Berba, Bialaba, Bieri, Bjerb, Bjeri Autonym: Byali Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Eastern

Boko bqc

Alibori and Borgou departments: Kalale and Segbana communes. Users: 100,000 in Benin (2013 R. Jones). 28,800 monolinguals. Total users in all countries: 150,000. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Bo’o, Bokonya Autonym: Bòó Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Eastern, Busa

Dendi ddn

Alibori and Atacora departments: Djougou, Parakou, and other towns north along Medru and Niger rivers down to Kandi. Users: 268,000 in Benin (2018). Total users in all countries: 412,050. Status: 3 (Wider communication). The Dendi ethnic group came from Mali in 16th century and settled in north-central Benin. Now used as trade language across northern Benin. Alternate Names: Dandawa Autonym: Songhay Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Songhai, Southern

Ditammari tbz

Atacora department: Boukoumbé and Natitingou communes; Borgou and Donga departments: along Djougou-Parakou road. Users: 211,000 in Benin (2018). Total users in all countries: 245,300. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Ditamari, Tamari, “Somba” (pej.) Autonym: Ditammari Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Eastern

Ede Cabe cbj

Borgou department: Tchaourou commune; Collines department: Ouèssè and Savè communes along Okrara river west bank; north Plateau department: Ketou commune. Users: 3,750 (2018). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ṣabẹ, Caabe, Cabe, Ede-Cabε, Sábέε, Tchabè, Tsábε Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid, Edekiri

Ede Ica ica

Collines department: northwest Bante commune; Donga department; south border areas scattered. Users: 45,800 (2018). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ica, Itcha, Ìtsà Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid, Edekiri

Ede Idaca idd

Collines department: Dassa-Zoume and Glazoué communes, west Ouémé river. Users: 170,000 (2018). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Dasa, Idaaca, Idaasa, Idaatcha, Idaca, Idaṣa, Idáìtsà Autonym: Ìdàáshà Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid, Edekiri

Ede Ije ijj

Plateau department: Kétou and Pobè communes and rural districts; Zou department: Ouihni and Zogbodomey communes. Users: 155,000 (2018). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ede-Ijε, Hɔlí, Holi, Holli-Djé, Ije, Ìjὲ, Ọhọ̀rí Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid, Edekiri

Ede Nago, Kura nqk

Donga department: Bassila commune, Aledjo Koura village area on Togo border. Users: 25,000 (2002 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kura, Nago Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid, Edekiri

Fon fon

Widespread. Atlantique, Littoral and Zou departments. Users: 2,000,000 in Benin (2018). Total users in all countries: 2,070,400. Status: 3 (Wider communication). Used in early 17th century in the Fon kingdom of Dahomey (now Benin). Used as slave trade language in 18th century with arrival of European colonizers. After slave trade ended in 1848, became widespread in Southern Benin and Togo. Alternate Names: Dahomeen, Fongbe Autonym: Fɔngbè Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe, Fon

Foodo fod

Donga department: Ouaké commune, Semere town area. Users: 20,700 in Benin (2018). Total users in all countries: 21,700. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Guang Autonym: Fóodo Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Guang, North Guang

French fra

Users: 4,343,000 in Benin, all users. L1 users: 33,000 in Benin (2022 Joshua Project), based on ethnicity. L2 users: 4,310,000 (Marcoux et al 2022). Status: 1 (National). Statutory national language (1990, Constitution, Article 1). Alternate Names: Français Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Western, Gallo-Iberian, Gallo-Romance, Gallo-Rhaetian, Oïl, French

Fulfulde, Borgu fue

Alibori department: Segbama commune; Borgou department: Nikki commune; scattered communities in Atacora, Collines, Donga, and Zou departments. Borgou, north of N’Dali (Bakuure dialect); central and south Borgou, Parakou area (Korakuure dialect); Donga-Atacora area from Djougou north to Burkina border (Djougoure dialect); Zou department (Tchabankeere dialect). Users: 624,000 in Benin (2018). Most monolinguals are in Borgou Department, Nikki Commune. Total users in all countries: 734,000. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Benin-Togo Fulfulde, Fulbe-Borgu, Peul, Peulh Autonym: Fulfulde Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Atlantic, Northern, Senegambian, Fula-Wolof, Fula, West Central

Fulfulde, Gorgal fuh

Alibori department: north. Users: 30,000 in Benin. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Fulfulde, Peul, Peulh, Western Niger Fulfulde Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Atlantic, Northern, Senegambian, Fula-Wolof, Fula, East Central

Gbe, Ayizo ayb

Atlantique department: largest areas; Coufou and Zou departments: Lalo and Zogbodomey communes. Users: 476,000 (2018). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ayizo, Ayizo-Gbe, Ayzo Autonym: Ayizo Gbe Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe, Aja

Gbe, Ci cib

Coufou department: Lalo commune. Users: 25,000 (2002 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ayizo-Ci, Ci, Cigbe, Tchi Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe

