12,875,000 (1995). Republic of Cameroon. Formerly French Cameroun and British Cameroons. Literacy rate 62% to 65%; 36.9% (1977 C.M. Brann). Information mainly from SIL 1996, Atlas Linguistique du Cameroun 1983. Data accuracy estimate: A2, B. Christian, Muslim, traditional religion, Baha'i. Blind population 15,630 (1982 WCE). The number of languages listed for Cameroon is 286. Of those, 279 are living languages, 3 are second languages without mother tongue speakers, and 4 are extinct.
ABO (BO, ABAW) [ABB] North of Douala and west of the Wouri River, and Dibombari, Moungo Division, Littoral Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Basaa (A.40). Dialect: BANKON. Intelligibility and bilingualism testing needed. Close to Barombi. Survey needed.
AFADE (AFFADE, AFADEH, MANDAGE) [AAL] (20,000 or fewer in Nigeria; 1989). Centered around Afade in the southern part of Makari Subdivision, Logone-and-Chari Division, Far North Province. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, B, B.1, Kotoko Proper. It is unclear if the high comprehension of Mpade is because of dialect closeness or bilingualism. 'Mandage', etc., is applied to the northern Kotoko languages. 5% to 15% literate. Survey needed.
AGHEM (WUM, YUM) [AGQ] 20,000 to 25,000 (1993 SIL). In and around Wum, Wum Central Subdivision, Menchum Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Ring, West. May be intelligible with Isu or Weh. Regional differences in speech are minimal. Some speakers use Cameroon Pidgin as second language. Speakers consider Weh and Isu to be separate languages. There appears to be multilingualism with Weh and Isu. Low comprehension of Kom and Essimbi. Aghem Cultural and Development Association interested in language development. 15% to 25% literate. Traditional religion, Christian.
AKOOSE (BAKOSSI, BEKOOSE, AKOSI, KOOSE, KOSI, NKOSI, NKOOSI) [BSS] 50,000 (1982 SIL). Bangem and Tombel subdivisions, Kupe-Manenguba Division, South West Province, and Moungo Division, Littoral Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Lundu-Balong (A.10), Ngoe. Dialects: NORTHERN BAKOSSI, WESTERN BAKOSSI, SOUTHERN BAKOSSI, MWAMBONG, NINONG, ELUNG (ELONG, ALONG, NLONG). 15% to 25% literate. Dictionary. Selections 1994. Work in progress.
AKUM (ANYAR) [AKU] 600 (1986 R. Breton). Near the Nigerian border, Akum village, Furu-Awa Subdivision, Menchum Division, North West Province. 3 villages in Nigeria (Manga, Ekban, Konkom). Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Unclassified. Not Bendi; may be Jukunoid. The people are called 'Anyar'. Isolated, no roads. Bilingualism in Jukun is limited. Cameroons Pidgin is spoken in the area also. Mountain slope. Survey needed.
AMBELE [AEL] In about 10 villages in eastern Batibo Subdivision, Momo Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Western Momo. May be related to Busamor Atong. Survey needed.
ARABIC, SHUWA (ARABE CHOA, SHUWA ARABIC, CHOA, CHOWA, SHUA, CHADIAN SPOKEN ARABIC) [SHU] 63,600 in Cameroon (1982 SIL); 100,000 in Nigeria (1973); 754,590 in Chad (1993); 50,000 in Niger (1991); 63,000 in Central African Republic (1996); 1,031,000 in all countries. Mayo-Sava, Diamere, Mayo-Danay and Logone and Chari Division, Far North Province. Mostly between Lake Chad and Kousseri, with some pockets of speakers south of Kousseri. Afro-Asiatic, Semitic, Central, South, Arabic. Trade language. Muslim. NT 1967-1991. Bible portions 1964.
ATONG [ATO] Extreme northwestern part of Batibo Subdivision, Momo Division, Northwest Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Western Momo. Related to Ambele and Busam. Survey needed.
AWING (AWI, BAMBULUWE) [AZO] Awing-Bambaluwe village, Mezam Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Mbam-Nkam, Ngemba. Dialect: MBWE'WI. 74% lexical similarity with Bamukumbit. Also related to Bafut, Bambili, Kpati, Mendankwe, Ngemba, and Pinyin. Survey needed.
