Central African Republic

Summary

Official Name: The Central African Republic
Population: 5,017,000
Principal Languages: French
Literacy Rate: 38% (2019 UNICEF)
International Conventions: ACHPR (1987), CDE (1960), CPPDCE (2006), CSICH (2012), ICCPR (1966), (), UNCRPD (2006), UNDRIP (2007)
General References: Agence de Coopération Culturelle et Technique 1988, Bendor-Samuel and Hartell 1989, Moñino 1988
Language Counts: The number of established languages listed for Central African Republic is 73. All are living languages. Of these, 66 are indigenous and 7 are non-indigenous. Furthermore, 2 are institutional, 17 are developing, 39 are vigorous, 11 are in trouble, and 4 are dying. Also listed are 6 unestablished languages and 1 macrolanguage.

Languages

Ali aiy: Lobaye prefecture: Boda subprefecture; Ombella-M’poko prefecture: Bimbo, Boali, and Yaloke-Bossembele subprefectures; Bangui. Users: 35,000 (1996). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: ’Àlī Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Gbaya-Manza-Ngbaka, East
American Sign Language ase: Scattered. Users: 24,000 in Central African Republic (2021 DBS/DOOR/SIL). Estimated 14,000–28,000, based on 0.3%–0.6% of the total population. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: ASL Classification: Sign language, Deaf community sign language
Arabic, Shuwa shu: Users: 63,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Semitic, Central, South, Arabic
Banda-Bambari liy: Basse-Kotto prefecture: Alindao and Mingala subprefectures; Haute-Kotto prefecture: Bria subprefecture; Ouaka prefecture: Bakala, Bambari, Grimari, and Ippy subprefectures. Users: 183,000 (1996). 4,000 Gbende, 2,000 Joto, mainly Linda. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Banda of Bambari, Banda-Linda, Linda Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Banda, Central, Central Core, Banda-Bambari
Banda-Banda bpd: Widespread. Users: 102,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Banda, Central, Central Core, Banda-Banda
Banda-Mbrès bqk: Bamingui-Bangoran prefecture: Bamingui subprefecture border small area; Nana-Grébizi prefecture: Kaga Bandoro and Mbrès subprefectures; Ouaka prefecture: Bakala subprefecture, Sabanga and Moruba towns; Ouham prefecture: Bouca subprefecture. Users: 42,500 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Banda of Mbrès, Banda-Mbre Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Banda, Central, Central Core, Banda-Mbres
Banda-Ndélé bfl: Bamingui-Bangoran prefecture: Ndélé and Bamingui subprefectures; Haute-Kotto prefecture: Ouadda subprefecture; Nana-Grébizi prefecture: Kaga Bandoro subprefecture; Ouaka prefecture: Bakala and Ippy subprefectures; Vakaga prefecture: Ouanda-Djalle subprefecture. Users: 35,500 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Banda of Ndélé, Nyele Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Banda, Central, Central Core, Banda-Ndele
Banda-Yangere yaj: Mambéré-Kadéï and Sangha-Mbaéré prefectures: Bambio, Berbérati and Carnot subprefectures; some in Nola subprefecture. Users: 26,500 (1996). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Yangere, Yanguere Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Banda, Central, Western
Banda, Mid-Southern bjo: Basse-Kotto prefecture: Alindao, Mingala, and Mobaye subprefectures; Mbomou prefecture: Gambo-Ouango subprefecture; Ouaka prefecture: Kouango subprefecture. Users: 100,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Total users in all countries: 102,000. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Banda Central Sud Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Banda, Central, Central Core, Mid-Southern
Banda, South Central lnl: Basse-Kotto prefecture: Alindao, Kembé, Mingala, and Mobaye subprefectures; Mbomou prefecture: Gambo-Ouango subprefecture. Users: 150,000 in Central African Republic (1996). 55,000 Langba, 95,000 Ngbugu. Total users in all countries: 153,000. Status: 5* (Developing). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Banda, South Central
Banda, Togbo-Vara tor: Haute-Kotto prefecture: Bria subprefecture; Ouaka prefecture: Bambari subprefecture. Users: 12,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Banda, Central, Central Core, Togbo-Vara
