Sambe language

Last updated
Sambe
Native toNigeria
Region Kaduna State
Extinct 2 elderly speakers in 2005 [1]
Language codes
ISO 639-3 xab
Glottolog samb1307
ELP Sambe
Lang Status 01-EX.png
Sambe is an extinct language according to the classification system of the UNESCO Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger

Sambe is a presumably extinct Plateau language of Nigeria once spoken in the village of the same name. The Sambe people have shifted to Ninzo. [2]

Sambe is unusual in contrasting /k͡p/ and /k͡pʷ/, a rare distinction in the world’s languages. For example,

/k͡pùk͡pʷɛ̀/ "cough"
/kə́k͡pɛ/ "choose" [1]

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References

  1. 1 2 Blench, Roger (2015). Final Records of the Sambe Language of Central Nigeria. Language Documentation and Conservation. Vol.9 (2015), pp.193–229.
  2. Blench, Roger (2001). "Foundation for Endangered Languages". ogmios. Retrieved December 26, 2021.