BABA (PAPIA, BAPA, BAPAKUM) [BBW] 12,750 (1982 SIL). East of Ndop on Ndop Plain, Mezam Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Mbam-Nkam, Nun. Speakers refer to their language as Papia. Related to Mungaka.
BABANKI (KIDZEM, KIDZOM, FINGE, KEJENG) [BBK] Centered around village of Babanki, Tuba Subdivision, Mezam Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Ring, Center. Survey needed.
BAFANJI (BAFANYI, BAFANGI, CHUUFI) [BFJ] 8,500 (1982 SIL). South of Ndop on Ndop Plain, Ngo-Ketunjia Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Mbam-Nkam, Nun. Speakers refer to their language as Chuufi. Closely related to Bamali, Bamenyam, and Bambalang.
BAFAW-BALONG (NGOE) [BWT] 8,400 (1982 SIL). North of Kumba along Kumba-Mamfe Road, Meme Division, South West Province; also southeast of Ekondo-Titi, Meme Division, South West Province and Moungo Division, Littoral Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Lundu-Balong (A.10), Ngoe. Dialects: BAFAW (BAFO, BAFOWU, AFO, NHO, LEFO'), BALONG (BALON, BALUNG, NLONG, VALONGI, BAYI, BAI). Fairly bilingual in Duala. Language community heterogeneous. Some linguists consider this to be 2 languages. Survey needed.
BAFIA (RIKPA, LEFA', RIPEY, RIKPA', BEKPAK) [KSF] 60,000 (1991 UBS). Deuk and Bafia subdivisions, Mbam Division, Center Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Bafia (A.50). Dialects: BALOM (FAK), KPA, BAPE. Speakers refer to their language as Rikpa and to themselves as Bekpak. NT in press (1996). Bible portions 1964-1990.
BAFUT (BUFE, FU, FUT, BEFE) [BFD] 50,000 (1987 Mfonyam). In Bafut, Tuba Subdivision, Mezam Division; also around the village of Beba, Wum Subdivision, Menchum Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Mbam-Nkam, Ngemba. Dialects: BUFE (AFUGHE, BAFUT), BEBA' (MUBADJI, BATADJI, BABADJI, BEBADJI, BAZHI, BABA'ZHI, BIBA, SHISHONG, BOMBE). Traditional religion, Christian. Selections 1993. Work in progress.
BAKA (PYGMY-E, PYGMEE, BEBAYAKA, BEBAYAGA, BIBAYA, PYGMEES DE L'EST, BABINGA) [BKC] 25,000 in Cameroon (1980 Phillips); 3,200 in Gabon (1990 CMA); 28,200 in all countries. Scattered in the southeast of East Province: Boumba and Ngoko, Kadey, and Upper Nyong divisions; Dja and Lobo Division, South Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Sere-Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka, Western, Baka-Gundi. Bayanga of CAR may be a dialect. Nomadic but being encouraged by the government to settle along the roadways. Different from Baka of Zaïre and Sudan. Dictionary. Tropical forest. Work in progress.
BAKOKO (BASOO) [BKH] 50,000 (1982 SIL). Scattered communities in Littoral Province, south of Douala, Wouri Division; south of Dibombari, Moungo Division; around Nkondjok, Nkam Division; and southwest of Edea, Sanaga-Maritime Division; northwest area of Ocean Division, South Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Basaa (A.40). Dialects: ADIE (ELOG MPOO, BASOO BA DIE, BASOO D'EDEA), BISOO (BASSO, BASOO BA LIKOL, ADIANGOK), MBANG (DIMBAMBANG), YABYANG (YABYANG-YAPEKE), YAKALAK (YAKALAG), YAPOMA, YASSUKU (YASOUKOU, YASUG, YASUKU).
BAKOLE (BAKOLLE, KOLE, BAMUSSO) [KME] 300 (1982 SIL). Around Bamusso, south of the Meme estuary, Ndian Division, South West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Duala (A.20). May be intelligible with or bilingual in Mokpwe. Survey needed.
BAKUNDU-BALUE (OROKO-EAST) [BDU] 65,000 (1982 SIL). West, north, and south of Kumba, South West Province: Kumba Subdivision, Meme Division; and eastern Ekondo-Titi Subdivision, Ndian Division. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Lundu-Balong (A.10), Oroko. Dialects: BAKUNDU (KUNDU, LAKUNDU, BEKUNDE, BAWO, NKUNDU), BALUE (LOLUE, BARUE, BABUE, WESTERN KUNDU, LUE), MBONGE, EKOMBE (BEKOMBO, EKUMBE). The language community is heterogeneous. The most homogeneous of the subgroups listed are the Bakundu and Balue, for whom separate literature may be needed. It is reported that the Ekombe do not want to be classified with Bakundu. It may be two or three languages. Traditional religion.
