List of endangered languages in Africa

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Language Endangerment Status
Extinct (EX)
Endangered
Safe
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Lang Status 00-All.svg
UNESCO Atlas of the World's
Languages in Danger categories

An endangered language is a language that it is at risk of falling out of use, generally because it has few surviving speakers. If it loses all of its native people, it becomes an extinct language. UNESCO defines four levels of language endangerment between "safe" (not endangered) and "extinct": [1]

Contents

Africa is the world's second-largest and second most-populous continent. At about 30.2 million km2 (11.7 million sq mi) including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of the Earth's total surface area and 20.4% of the total land area. [2] With about 922 million people (as of 2005) [3] in 61 territories, it accounts for about 16.1% of the world's human population. The continent is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Suez Canal and the Red Sea to the northeast, the Indian Ocean to the southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. There are 64 countries, including Madagascar and all the island groups.

Algeria

Algeria
LanguageStatusCommentsISO 639-3
Judezmo language Severely endangered [1] Also spoken in: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Macedonia, Morocco, Romania, Turkey, Serbialad
Korandje language Severely endangered [1]  kcy
Shenwa language Vulnerable [1]  cnu
Tagargrent language Severely endangered [1]  oua
Tamahaq language Vulnerable [1]  thv
Tamazight language Critically endangered [1] (Arzew)rif
Tamzabit language Vulnerable [1] Ghardaïamzb
Tasnusit language Severely endangered [1] Amazigh of Aït Snouss, in Tlemcen 
Tayurayt language Vulnerable [1]   
Taznatit language Severely endangered [1]  grr
Tidikelt language Critically endangered [1]  tia
Tugurt language Severely endangered [1]  tjo
Zenatiya language Critically endangered [1]   

Angola

Angola
LanguageStatusCommentsISO 639-3
Bolo language Definitely endangered [1]  blv

Benin

Benin
LanguageStatusCommentsISO 639-3
Tchumbuli language Critically endangered [1]  bga

Botswana

Botswana
LanguageStatusCommentsISO 639-3
Danisi language Critically endangered [1]  shg
Kua language Definitely endangered [1]  tyu
Taa language Definitely endangered [1]  nmn
Ts'èxa language Definitely endangered [1]   
Yeyi language Definitely endangered [1]  yey
Gui language Vulnerable [1]  gwj
Xaise language Critically endangered [1]  shg
ǁAni language Definitely endangered [1]  hnh
ǁGana language Vulnerable [1]  gnk
ǂHoa language Critically endangered [1]  huc

Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso
LanguageStatusCommentsISO 639-3
Pana language Definitely endangered [1]  png

Cameroon

Cameroon
LanguageStatusCommentsISO 639-3
Akum language Critically endangered [1] Also spoken in: Nigeriaaku
Bakole language Critically endangered [1]  kme
Baldemu language Critically endangered [1]  bdn
Bati language Severely endangered [1]  btc
Beezen language Severely endangered [1]  bnz
Bubia language Severely endangered [1]  bbx
Bung language Critically endangered [1]  bqd
Busuu language Critically endangered [1]  bju
Cambap language Critically endangered [1]  twn
Dimbong language Critically endangered [1]  dii
Eman language Severely endangered [1]  emn
Gyele language Definitely endangered [1] Also spoken in: Equatorial Guineagyi
Hijuk language Critically endangered [1]  hij
Hya language Severely endangered [1] Also spoken in: Nigeriahya
Isu language

Language

Severely endangered [1]  szv
Iyive language Severely endangered [1]  uiv
Kendem language Severely endangered [1]  kvm
Kuk language Definitely endangered [1]  kfm
Kung language Severely endangered [1]  kfl
Majera language Critically endangered [1]  xmj
Maslam language Severely endangered [1] Also spoken in: Chadmsv
Mono language (Cameroon) Critically endangered [1]  mnr
Ndai language Critically endangered [1]  gke
Njerep language Critically endangered [1]   
Nubaca language Severely endangered [1]  baf
Somyev language Critically endangered [1] Also spoken in: Nigeriakgt
Tuotomb language Severely endangered [1]  ttf
Yasa language Definitely endangered [1] Also spoken in: Equatorial Guineayko
Zina (Jina) Language Severely endangered[ citation needed ]ISO 639-3 Jia