Banda, West Central bbp: Kémo prefecture: Sibut (northeast of Dekol town) and southeast Dekoa subprefectures; Ouaka prefecture: Grimari, Bakala, and Bambari subprefectures. Users: 4,500 in Central African Republic (1996). 1,000 Wojo. Total users in all countries: 7,500. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Banda, West Central
Bangi bni: Users: 7,440 in Central African Republic (2000). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, C, Bangi-Ntomba (C.32)
Bhogoto bdt: Lobaye prefecture: Boda subprefecture; Mambéré-Kadéï prefecture: Carnot subprefecture; Nana-Mambéré prefecture: Baoro subprefecture; Ombella-M’poko prefecture: Yaloke-Bossembele subprefecture; Ouham-Pendé prefecture: Bozoum subprefecture, small border areas. Users: 130,000 (1996). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bhokoto, Bogodo, Bogoto, Bokodo, Bokoto, Bokpoto, Gbāyā ɓòkòtò, Gbäyä-Bogoto, Ɓòkòtò Autonym: Bhogoto Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Gbaya-Manza-Ngbaka, Central
Birri bvq: Haut-Mbomou prefecture: scattered. Users: 200 (1996). Ethnic population: 5,000. No longer spoken in Sudan (1993). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Biri, Bviri, Viri Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Satellites, Central Sudanic, West, Bongo-Bagirmi, Sara-Bagirmi
Bodo boy: Haut-Mbomou prefecture: scattered. Users: 15 (1996). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, D, Bira-Nyali (D.308)
Bofi bff: Lobaye prefecture: Boda subprefecture; Sangha-Mbaéré prefecture: Bambio subprefecture. Users: 23,500 (1996). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Boffi, Ɓòfì Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Gbaya-Manza-Ngbaka, East
Buraka bkg: Basse-Kotto prefecture: Mobaye subprefecture, along Ubangi river. Users: 2,500 in Central African Republic (1996). Total users in all countries: 3,800. Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Bolaka, Boraka, Bouraka Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Sere-Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka, Western, Gbanzili
Dagba dgk: Ouham prefecture: Batangafo, Bossangoa, and Kabo subprefectures. Users: 34,000 in Central African Republic (2007 K. Wolff). Total users in all countries: 44,000. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Daba Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Satellites, Central Sudanic, West, Bongo-Bagirmi, Sara-Bagirmi, Sara, Sara Proper
Dendi deq: Mbomou prefecture: Gambo-Ouango subprefecture. Users: 10,000 (1996). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Ngbandi
French fra: Widespread. Users: 1,462,000 in Central African Republic, all users. L1 users: 22,000 in Central African Republic (2022 Joshua Project), based on ethnicity. L2 users: 1,440,000 (Marcoux et al 2022). Status: 1 (National). Statutory national language (2004, Constitution, Article 18). Alternate Names: Français Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Western, Gallo-Iberian, Gallo-Romance, Gallo-Rhaetian, Oïl, French
Fulfulde, Bagirmi fui: Widespread. Users: 156,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Baghirmi Peul, Bagirmi Fula Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Atlantic, Northern, Senegambian, Fula-Wolof, Fula, Eastern
Furu fuu: Basse-Kotto prefecture: Mobaye subprefecture, 11 villages. Users: 4,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Bagero, Bagiro, Baguero, Baguiro Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Satellites, Central Sudanic, West, Bongo-Bagirmi, Kara
Ganzi gnz: Nana-Grébizi and Kémo prefectures: border region, scattered. Users: 1,400 (1996). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Sere-Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka, Western, Baka-Gundi
Gbanu gbv: Lobaye prefecture: small Ombella-M’poko border areas north of Bodo town; Mambéré-Kadéï prefecture: Carnot subprefecture; Ombella-M’poko prefecture: Yaloke-Bossembélé subprefecture, north of Bogangolo; Ouham prefecture: Bossangoa subprefecture. Users: 95,000 (1996). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Banu, Gbanou Autonym: Gbanu Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Gbaya-Manza-Ngbaka, Central