BALDAMU (MBAZLA) [BDN] Diamare Division, Far North Province. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.5. Survey needed.
BALO [BQO] Akwaya Subdivision. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid. 60% lexical similarity with Osatu, 40% with Ipulo and Caka, 35% with Esimbi and Mesaka. Pidgin is the speakers' second language. Literacy is in English. Mountains. Traditional religion. Survey needed.
BALUNDU-BIMA (OROKO WEST) [NGO] 20,000 (1982 SIL). Central part of Ndian Division, southeast and northeast of Mundemba, South West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Lundu-Balong (A.10), Oroko. Dialects: BALUNDU (BARONDO, LONDO, LUNDU), BIMA, DOTANGA (BATANGA-BAKOKO, TANGA), NGOLO (NGORO). Batanga is distinct from Batanga (Banoho) of Bantu A.30, and the Batanga dialect of Caka; Bakoko is distinct from Bakoko of Bantu A.40. The language community is heterogeneous. Survey needed.
BAMALI (NGOOBECHOP) [BBQ] 5,300 (1982 SIL). South of Ndop, Ngo-Ketunjia Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Mbam-Nkam, Nun. Speakers refer to their language as Ngoobechop. Related to Bafanji, Bamenyam, Bambalang, Bangolan.
BAMBALANG (BAMBOLANG, TSHIRAMBO, MBOYAKUM) [BMO] 14,500 (1982 SIL). Southeast of Ndop, Ngdo-Ketunjia Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Mbam-Nkam, Nun. Speakers refer to their language as Mboyakum. Related to Bafanji, Bamenyam, Bamun, Bamali, Bangolan.
BAMBILI (BAMBUI) [BAW] 10,000 or fewer (1984 ALCAM). Bambili and Bambui villages east of Bamenda, along Ring Road, Tuba Subdivision, Mezam Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Mbam-Nkam, Ngemba. Dialects: BAMBILI (MBILI, MBELE, MBOGOE), BAMBUI (MBUI). They associate more with Bafut than with Nkwen and Mendankwe. Inherent intelligibility is low between them and Nkwen and Mendankwe. 15% to 25% literate. Grammar. Survey needed.
BAMENYAM (MAMENYAN, PAMENYAN, BAMENYAN, MENGAMBO) [BCE] 4,000 (1994 SIL. Around Bamenyam, northwestern Galim Subdivision, Bamboutos Division, West Province; and southeastern Mezam Division, West Province. In the French-speaking area. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Mbam-Nkam, Nun. Bati may be a dialect of Bamenyam. Closely related to Bamali, Bafanji, Bambalang. Some bilingualism in French and Cameroons Pidgin. Stronger commercial links with Mbouda than with Ndop. Traditional religion, Christian.
BAMUKUMBIT (BAMUNKUM, BAMOUKOUMBIT, BAMENKOUMBIT, BAMENKOMBIT, MANGKONG) [BQT] 7,300 including 4,500 in the village (1987 census). Southwest of Ndop on Ndop Plain, Ngo-Ketunjia Division, Balikumbat Subdivision, North West Province, Bamukumbit village. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Mbam-Nkam, Ngemba. 74% lexical similarity with Awing. Adults can use Bafanji and Bamali. The few educated beyond primary level can use English as a second language. Cameroons Pidgin is generally spoken and understood. Traditional religion, Christian.
BAMUN (BAMOUN, BAMOUM, BAMUM) [BAX] 215,000 (1982 SIL). Most of Noun Division around Foumban, plus the extreme north of Mifi Division and the extreme southeast of Bamboutos Division, West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Mbam-Nkam, Nun. Has its own script, though not used for current orthography. Related to Bafanji, Bamali, Bambalang, Bangolan. Trade language. Bible 1988. NT 1967. Bible portions 1925-1980.
BAMUNKA (NDOP-BAMUNKA, BAMUNKUN, NIEMENG, MBIKA, MUKA) [NDO] 15,200 (1982 SIL). Around village of Bamunka, Ndop Subdivision, Mezam Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Ring, North. Speakers refer to the language as Niemeng.