Gbe, Defi gbh

Ouémé department: Seme-Kpodji commune between Ouémé river north, Cotonou-Porto-Novo railroad west, Gulf of Guinea south. Users: 7,340 (2018). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Défi Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe, Aja

Gbe, Eastern Xwla gbx

Atlantique department: Lake Nokwe south shore; Littoral department: east Cotonou; Ouémé department: Seme-Kpodji commune east of Cotonou. Users: 80,000 (2002). Total Xwla Gbe: 160,000 (2018). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Houla, Kpla, Offra, Ophra, Phla, Pla, Popo, Xwla Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe

Gbe, Gbesi gbs

Atlantique department: Allada, Kpomassè, and Tori-Bossito communes, individual and mixed villages. Users: 65,000 (2002 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe

Gbe, Kotafon kqk

Coufou department: Djakotomey and Lalo communes; Mono department: Athiémé, Houeyogbe, and eastern Bopa communes, Lake Aheme area. Users: 162,000 (2018). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ko, Kogbe Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe

Gbe, Maxi mxl

Collines department: Bantè, Dassa-Zoume, Glazoué Ouèssèi, and Savalou communes; Donga department: Bassila commune. Users: 352,000 in Benin (2018). Total users in all countries: 402,800. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Mahi, Maxi, Maxi-Gbe Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe, Fon

Gbe, Saxwe sxw

Atlantique department: Kpomasse commune; Coufou department: Lalo commune; Mono department: Bopa and Houéyogbé communes. Users: 284,000 (2018). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Sahouè, Sahouègbe, Saxwɛ, Saxwe, Saxwe-Gbe, Saxwegbe, Tsaphe, Tsaphe -Gbe, Tsáphɛ Autonym: Saxwɛgbe Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe

Gbe, Tofin tfi

Atlantique department: Sô-Ava commune southeast; Ouémé department: Aguegue commune. Users: 143,000 (2018). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Tɔfin, Tɔfingbe, Tofi, Tofin, Tofingbe Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe, Aja

Gbe, Waci wci

Mono department: Comè commune; some in Athiémè and Grand-Popo communes. Users: 61,300 in Benin (2018). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ouatchi, Waci, Waci-Gbe, Watyu Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe

Gbe, Weme wem

Atlantique department: Abomey-Calavi and Zè communes; Ouémé department: Adjohoun, Bonou, Dangbo communes along lower Ouémé river, some in Aguégué, Akpro-Missérété communes; Plateau department: Adja-Ouere commune. Users: 284,000 (2018). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ouémé, Weme, Weme-Gbe, Wéménugbé Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe, Aja

Gbe, Western Xwla xwl

Atlantique department: Ouidah commune; Littoral department: Cotonou; Mono department: Grand-Popo commune. Users: 50,000 in Benin (2002). Total Xwla Gbe: 160,000 (2018). Total users in all countries: 81,100. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Phla, Xwla, Xwla-Gbe Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe

Gbe, Xwela xwe

Atlantique department: Kpomassè and Ouidah communes; Mono department: Comé commune near Lake Aheme, southernmost Bopa commune. Users: 84,700 (2018). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Houéda, Peda, Phera, Xweɖa, Xwela, Xwela-Gbe Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe

Gen gej

Atlantique and Mono departments. Users: 130,000 in Benin (2018). Status: 3 (Wider communication). Alternate Names: Ge, Gegbe, Gen-Gbe, Guin, Mina, Mina-Gen, Popo Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe, Mina

Gourmanchéma gux

Alibori department: Banikouara and Karimama communes; Atacora department: Cobly, Kérou, Materi, and Tanguieta communes. Users: 61,100 in Benin (2018). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Goulmancema, Gourma, Gourmantche, Gulimancema, Gurma, Migulimancema Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Gurma

Gun guw

Ouémé department: Adjarra, Akpro-Missérété, Avrankou, Porto-Novo communes; Plateau department: Sakete commune. Users: 703,000 in Benin (2018). Total users in all countries: 1,162,000. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Egun, Goun, Gu, Gugbe, Gun-Alada, Gun-Gbe Autonym: Gungbe Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe, Aja

Hausa hau

Widespread north: Alibori, Atacora, Borgou, and Donga departments, mainly in larger towns, market villages. Users: 1,056,000 in Benin (2019 Joshua Project), L2 users. Status: 3 (Wider communication). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.1

Ifè ife

Collines department: western Savalou commune, Tchetti town area. Users: 43,600 in Benin (2016). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Ana, Ana-Ife, Anago, Baate, Ede Ife, Ifɛ̀ Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid, Edekiri

Kabiyè kbp

Donga department: Bassila, Djougou, and Ouaké communes, scattered villages. Users: 15,600 in Benin (2018). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Cabrai, Cabrais, Kabre, Kabure, Kabye Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Eastern

Kyanga tye

Alibori department: Segbana commune, Kasati, Tungan Bage, and Tungan Noma towns. Users: 1,000 in Benin (1995 R. Jones). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Cenka, Kyanggana, Kyangganya, Kyenga, Tyenga Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Eastern, Kyanga

