North Bauchi languages Main Chadic-speaking peoples in Nigeria The North Bauchi languages (also called the B.2 West Chadic or Warji languages ) are a branch of West Chadic languages that are spoken in Bauchi State , northern Nigeria .
An extensive survey of the North Bauchi (Warji) languages had been done by Skinner (1977).[ 1]
Culturally, North Bauchi language speakers are unique for their chestharp, a fusion of the arched harp with the chest bow.[ 2]
Languages
The North Bauchi languages are:[ 3]
Names and locations
Below is a comprehensive list of North Bauchi language names, populations, and locations from Blench (2019).[ 4]
Language Cluster Dialects Alternate spellings Own name for language Endonym (s)Other names (based on location) Other names for language Exonym (s)Speakers Location(s)
Ciwogai Tsagu Sago, Tsaganci 3,000 (1977 Skinner) Bauchi State , Ningi and Darazo LGAs
Diri Diriya, Dirya Sago, Tsagu Diryanci Buwane, Diryawa 3,750 (LA 1971) Bauchi State , Ningi and Darazo LGAs
Kariya Two dialects Kauyawa, Keriya Vinahә Wihә Lipkawa (see also Mburku) 2,200 (LA 1971); 3,000 (1977 Skinner) Bauchi State , Darazo LGA. At Kariya Wuro, 30 S.E. of Ningi.
Paʼa Paha, Afa FuCaka sg. FuCiki, pl. Foni Paʼanci Faʼawa, Afawa 8,500 (LA 1971); 20,000 (Skinner, 1977) Bauchi State , Ningi and Darazo LGAs
Siri Siri Siryanci 2,000 (LA 1971); 3,000 (1977 Skinner) Bauchi State , Darazo and Ningi LGAs
Warji Gala (?) Sәrzakwai, Sirzakwai Sar Sarawa 28,000 (LA 1971); 50,000 (Skinner, 1977) Bauchi State , Darazo LGA, Ganjuwa district, and Ningi LGA, Warji district; Jigawa State , Birnin Kudu LGA
Mburku Barko, Barke Vә Mvәran Mburkanci Burkunawa, Lipkawa (see also Kariya) 210 (1949–50); 4,000 (1977 Skinner) Bauchi State , Darazo LGA
Miya Muya Vәne Mi Miyawa 5,200 (LA 1971) Bauchi State , Darazo LGA, Ganjuwa district. Miya town and associated hamlets
Zumbun Wudufu (possible dialect) Jimbin Vina Zumbun 1,500 (LA 1971) Bauchi State , Darazo LGA
Reconstruction
Proto-North Bauchi Reconstruction of North Bauchi languages
Proto-North Bauchi (Proto-Warji) quasi-reconstructions by Roger Blench (2012):[ 2]
Trees Antelopes Crops Livestock
English name Proto-North Bauchi
chicken #ɬərkəyi
cow #yəruwa
he-goat #aʧikyə
sheep #tumakway
Liquids
English name Proto-North Bauchi
beer #təɬana
honey #suƙwana
oil #ʃivəna
References
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