Central African Republic

Central African Republic
LanguageStatusCommentsISO 639-3
Birri language Critically endangered [1]  bvq
Geme language Critically endangered [1]  geq
Ngombe language Definitely endangered [1]  nmj
Ukhwejo language Severely endangered [1]  ukh
Yulu language Vulnerable [1] Also spoken in: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudanyul

Chad

Chad
LanguageStatusCommentsISO 639-3
Besme language Severely endangered [1]  bes
Boor language Critically endangered [1]  bvf
Fania language Severely endangered [1]  fni
Fongoro language Severely endangered [1]  fgr
Gadang language Definitely endangered [1]  gdk
Goundo language Critically endangered [1]  goy
Jaya language Severely endangered [1]  jyy
Jonkor Bourmataguil language Severely endangered [1]  jeu
Karang language Vulnerable [1]  kth
Kendeje language Definitely endangered [1]  klf
Koke language Severely endangered [1]  kou
Kujarge language Definitely endangered [1]  vkj
Kulfa language Definitely endangered [1]  kxj
Laal language Critically endangered [1]  gdm
Mabiri language Critically endangered [1]  muj
Mambai language Severely endangered [1]  mcs
Maslam language Severely endangered [1] Also spoken in: Cameroonmsv
Massalat language Critically endangered [1]  mdg
Mbara language Severely endangered [1]  mpk
Miltu language Critically endangered [1]  mlj
Noy language Critically endangered [1]  noy
Saba language Definitely endangered [1]  saa
Sarwa language Definitely endangered [1]  swy
Tamki language Critically endangered [1]  tax
Toram language Severely endangered [1]  trj
Ubi language Severely endangered [1]  ubi
Zirenkel language Definitely endangered [1]  zrn

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Democratic Republic of the Congo
LanguageStatusCommentsISO 639-3
Beeke language Severely endangered [1]  bkf
Kari language Severely endangered [1]  kbj
Ngbinda language Critically endangered [1]  nbd
Yulu language Vulnerable [1] Also spoken in: Central African Republic, Sudanyul

Egypt

Egypt
LanguageStatusCommentsISO 639-3
Domari language Severely endangered [1] Also spoken in: Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Palestine, Syriarmt
Siwi language Definitely endangered [1]  siz

Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea
LanguageStatusCommentsISO 639-3
Benga language Definitely endangered [1] Also spoken in: Gabonbng
Gyele language Definitely endangered [1] Also spoken in: Cameroongyi
Yasa language Definitely endangered [1] Also spoken in: Cameroonyko

Eritrea

Eritrea
LanguageStatusCommentsISO 639-3
Dahaalik language Critically endangered [1]   

Ethiopia

Ethiopia
LanguageStatusCommentsISO 639-3
'Ongota language Critically endangered [1]  bxe
Anfillo language Critically endangered [1]  myo
Arbore language Definitely endangered [1]  arv
Argobba language Critically endangered [1]  agj
Bambassi language Definitely endangered [1]  myf
Bayso language Definitely endangered [1]  bsw
Bussa language Vulnerable [1]  dox
Chara language Vulnerable [1]  cra
Dimme language Vulnerable [1]  dim
Gats'ama - Ganjule - Harro language Definitely endangered [1]  kcx
Hozo language Definitely endangered [1]  hoz
K'emant language Severely endangered [1]  ahg
Karo language Critically endangered [1]  kxh
Komo language Definitely endangered [1] Also spoken in: Sudanxom
Kwama language Vulnerable [1]  kmq
Kwegu language Critically endangered [1]  xwg
Mursi language Vulnerable [1]  muz
Nayi language Vulnerable [1]  noz
Opuuo language Critically endangered [1]  lgn
Oyda language Vulnerable [1]  oyd
Shabo language Severely endangered [1]  sbf
Tsamay language Definitely endangered [1]  tsb
Yem language Vulnerable [1]  jnj
Zay language Severely endangered [1]  zwa