Lama las

Atacora department: Boukoumbé commune, northwest of Boukoumbé town, scattered villages; Donga department: Bassila and Djougou communes. Users: 60,000 in Benin (2006 J. Leclerc). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Lamba, Losso Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Eastern

Lukpa dop

Borgou department: Tchaouroue commune; Donga department: Bassila, Ouake communes, Kémérida area, border areas west of Djougou town. Users: 140,000 in Benin (2018). Total users in all countries: 157,900. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Dompago, Legba, Logba, Lokpa, Lugba, Yoa-Lokpa Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Eastern

Mbelime mql

Atacora department: Boukoumbé commune, Dipoli and Korontière subdivisions, 5 villages; Cobly commune, Cobly, Datori, Kountori, and Tapoga subdivisions, 26 villages. Users: 37,600 in Benin (Tchegnon and Guidibi 2006), increasing. Total users in all countries: 39,900. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: M̄ bɛ̄dímɛ, Bebelibe, Bèbèdibè, Mbilme, Mbèlimè, Oubièlo, Ubielo, “M’Bermè” (pej.), “Niende” (pej.), “Niendi” (pej.), “Niendé” (pej.), “Nyende” (pej.) Autonym: Mbɛlímɛ̀ Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Eastern

Miyobe soy

Atacora department: Boukombe, Kounde communes; Donga department: Copargo commune. Users: 2,260 in Benin (2018). Total users in all countries: 17,160. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Bijobe, Biyobe, Kayobe, Kuyobe, Meyobe, Sola, Solamba, Solla, Sorouba, Soruba, Uyobe Autonym: Mɛyɔ́pɛ Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Gurma

Mokole mkl

Alibori department: Kandi commune, Kandi town, villages north and east. Users: 35,900 (2018). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Féri, Mɔ̄kɔ́lé, Mokollé, Mokolé, Mokwale, Monkolé Autonym: Ede-Mɔkɔle Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid, Edekiri

Nago, Northern xkb

Borgou department: Tchaourou commune; Donga department: Bantè commune south of Bassila town, Bassila commune south and west of Bassila town. Users: 30,000 in Benin (2002). All Nago: 760,000 (2018). Total users in all countries: 88,800. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ana, Manigri, Manigri-Kambolé Ede Nago Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid, Edekiri

Nago, Southern nqg

Ouémé department: Akpro-Misserete and Avrankou communes; Plateau department: widespread, Adja-Ouèrè, Ifangni, Kétou, Pobè, and Sakété communes; Zou department: Ouinhi commune. Users: 200,000 (2002). All Nago: 760,000 (2018). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ede Nago, Nago, Nagot, Nagots Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid, Edekiri

Nateni ntm

Atacora department: Cobly, Kouandé, Matéri, Tanguiéta, and Toucountouna communes. Cobly, Matéri, and Tanguiéta communes (Kuntemba dialect); Toucountouna commune (Natemba dialect); Tanguiéta and Kouandé communes (Okoma dialect); Matéri, and Tanguiéta communes (Tayaba dialect). Users: 102,000 (2018). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Naténi Autonym: Naàteǹni Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Gurma

Ngangam gng

Atacora department: Cobly commune. Users: 160,000 in Benin (2018). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Dye, Gamgan Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Gurma

Notre bly

Atacora department: Tanguiéta commune, north, northwest, northeast of Tanguiéta town. Users: 1,500 (2002 SIL). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Boulba, Bulba, Burusa, Nootre Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Western, Nootre

Tchumbuli bqa

Collines department: Ouèssè and Savè communes, Edaningbe, Gbédé, and Okounfo villages. Users: 2,500 (2000 SIL). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Basa, Chombulon, Tchombolo, Tshummbuli Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Guang, North Guang

Tem kdh

Widespread, especially north. Users: 22,200 in Benin (2018). Status: 3 (Wider communication). Alternate Names: Cotocoli, Kotokoli, Tembe, Tim, Timu Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Eastern

Waama wwa

Atacora department: Mouande, Natitingou, and Toucountouna communes; Pehonko commune, at least 20 villages; Cotonou, Parakou area. Users: 115,000 (2018). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Wama, Yoabou, Yoabu Autonym: Waama Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Eastern

Yom pil

Atacora department: Kouande, Natingou, and Pehonko communes; Borgou department: N’Dali commune; Donga department: Copargo and Djougou communes, south into Bassila commune. Users: 364,000, all users. L1 users: 214,000 (2018). Includes 209,000 Yom and 4,820 Taneka (2018). L2 users: 150,000. Almost no monolinguals. Ethnic population: 300,000. 230,000 Yowa; 70,000 Tangma. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Kpilakpila, Pila, Pilapila Autonym: Yom Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Yom-Nawdm

Yoruba yor

Widespread. Porto-Novo city, towns, and major villages. Users: 209,000 in Benin (2018). Status: 3 (Wider communication). Alternate Names: Yariba, Yooba, Yorouba, Yorùbá, Èdè Yorùbá Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid, Edekiri