Gbanziri gbg: Ouaka prefecture: Kouango subprefecture, along Ubangi river. Users: 14,500 in Central African Republic (1996). Total users in all countries: 17,500. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Banziri, Gbandere, Gbanzili Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Sere-Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka, Western, Gbanzili
Gbaya gba: Users: Population total all languages (L1 only): 857,500. Status:
Gbaya-Bossangoa gbp: Ouham prefecture: Bossangoa and Batangafo (Gbabana) subprefectures; Ouham-Pendé prefecture: south of Ouham river. Users: 200,000 (2005). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Gbɛ́yá, Gbɛa, Gbaya, Gbaya de Bosangoa, Gbaya of Borro, Gbaya of Bossangoa, Gbaya-Borro, Gbea, Gbeya, Gbäyä Bossangoa Autonym: Gbɛya Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Gbaya-Manza-Ngbaka, Central
Gbaya-Bozoum gbq: Nana-Mambéré prefecture: Baoro and Bouar subprefectures; Ombella-M’poko prefecture: Yaloke-Bossembele subprefecture; Ouham prefecture: Bossangoa subprefecture; Ouham-Pendé prefecture: broad area south of Ouham river. Users: 32,500 (1996). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bozom, Gbaya de Bozoum, Ɓòzôm Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Gbaya-Manza-Ngbaka, Central
Gbaya, Northwest gya: Mambéré-Kadéï prefecture: north of Amada Gaza; Nana-Mambéré prefecture: Baboua and Bouar subprefectures; Ouham-Pendé prefecture: Bocaranga and Bozoum subprefectures. Users: 200,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Total users in all countries: 267,000. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Gbaya, Gbaya Nord-Ouest Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Gbaya-Manza-Ngbaka, Northwest
Gbaya, Southwest gso: Mambéré-Kadéï prefecture: Berbérati, Carnot, and Gamboula subprefectures; Nana-Mambéré prefecture: Baboua and Baoro subprefectures; Sangha-Mbaéré prefecture: Nola subprefecture. Users: 220,000 (2007 SIL). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Gbaya, Gbaya Sud-Ouest Autonym: Nu Gbaya Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Gbaya-Manza-Ngbaka, Southwest
Gbayi gyg: Basse-Kotto prefecture: north Mingala subprefecture; Haute-Kotto prefecture: Bria subprefecture; Mbomou prefecture: east bank, Kotto river, between Mbeti and Tchola Banar. Users: 5,000 (1996). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kpasiya Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Ngbandi
Geme geq: Bamingui-Bangoran prefecture: Ndélé subprefecture, 2 villages north of Ndélé. Users: 550 (1996). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Gueme, Jeme, Ngba Geme Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Zande, Zande-Nzakara
Gubu gox: Ouaka prefecture: Kouango subprefecture, Oubangui river north bank. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Gabou, Gabu, Gobu, Ngobo, Ngobu Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Banda, Central, Central Core, Mid-Southern
Gula kcm: Vakaga prefecture: Birao subprefecture, Kafia Kingi near Sudan border. Users: 13,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Total users in all countries: 13,200. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Goula, Gula du Mamoun, Kara, Kara de Soudan, Kara of Sudan, Tar Gula, Yamegi Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Satellites, Central Sudanic, West, Bongo-Bagirmi, Kara
Gundi gdi: Mambéré-Kadéï prefecture: Gamboula subprefecture; Sangha-Mbaéré prefecture: Nola subprefecture, south and east of Nola. Users: 9,000 (1988 census). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ngondi, Ngundi Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Sere-Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka, Western, Baka-Gundi
Hausa hau: Users: 34,000 in Central African Republic (2021 Joshua Project). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.1
Kaba Démé, Sara kwg: Bamingui-Bangoran and Nana-Grébizi prefectures. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Kaba ’Dem, Kaba Demi, Kaba Démé, Sara Kaba Dem, Sara Kaba Ɗem, Tà Sàra, Ɗem Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Satellites, Central Sudanic, West, Bongo-Bagirmi, Sara-Bagirmi, Sara, Sara Proper, Sara Kaba