Gabon

Gabon
LanguageStatusCommentsISO 639-3
Benga language Definitely endangered [1] Also spoken in: Equatorial Guineabng
Bwisi language Definitely endangered [1] Also spoken in: Congobwz
Kaande language Severely endangered [1]  kbs
Mahongwe language Severely endangered [1]  mhb
Sake language Severely endangered [1]  sak
Sighu language Severely endangered [1]  sxe
Tchitchege language Definitely endangered [1]  tck
Vumbu language Definitely endangered [1]  vum

Ghana

Ghana
LanguageStatusCommentsISO 639-3
Animere language Critically endangered [1]  anf
Kamara language Definitely endangered [1]  jmr
Konni language Vulnerable [1]  kma
Tafi language Vulnerable [1]  tcd
Tuwuli language Vulnerable [1]  bov

Guinea

Guinea
LanguageStatusCommentsISO 639-3
Badiaranke language Severely endangered [1]  pbp
Baga Manduri language Definitely endangered [1]  bmb
Baga Mboteni language Critically endangered [1]  bgm
Baga Sitemu language Severely endangered [1]  bsp
Baga Pokur language Definitely endangered [1]  bcg
Mani language Critically endangered [1] Also spoken in: Sierra Leonebuy
Nalu language Definitely endangered [1]  naj

Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau
LanguageStatusCommentsISO 639-3
Cobiana language Critically endangered [1] Also spoken in: Senegalkcj
Ediamat language Vulnerable [1]  eja
Kasanga language Critically endangered [1]  ccj

Kenya

Kenya
LanguageStatusCommentsISO 639-3
Bong'om language Definitely endangered [1]  spy
Boni language Definitely endangered [1]  bob
Burji language Vulnerable [1]  bji
Dahalo language Severely endangered [1]  dal
Omotik language Critically endangered [1]  omt
Suba language Vulnerable [1] Also spoken in: Tanzaniasxb, ssc

Lesotho

Lesotho
LanguageStatusCommentsISO 639-3
Phuthi language Definitely endangered [1]  ssw

Libya

Libya
LanguageStatusCommentsISO 639-3
Awjila language Severely endangered [1]  auj
Domari language Severely endangered [1] Also spoken in: Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syriarmt
Ghadames language Vulnerable [1]  gha
Nafusi language Severely endangered [1]  jbn
Tamahaq language Definitely endangered [1]  thv

Mali

Mali
LanguageStatusCommentsISO 639-3
Banka language Definitely endangered [1]  bxw
Tamaceq language Definitely endangered [1]  taq

Mauritania

Mauritania
LanguageStatusCommentsISO 639-3
Imeraguen language Definitely endangered [1]  ime
Nemadi language Critically endangered [1]   
Zenaga language Severely endangered [1]  zen

Morocco

Morocco
LanguageStatusCommentsISO 639-3
Figuig language Vulnerable [1]   
Ghomara language Critically endangered [1]  gho
Judezmo language Severely endangered [1] Also spoken in: Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Macedonia, Romania, Turkey, Serbialad
Moroccan Judeo-Arabic language Severely endangered [1]  aju
Sanhaja of Srair language Critically endangered [1]  sjs
Tamazight language Definitely endangered [1] (Beni Iznassen)rif

Namibia

Namibia
LanguageStatusCommentsISO 639-3
Khwe language Definitely endangered [1]  xuu

Niger

Niger
LanguageStatusCommentsISO 639-3
Tamajeq language Vulnerable [1]  thz
Tetserret language Severely endangered [1]   