BANA (BAZA, KOMA KA-BANA, PAROLE DES BANA, MIZERAN) [FLI] 13,000 in Cameroon, including 8,000 Gamboura and 5,000 Guili (1987 SIL); 96,000 in Nigeria (1992); 109,000 in all countries. On Nigerian border, north and northeast of Bourrah, Bourrah Subdivision, Mayo-Tsanaga Division, Far North Province. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.3. Dialects: GAMBOURA, GUILI (GILI). Bana is called 'Fali' in Nigeria. Work in progress.
BANGANDU (BAGANDO, BANGANDO, BANGANTU, SOUTHERN BANGANTU) [BGF] 2,700 in all countries (1977 Voegelin and Voegelin). Moloundou Subdivision, Boumba and Ngoko Division, East Province. Also in Congo. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Gbaya-Manza-Ngbaka, Southwest. May be related to Ngombe in CAR.
BANGOLAN [BGJ] 6,300 to 15,000 (1994 SIL). East of Ndop and south of Jakiri, Ngo-Ketunjia Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Mbam-Nkam, Nun. The most distinct linguistically and culturally of the Ndop languages. Most closely related to Bambalang. Cameroons Pidgin used as second language. Traditional religion, Muslim, Christian.
BAROMBI (LOMBI, LAMBI, ROMBI, RAMBI, LOMBE) [BBI] 1,300 (1982 SIL). South West Province, north of Mount Cameroon around Lake Barombi-Koto and west of Kumba around Lake Barombi-Mbo, Meme Division; and northeast of Ekondo-Titi, Ndian Division. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Basaa (A.40). May be intelligible with Abo. Survey needed.
BASAA (BASSA, BASA, BISAA, NORTHERN MBENE, MVELE, MBELE, MEE, TUPEN, BIKYEK, BICEK) [BAA] 230,000 (1982 SIL). Spread all over Nyong-and-Kelle Division, Center Province; and Nkam and Sanaga-Maritime divisions, Littoral Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Basaa (A.40). Dialects: BAKEM, BON, BIBENG, DIBOUM, LOG, MPO, MBANG, NDOKAMA, BASSO, NDOKBELE, NDOKPENDA, NYAMTAM. 25% to 50% literate. Dictionary. Bible 1969. NT 1939-1967. Bible portions 1922-1967.
BASSOSSI (BASOSI, BASOSSI, SOSI, NSWASE, NSWOSE, NSOSE, SWOSE, ASOBSE, NGEN) [BSI] Central part of Nguti Subdivision, east and south of Nguti, Kupe-Manenguba Division, South West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Lundu-Balong (A.10), Ngoe. Related to Mbo. Survey needed.
BATA (GBWATA, BATTA, GWATE, DII) [BTA] 2,500 in Cameroon; 150,000 Nigeria (1992); 152,500 in all countries. Along the Nigerian border (30 km. northeast of Garoua), along the Benoue River, west of Garoua and along a small section of the Faro River, Benoue Division, North Province. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8. Dialect: NDEEWE (BATA-NDEEWE). 'Demsa' may be an alternate name or dialect. Bacama dialect is only in Nigeria.
BATANGA (BANOHO, BANO'O, NOHO, NOHU, NOKU, BANOO) [BNM] 6,000 in Cameroon (1982 SIL); 6,600 Puku in Equatorial Guinea (1993 Johnstone); 12,600 in all countries. Ocean Division, South Province, scattered along the coast around Kribi. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Bube-Benga (A.30). Dialects: BANO'O (BANOO, BANAKA, BANOKO), BAPUKU (PUKU, NAKA, BAPUU), BATANGA. Different from Batanga of South West Province (Balundu-Bima). Bible portions 1953. Survey needed.
BATI (BATI BA NGONG, BATI DE BROUSSE) [BTC] 800 (1975 census). 4 villages in the Bati Canton, Ndom Subdivision, Sanaga-Maritime Division, Littoral Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Mbam, West (A.40). Most older Bati adults have little problem understanding Basaa, because their schooling used to be in that, and Basaa is used in church. The younger Bati children cannot understand Basaa, because it is not inherently intelligible with Bati. Basaa is not interpreted into Bati in church. Children up to 14 years old are exposed to French for primary education. Secondary education is available only outside the Bati area. Markets are in Bakoko and Yambassa-speaking areas, so those languages are used. Survey needed.