Kaba Naa, Sara kwv: Bamingui-Bangoran prefecture: Ndélé subprefecture, near Chad border; Nana-Mambéré prefecture: Baoro subprefecture, Mbanga village; far west Vakaga prefecture: small area on Bahr Kameur river, 9 villages. Users: 4,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Dana, Kaba Na, Kaba Naa, Kaba Nar, Na, Naa, Sara Kaba Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Satellites, Central Sudanic, West, Bongo-Bagirmi, Sara-Bagirmi, Sara, Sara Proper, Sara Kaba
Kabba ksp: Ouham prefecture: Markounda subprefecture; Ouham-Pendé prefecture: Paoua subprefecture. Users: 72,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Total users in all countries: 147,000. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Kaba, Sara Autonym: Kabba Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Satellites, Central Sudanic, West, Bongo-Bagirmi, Sara-Bagirmi, Sara, Sara Proper
Kako kkj: Mambéré-Kadéï prefecture: Gamboula town, on Cameroon border. Users: 10,400 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Kakɔ, Kaka, Nkoxo, Yaka Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Kaka (A.93)
Kara kah: Vakaga prefecture: Birao subprefecture. Users: 4,800 (1996). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Dam Fer, Fer, Fertit Classification: Unclassified
Kare kbn: Ouham-Pendé prefecture: Bocaranga and Bozoum subprefectures. Users: 93,000 in Central African Republic (1996). 57,500 Kare, 35,500 Tale. Total users in all countries: 97,460. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Kali, Kareng, Kari, Karré, Kãrɛ̃, Labi-Kare, nzáà kã́rĩ́ Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Mbum-Day, Mbum, Eastern Mbum, Karang
Kpagua kuw: Ouaka prefecture: between Ouake and Oubangui rivers. Users: 3,830 (2000). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Kpagwa Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Banda, Central, Central Core, Mid-Southern
Kpatili kym: Basse-Kotto prefecture: south Mingala subprefecture; Mbomou prefecture: Bakouma subprefecture. Users: 4,500 (1996). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kpatere, Kpatiri, Ngindere Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Zande, Zande-Nzakara
Laka lap: Ouham-Pendé prefecture: Bocaranga subprefecture, 9 villages on Chad border. Users: 2,050 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Kabba Laka, Laga, Làgà Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Satellites, Central Sudanic, West, Bongo-Bagirmi, Sara-Bagirmi, Sara, Sara Proper
Langbashe lna: Kémo prefecture: Sibut subprefecture; Ouaka prefecture: Kouango subprefecture. Users: 40,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Total users in all countries: 43,000. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Langbase, Langbashi, Langbasi, Langbwasse, Langwasi Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Banda, South Central
Limassa bme: Sangha-Mbaéré prefecture; possibly far southwestern corner, along Republic of the Congo border. Users: Few in Ngundi [ndn] villages. Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Bamassa, Bomasa, Bomassa Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Sere-Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka, Western, Baka-Gundi
Lingala lin: Users: 10,700 in Central African Republic (2000). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, C, Bangi-Ntomba (C.30)
Lutos ndy: Bamingui-Bangoran prefecture: Ndélé subprefecture; Nana-Grébizi prefecture: Kaga Bandoro subprefecture; Ouham prefecture: Kabo subprefecture. Users: 17,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Total users in all countries: 18,980. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Rito, Ruto Autonym: Lutos Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Satellites, Central Sudanic, West, Bongo-Bagirmi, Sara-Bagirmi, Sara, Vale
Mandja mzv: Kémo prefecture: Dekoa and Sibut subprefectures; Nana-Grébizi prefecture: Kaga Bandoro and Mbrès subprefectures; Ombella-M’poko prefecture: Damara subprefecture; Ouaka prefecture: Grimari subprefecture; Ouham prefecture: Bouca subprefecture. Users: 220,000 (1996). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Manja, Manza Autonym: Mänzä Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Gbaya-Manza-Ngbaka, East