Nigeria

Nigeria
LanguageStatusCommentsISO 639-3
Akum language Critically endangered [1] Also spoken in: Cameroonaku
Bade language Vulnerable [1]  bde
Bakpinka language Critically endangered [1]  bbs
Defaka language Critically endangered [1]  afn
Duguza language Definitely endangered [1]  dza
Dulbu language Critically endangered [1]  dbo
Fyem language Severely endangered [1]  pym
Geji cluster Severely endangered [1]  gji
Gera language Vulnerable [1]  gew
Gura language Severely endangered [1]  gvm
Gurdu-Mbaaru language Severely endangered [1]  grd
Gyem language Critically endangered [1]  gye
Hya language Severely endangered [1] Also spoken in: Cameroonhya
Ilue language Critically endangered [1]  ilv
Jilbe language Critically endangered [1]  jie
Kiong language Critically endangered [1]  kkm
Kona language Severely endangered [1]  juo
Kudu-Camo language Critically endangered [1]  kov
Luri language Critically endangered [1]  ldd
Mvanip language Critically endangered [1]  mcj
Ndunda language Severely endangered [1]  nuh
Ngwaba language Severely endangered [1]  ngw
Polci cluster Definitely endangered [1]  plj
Reshe language Vulnerable [1]  res
Sambe language Critically endangered [1]   
Somyev language Critically endangered [1] Also spoken in: Cameroonkgt
Yangkam language Critically endangered [1]  bsx

Senegal

Senegal
LanguageStatusCommentsISO 639-3
Bainouk-Gunyaamolo language Vulnerable [1]  bcz
Bainouk-Samik language Severely endangered [1]  bcb
Bandial language Vulnerable [1]  bqj
Bassari language Vulnerable [1]  bsc
Bayot language Vulnerable [1]  bda
Cobiana language Critically endangered [1] Also spoken in: Guinea-Bissaukcj
Gusilay language Vulnerable [1]  gsl
Jola-Kassa language Vulnerable [1]  csk
Karone language Vulnerable [1]  krx
Kwatay language Severely endangered [1]  cwt
Mancagne language Vulnerable [1]  knf
Menik language Definitely endangered [1]  tnr
Mlomp language Critically endangered [1]  mlo
Noon language Vulnerable [1]  snf
Paloor language Vulnerable [1]  fap

Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone
LanguageStatusCommentsISO 639-3
Bom language Severely endangered [1]  bmf
Kim language Critically endangered [1]  krm
Mani language Critically endangered [1] Also spoken in: Guineabuy

South Africa

South Africa
LanguageStatusCommentsISO 639-3
Korana language Critically endangered [1]  kqz
Nǀuu language Critically endangered [1]  ngh
Xiri language Critically endangered [1]  xii

Sudan

Tanzania

Tanzania
LanguageStatusCommentsISO 639-3
Akie language Critically endangered [1]  oki
Burunge language Vulnerable [1]  bds
Dhaiso language Definitely endangered [1]  dhs
Gweno language Critically endangered [1]  gwe
Hadza language Vulnerable [1]  hts
Kami language Severely endangered [1]  kcu
Segeju language Severely endangered [1]  seg
Suba language Vulnerable [1] Also spoken in: Kenyasxb, ssc
Vidunda language Vulnerable [1]  vid
Zaramo language Definitely endangered [1]  zaj

Tunisia

Tunisia
LanguageStatusCommentsISO 639-3
Tamazight language Severely endangered [1]
Judeo-Tunisian Arabic language Critically endangered [1] ajt

Uganda

Uganda
LanguageStatusCommentsISO 639-3
Amba language Vulnerable [1]  rwm
Ik language Severely endangered [1]  ikx
Soo language Critically endangered [1]  teu

Western Sahara

Western Sahara
LanguageStatusCommentsISO 639-3
Zenaga language Critically endangered [1]  zen

See also

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 Moseley, Christopher, ed. (2010). Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger. Memory of Peoples (3rd ed.). Paris: UNESCO Publishing. ISBN   978-92-3-104096-2 . Retrieved 2015-04-11.
  2. Sayre, April Pulley. (1999) Africa, Twenty-First Century Books. ISBN   0-7613-1367-2.
  3. "World Population Prospects: The 2006 Revision" Archived 2010-08-19 at the Wayback Machine United Nations (Department of Economic and Social Affairs, population division)

References