BEBE (YI BE WU) [BZV] West of Nkambe and north of Ring Road, west part of Ako Subdivision, Donga-Mangung Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Beboid, Eastern. Survey needed.
BEBELE (BAMVELE) [BEB] 24,000 (1971 Welmers). Minta Subdivision, Upper Sanaga, Center Province, and Diang Subdivision, Lom-and Djeram Division, East Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Yaunde-Fang (A.70). Dialects: EKI, MANYOK. Related to Beti, Bulu, Eton, Ewondo, Fang, Mengisa. Speakers use Beti as second language. Survey needed.
BEBIL (BOBILIS, GBIGBIL) [BXP] 6,000 (1991 SIL). Around Belabo, Belabo Subdivision, Lom-and-Djerem Division, East Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Yaunde-Fang (A.70). Different from Bebele, although related. Speakers are bilingual in Beti and Bebele. Survey needed.
BEEZEN [BNZ] 400 (1986 R. Breton). Kpwep (Beezen) village, Furu-Awa Subdivision, Menchum Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Unclassified. May be Jukunoid. Bilingualism in Jukun is limited. Cameroon Pidgin is spoken in the area. Isolated, no roads. Mountain slope. Survey needed.
BEFANG (MENCHUM, BIFANG, BEBA-BEFANG, BIBA-BIFANG) [BBY] Around Befang, straddling Mezam Division, Tuba Subdivision, and Menchum Division, Wum Subdivision, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Menchum. Dialects: MODELE (BEEKURU, IKU, AKU, USHEIDA, MODELLE, MODELI, IDELE, AMBABIKO), USHAKU (MUKURU, MOKURU), BEFANG (GE, BEBA-BEFANG, BIFANG, ABEFANG), BANGUI (BANGWE, BANGWI), OBANG, OKOMANJANG (OKOROMANDJANG).
BEKWEL (BAKWELE, BAKWIL, BEKWIL, OKPELE) [BKW] 8,000 to 16,000 in all countries (1990). Along the north side of the Ngoko River, at and near Moloundou, Boumba-and-Ngoko Division, East Province. Also in Gabon and mainly in Congo. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Makaa-Njem (A.80). Dialect: ESEL (ESSEL). Closely related to Konabembe. 85% lexical similarity with Koozime. The people use Pongpong as second language. 5% to 15% literate. Traditional religion, Christian. Work in progress.
BETI [BTB] (2,000,000 including Fang, Ewondo, Bulu, Mengisa, etc.). Major part of Center and South Provinces; also in Lom-and-Djerem, and Upper Nyong divisions, East Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Yaunde-Fang (A.70). Consists of a set of 'languages' (Bebele, Bebil, Bulu, Eton, Ewondo, Fang, Mengisa) which are partially intelligible but ethnically distinct. Different from Bette-Bende of Nigeria or the Bete languages of Côte d'Ivoire. Trade language. Bible 1970. NT 1959. Bible portions 1955.
BIKYA (FURU) [BYB] 1 speaker 70 years old, plus 3 others who have limited proficiency (1986 R. Breton). Furubana village, Furu-Awa Subdivision, Menchum Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Unclassified. 24% lexical similarity with Nsaa and Noone (Beboid), 14% with Akum. May be Eastern Beboid. The people are now called 'Furu', and speak Jukun. They were formerly called 'Bikya'. Isolated, no roads. Mountain slope. Nearly extinct.
BISHUO (BIYAM, FURU) [BWH] 1 speaker over 60 years old, plus 1 partial speaker (1986 R. Breton). Ntjieka, Furu-Turuwa, and Furu-Sambari villages, Furu-Awa Subdivision, Menchum Division, North West Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Unclassified. 16% to 17% lexical similarity with Nsaa and Noone, 11% with Bikya. May be Jukunoid. The people are called 'Furu' and now speak Jukun. There were formerly called 'Biyam'. Isolated, no roads. Mountain slope. Nearly extinct.
BITARE (NJWANDE, YUKUTARE) [BRE] 3,700 in Cameroon (1982 SIL); 50,000 in all countries (1971 Welmers). Near Banyo, Mayo-Banyo Division, Adamawa Province. Also in Nigeria. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid. Survey needed.
BOKYI (BOKI, BYOKI, NKI, OKII, UKI, NFUA, OSIKOM, OSUKAM, VAANEROKI) [BKY]