Mbandja zmz: Users: 1,400 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Banda, Southern
Mbangi mgn: Basse-Kotto prefecture: Alindao subprefecture; Mbomou prefecture: Bangassou and Gambo-Ouango subprefectures. Users: 2,750 (1996). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Mbangui Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Ngbandi
Mbati mdn: Lobaye prefecture: Mbaiki subprefecture. Users: 60,000 (2010 census). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Isongo, Issongo, Lisongo, Lissongo, Songo Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, C, Ngondi (C.13)
Mbay myb: Ouham prefecture: Batangafo and Markounda subprefectures. Users: 8,300 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Mbai, Mbaï Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Satellites, Central Sudanic, West, Bongo-Bagirmi, Sara-Bagirmi, Sara, Sara Proper
Mbum mdd: Ouham-Pendé prefecture: Bocaranga subprefecture, along Cameroon border. Users: 12,500 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Mboum Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Mbum-Day, Mbum, Southern
Monzombo moj: Lobaye prefecture: Mongoumba subprefecture. Users: 1,600 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Mondjembo, Monjombo, Monzumbo Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Sere-Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka, Western, Monzombo
Mpiemo mcx: Mambéré-Kadéï prefecture: Gamboula subprefecture; Sangha-Mbaéré prefecture: Nola subprefecture. Users: 24,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Total users in all countries: 29,000. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bimu, Mbimou, Mbimu, Mbyemo, Mpo, Mpyemo Autonym: Mpyemɔ Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Makaa-Njem (A.86)
Ngam nmc: Ouham prefecture: Kabo subprefecture. Users: 17,700 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Ngama, Ngàm̄ Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Satellites, Central Sudanic, West, Bongo-Bagirmi, Sara-Bagirmi, Sara, Sara Proper
Ngando ngd: Lobaye prefecture: Mbaiki subprefecture. Users: 5,000 (1996). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bagandou, Bangandou, Bodzanga, Dingando, Ngando-Kota Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, C, Ngondi (C.102)
Ngbaka nga: Users: 3,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Gbaya-Manza-Ngbaka, East
Ngbaka Ma’bo nbm: Lobaye prefecture: Mbaiki and Mongoumba subprefectures; Ombella-M’poko prefecture: Bimbo subprefecture. Users: 88,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Total users in all countries: 258,000. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Bouaka, Bwaka, Gbaka, Ma’bo, Mbacca, Mbaka, Nbwaka, Ngbaka Limba Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Sere-Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka, Western, Bwaka
Ngbaka Manza ngg: Kémo prefecture: Sibut subprefecture; Ombella-M’poko prefecture, Boali and Damara subprefectures; Ouham prefecture: Bossangoa and Bouca subprefectures. Users: 29,000 (1996). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Gbaya-Manza-Ngbaka, East
Ngombe nmj: Mambéré-Kadéï prefecture: Gamboula subprefecture, Cameroon border. Users: 11,600 (2010 census). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bagando-Ngombe, Bangando-Ngombe, Ngombe-Kaka Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Gbaya-Manza-Ngbaka, Southwest
Nzakara nzk: Mbomou prefecture: Bakouma, Bangassou, and Gambo-Ouango subprefectures. Users: 50,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ansakara, N’sakara, Sakara, Zakara Autonym: Nzakala Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Zande, Zande-Nzakara
Pana pnz: Ouham-Pendé prefecture: Bocaranga subprefecture. Diahoke and Giriwon villages (Gonge dialect); Makele village (Pana dialect). Users: 82,000 in Central African Republic (1996). 63,000 Pana, 10,000 Pondo, 9,000 Gonge. Total users in all countries: 85,980. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Pani Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Mbum-Day, Mbum, Eastern Mbum, Karang
Pande bkj: Mambéré-Kadéï prefecture: Berbérati subprefecture; Sangha-Mbaéré prefecture: Nola subprefecture, small area near Banga town. Users: 8,870 (2010 census). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ipande Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, C, Ngondi (C.12)
Runga rou: Bamingui-Bangoran prefecture; Vakaga prefecture: Birao subprefecture. Users: 21,500 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ayki, Aykindang, Rounga, Runga de Ndele Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Satellites, Maban, Runga-Kibet
Sango sag: Widespread. Users: 5,100,000 in Central African Republic, all users. L1 users: 500,000 in Central African Republic (2017 SIL). L2 users: 4,600,000. Total users in all countries: 5,217,000 (as L1: 617,000; as L2: 4,600,000). Status: 1 (National). Statutory national language (2004, Constitution, Article 18). Alternate Names: Sangho Autonym: Sango Classification: Creole, Ngbandi based
Sango, Riverain snj: Basse-Kotto prefecture: Mobaye subprefecture, along Ubangi river. Users: 34,500 (1996). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Creole, Ngbandi based
Sara Kaba sbz: Bamingui-Bangoran prefecture: Ndélé subprefecture; Vakaga prefecture: Birao subprefecture. Users: 13,600 (1996). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ta Sara Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Satellites, Central Sudanic, West, Bongo-Bagirmi, Sara-Bagirmi, Sara, Sara Proper, Sara Kaba
Sere swf: Users: 28 in Central African Republic (1988 census). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Sere-Ngbaka-Mba, Sere, Sere-Bviri, Ndogo-Sere
Suma sqm: Ouham prefecture: Bossangoa and Markounda subprefectures; Ouham-Pendé prefecture: Paoua subprefecture. Users: 50,000 (1996). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Souma Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Gbaya-Manza-Ngbaka
To toz: Scattered. Users: No known L1 speakers in Central African Republic. Ethnic population: No ethnic community. Status: 9 (Second language only). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Mbum-Day, Mbum, Unclassified
Ukhwejo ukh: Sangha-Mbaéré prefecture: south of Nola. Ngulo (Ukhwejo dialect); Nalimo, Salo, Bayanga, and Gbaso (Bikaka dialect); Koola, Ambasila (Piiga dialect); Bomanzoku, Linjombo, both sides of Sanga river (Kamsili dialect). 7 villages. Users: 2,000 (1996 SIL). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Benkonjo, Ukwedjo Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Makaa-Njem (A.802)
Vale vae: Nana-Grébizi prefecture: Kaga Bandoro subprefecture; Ouham prefecture: Batangafo and Kabo subprefectures. Users: 5,400 (1996). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Satellites, Central Sudanic, West, Bongo-Bagirmi, Sara-Bagirmi, Sara, Vale
Yaka axk: Lobaye prefecture: Mbaïki and Mongoumba subprefectures, forest along Congo border; Sangha-Mbaéré prefecture: Bambio and Nola subprefectures. Users: 15,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Total users in all countries: 30,000. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Aka, Beká, Nyoyaka, Pygmée de Mongoumba, Pygmée de la Lobaye, Pygmées de la Sanghas, “Babinga” (pej.), “Bambenga” (pej.) Autonym: Yaâkâ Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, C, Ngondi (C.104)
Yakoma yky: Basse-Kotto prefecture: Kembé subprefecture; Mbomou prefecture: Gambo-Ouango subprefecture; Ombella-M’poko prefecture: Bimbo subprefecture; Bangui. Oubangui river area and administrative centers. Users: 100,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Total users in all countries: 110,000. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Ngbandi
Yulu yul: Haute-Kotto prefecture: Ouadda subprefecture; Vakaga prefecture: Ouanda-Djallé subprefecture. Users: 4,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Total users in all countries: 13,000. Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Youlou Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Satellites, Central Sudanic, West, Bongo-Bagirmi, Kara
Zande zne: Haut-Mbomou prefecture: Obo, Rafaï, and Zémio subprefectures. Users: 62,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Status: 5* (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Azande, Badjande, Pa-Zande, Pazande, Sande, Zandi, pa Zande Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Zande, Zande-Nzakara

Languages by Status

1 (National)

French

[fra] 1 (National). Statutory national language (2004, Constitution, Article 18). 1,462,000 in Central African Republic, all users. L1 users: 22,000 in Central African Republic (2022 Joshua Project), based on ethnicity. L2 users: 1,440,000 (Marcoux et al 2022).

Sango

[sag] 1 (National). Statutory national language (2004, Constitution, Article 18). 5,100,000 in Central African Republic, all users. L1 users: 500,000 in Central African Republic (2017 SIL). L2 users: 4,600,000. Total users in all countries: 5,217,000 (as L1: 617,000; as L2: 4,600,000).

5 (Dispersed)

Zande

[zne] 5* (Dispersed). 62,000 in Central African Republic (1996).

5 (Developing)

Banda, South Central

[lnl] 5* (Developing). 150,000 in Central African Republic (1996). 55,000 Langba, 95,000 Ngbugu. Total users in all countries: 153,000.

Gbanu

[gbv] 5* (Developing). 95,000 (1996).

Gbaya-Bossangoa

[gbp] 5* (Developing). 200,000 (2005).

Gbaya, Northwest

[gya] 5* (Developing). 200,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Total users in all countries: 267,000.

Gbaya, Southwest

[gso] 5* (Developing). 220,000 (2007 SIL).

Kaba Démé, Sara

[kwg] 5* (Developing).

Kaba Naa, Sara

[kwv] 5* (Developing). 4,000 in Central African Republic (1996).

Kabba

[ksp] 5* (Developing). 72,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Total users in all countries: 147,000.

Kako

[kkj] 5* (Developing). 10,400 in Central African Republic (1996).

Kare

[kbn] 5* (Developing). 93,000 in Central African Republic (1996). 57,500 Kare, 35,500 Tale. Total users in all countries: 97,460.

Mbay

[myb] 5* (Developing). 8,300 in Central African Republic (1996).

Mbum

[mdd] 5* (Developing). 12,500 in Central African Republic (1996).

Ngam

[nmc] 5* (Developing). 17,700 in Central African Republic (1996).

Ngbaka Ma’bo

[nbm] 5* (Developing). 88,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Total users in all countries: 258,000.

Pana

[pnz] 5* (Developing). 82,000 in Central African Republic (1996). 63,000 Pana, 10,000 Pondo, 9,000 Gonge. Total users in all countries: 85,980.

Yaka

[axk] 5* (Developing). 15,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Total users in all countries: 30,000.

6a (Vigorous)

Ali

[aiy] 6a* (Vigorous). 35,000 (1996).

American Sign Language

[ase] 6a* (Vigorous). 24,000 in Central African Republic (2021 DBS/DOOR/SIL). Estimated 14,000–28,000, based on 0.3%–0.6% of the total population.

Banda-Bambari

[liy] 6a* (Vigorous). 183,000 (1996). 4,000 Gbende, 2,000 Joto, mainly Linda.

Banda-Banda

[bpd] 6a* (Vigorous). 102,000 in Central African Republic (1996).

Banda-Mbrès

[bqk] 6a* (Vigorous). 42,500 in Central African Republic (1996).

Banda-Ndélé

[bfl] 6a* (Vigorous). 35,500 in Central African Republic (1996).

Banda-Yangere

[yaj] 6a* (Vigorous). 26,500 (1996).

Banda, Mid-Southern

[bjo] 6a* (Vigorous). 100,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Total users in all countries: 102,000.

Banda, Togbo-Vara

[tor] 6a* (Vigorous). 12,000 in Central African Republic (1996).

Banda, West Central

[bbp] 6a* (Vigorous). 4,500 in Central African Republic (1996). 1,000 Wojo. Total users in all countries: 7,500.

Bhogoto

[bdt] 6a* (Vigorous). 130,000 (1996).

Bofi

[bff] 6a* (Vigorous). 23,500 (1996).

Dagba

[dgk] 6a* (Vigorous). 34,000 in Central African Republic (2007 K. Wolff). Total users in all countries: 44,000.

Dendi

[deq] 6a* (Vigorous). 10,000 (1996).

Fulfulde, Bagirmi

[fui] 6a* (Vigorous). 156,000 in Central African Republic (1996).

Gbanziri

[gbg] 6a* (Vigorous). 14,500 in Central African Republic (1996). Total users in all countries: 17,500.

Gbaya-Bozoum

[gbq] 6a* (Vigorous). 32,500 (1996).

Gbayi

[gyg] 6a* (Vigorous). 5,000 (1996).

Gubu

[gox] 6a* (Vigorous).

Gula

[kcm] 6a* (Vigorous). 13,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Total users in all countries: 13,200.

Gundi

[gdi] 6a* (Vigorous). 9,000 (1988 census).

Kara

[kah] 6a* (Vigorous). 4,800 (1996).

Kpatili

[kym] 6a* (Vigorous). 4,500 (1996).

Langbashe

[lna] 6a* (Vigorous). 40,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Total users in all countries: 43,000.

Lutos

[ndy] 6a* (Vigorous). 17,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Total users in all countries: 18,980.

Mandja

[mzv] 6a* (Vigorous). 220,000 (1996).

Mbati

[mdn] 6a* (Vigorous). 60,000 (2010 census).

Mpiemo

[mcx] 6a* (Vigorous). 24,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Total users in all countries: 29,000.

Ngando

[ngd] 6a* (Vigorous). 5,000 (1996).

Ngbaka Manza

[ngg] 6a* (Vigorous). 29,000 (1996).

Ngombe

[nmj] 6a* (Vigorous). 11,600 (2010 census).

Nzakara

[nzk] 6a* (Vigorous). 50,000 in Central African Republic (1996).

Pande

[bkj] 6a* (Vigorous). 8,870 (2010 census).

Runga

[rou] 6a* (Vigorous). 21,500 in Central African Republic (1996).

Sango, Riverain

[snj] 6a* (Vigorous). 34,500 (1996).

Sara Kaba

[sbz] 6a* (Vigorous). 13,600 (1996).

Suma

[sqm] 6a* (Vigorous). 50,000 (1996).

Vale

[vae] 6a* (Vigorous). 5,400 (1996).

Yakoma

[yky] 6a* (Vigorous). 100,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Total users in all countries: 110,000.

6b (Threatened)

Buraka

[bkg] 6b* (Threatened). 2,500 in Central African Republic (1996). Total users in all countries: 3,800.

Furu

[fuu] 6b* (Threatened). 4,000 in Central African Republic (1996).

Ganzi

[gnz] 6b* (Threatened). 1,400 (1996).

Geme

[geq] 6b (Threatened). 550 (1996).

Kpagua

[kuw] 6b* (Threatened). 3,830 (2000).

Laka

[lap] 6b* (Threatened). 2,050 in Central African Republic (1996).

Mbangi

[mgn] 6b* (Threatened). 2,750 (1996).

Monzombo

[moj] 6b* (Threatened). 1,600 in Central African Republic (1996).

Ukhwejo

[ukh] 6b* (Threatened). 2,000 (1996 SIL).

Yulu

[yul] 6b* (Threatened). 4,000 in Central African Republic (1996). Total users in all countries: 13,000.

7 (Shifting)

Limassa

[bme] 7 (Shifting). Few in Ngundi [ndn] villages.

8a (Moribund)

Birri

[bvq] 8a (Moribund). 200 (1996). Ethnic population: 5,000. No longer spoken in Sudan (1993).

8b (Nearly extinct)

Bodo

[boy] 8b (Nearly extinct). 15 (1996).

Sere

[swf] 8b (Nearly extinct). 28 in Central African Republic (1988 census).

Unestablished

Arabic, Shuwa

[shu] Unestablished. 63,000 in Central African Republic (1996).

Bangi

[bni] Unestablished. 7,440 in Central African Republic (2000).

Hausa

[hau] Unestablished. 34,000 in Central African Republic (2021 Joshua Project).

Lingala

[lin] Unestablished. 10,700 in Central African Republic (2000).

Mbandja

[zmz] Unestablished. 1,400 in Central African Republic (1996).

Ngbaka

[nga] Unestablished. 3,000 in Central African Republic (1996).

Maps

Central African Republic

Graphs

Language Vitality Profile
Full explanation
This graph shows the profile of languages in Central African Republic with respect to their level of language vitality. Each individual language that has an entry for Central African Republic 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 Central African Republic with respect to their status of language development versus language endangerment. Each individual language that has an entry for Central African Republic 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 Central African Republic 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 Central African Republic ($299.95, 50 page PDF)

Central African Republic

Summary

Languages

Languages by Status

Maps