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| code | name_en | population | region | name_alt | dialects | language_use | development | comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| afe | Putukwam | 12,000 (1973 SIL). Population includes 3,500 Afrike. | Cross River State, Obudu and Ogoja LGAs. | Utugwang (Otukwang), Okorogung, Okorotung, Afrike (Aferike), Obe (Mbe East), Oboso. Member of the Obe cluster. | Speakers are reported to understand Bekwarra well. | Literacy rate in first language: 75% to 100%. Literacy rate in second language: 75% to 100%. Grammar. NT: 1997. | Literacy rate in first language: 75% to 100%. Literacy rate in second language: 75% to 100%. Grammar. NT: 1997. | |
| afi | Akrukay | 246 (2003 SIL). | Madang Province. | Utugwang (Otukwang), Okorogung, Okorotung, Afrike (Aferike), Obe (Mbe East), Oboso. Member of the Obe cluster. | Speakers are reported to understand Bekwarra well. | Literacy rate in first language: 75% to 100%. Literacy rate in second language: 75% to 100%. Grammar. NT: 1997. | Literacy rate in first language: 75% to 100%. Literacy rate in second language: 75% to 100%. Grammar. NT: 1997. | |
| afn | Defaka | 200 (2001 Blench). | Rivers State, Opobo-Nkoro LGA, in the Niger Delta, town of Nkoro. | Related to the Ijo group. | Speakers are shifting to Nkoroo. | Literacy rate in first language: 75% to 100%. Literacy rate in second language: 75% to 100%. Grammar. NT: 1997. | Literacy rate in first language: 75% to 100%. Literacy rate in second language: 75% to 100%. Grammar. NT: 1997. | |
| afo | Eloyi | 25,000 (2000 SIL). | Plateau State, Awe and Nasarawa LGAs; Benue State, Otukpo LGA. | Mbeci, Mbeji, Mbamu. | Speakers also use Hausa. | Literacy rate in second language: 5%. | Literacy rate in second language: 5%. | |
| afr | Afrikaans | 133,324 in Namibia (1991 census). | Not known in the north, in the Owambo tribes, and the Kavango and Caprivi regions. | Cape Afrikaans (West Cape Afrikaans), Orange River Afrikaans, East Cape Afrikaans. A variant of the Dutch spoken by the 17th century colonists, with some lexical and syntactic borrowings from Malay, Bantu languages, Khoisan languages, Portuguese, and other European languages. Their ancestors were brought from Java 300 years ago. | Language of wider communication. | Literacy rate in first language: 100% in Ghanzi, 50% in Kweneng and Kgalagadi. Literacy rate in second language: 75% in Kweneng and Kgalagadi districts in Tswana, 50% in English; few use Tswana in Ghanzi District, most use English. | Literacy rate in first language: 100% in Ghanzi, 50% in Kweneng and Kgalagadi. Literacy rate in second language: 75% in Kweneng and Kgalagadi districts in Tswana, 50% in English; few use Tswana in Ghanzi District, most use English. | |
| afs | Afro-Seminole Creole | 200 in Mexico (1990). | Nacimiento de los Negros, Coahuila, Mexico. | Mexico Afro-Seminole. | All speakers are older adults in Nacimiento. Speakers also use Spanish. | Literacy rate in first language: 100% in Ghanzi, 50% in Kweneng and Kgalagadi. Literacy rate in second language: 75% in Kweneng and Kgalagadi districts in Tswana, 50% in English; few use Tswana in Ghanzi District, most use English. | Literacy rate in first language: 100% in Ghanzi, 50% in Kweneng and Kgalagadi. Literacy rate in second language: 75% in Kweneng and Kgalagadi districts in Tswana, 50% in English; few use Tswana in Ghanzi District, most use English. | |
| aft | Afitti | 4,512 (1984 R. C. Stevenson). | Northern Sudan, Nuba Hills, eastern Jebel ed Dair. Main center is Sidra. | Not inherently intelligible with Ama. Lexical similarity 59% with Ama. | All speakers are older adults in Nacimiento. Speakers also use Spanish. | Literacy rate in first language: 100% in Ghanzi, 50% in Kweneng and Kgalagadi. Literacy rate in second language: 75% in Kweneng and Kgalagadi districts in Tswana, 50% in English; few use Tswana in Ghanzi District, most use English. | Literacy rate in first language: 100% in Ghanzi, 50% in Kweneng and Kgalagadi. Literacy rate in second language: 75% in Kweneng and Kgalagadi districts in Tswana, 50% in English; few use Tswana in Ghanzi District, most use English. | |
| afz | Obokuitai | 120 (2000 Wurm). | Lakes Plain just north of mid-Rouffaer River, village of Obogwi. | Related to Doutai, Biritai, Sikaritai. Lexical similarity 78% with Eritai, 69% with Biritai. | All speakers are older adults in Nacimiento. Speakers also use Spanish. | Literacy rate in first language: 15%. Bible portions: 1994. | Literacy rate in first language: 15%. Bible portions: 1994. | |
| aga | Aguano | Extinct. Ethnic population: 40 families in Santa Cruz de Huallaga who did not use Aguano but were members of the ethnic group (1959). | Lower Huallaga and upper Samiria rivers, the right bank tributary of the Marañon River. | Related to Doutai, Biritai, Sikaritai. Lexical similarity 78% with Eritai, 69% with Biritai. | All speakers are older adults in Nacimiento. Speakers also use Spanish. | Literacy rate in first language: 15%. Bible portions: 1994. | Literacy rate in first language: 15%. Bible portions: 1994. | |
| agc | Agatu | 70,000 (1987 UBS). | Benue State, Otuko Divison, districts of Agatu, Ochekwu, and Adoka; Nasarawa State, Awe and Nasarawa LGAs. | Member of the Idoma dialect cluster. | All speakers are older adults in Nacimiento. Speakers also use Spanish. | NT: 1984. | NT: 1984. | |
| agd | Agarabi | 26,996 (2000 census). | Eastern Highlands Province, Kainantu District. | Close to Gadsup. | All speakers are older adults in Nacimiento. Speakers also use Spanish. | Literacy rate in first language: below 5%. Literacy rate in second language: 15% to 25%. Grammar. Bible portions: 1970. | Literacy rate in first language: below 5%. Literacy rate in second language: 15% to 25%. Grammar. Bible portions: 1970. | |
| age | Angal | 18,614 (WCD 2000). | Southern Highlands Province, Mendi area, north into Mendi Valley, west into Lai Valley, east bank, west of Mt. Giluwe. | Close to Gadsup. | All speakers are older adults in Nacimiento. Speakers also use Spanish. | Bible portions: 1990. | Bible portions: 1990. | |
| agf | Arguni | 150 (2000 Wurm). | Northwest coast of Bomberai Peninsula on an island in the Maccluer Gulf. | Close to Gadsup. | All speakers are older adults in Nacimiento. Speakers also use Spanish. | Bible portions: 1990. | Bible portions: 1990. | |
| agg | Angor | 1,266 (1990 census). Population includes 836 in Nai, 430 in Samanai. | Sandaun Province, Amanab District. 11 villages. | Nai (Central Angor), Samanai (Southern Angor). | All speakers are older adults in Nacimiento. Speakers also use Spanish. | Literacy rate in second language: 15% to 25%. Grammar. NT: 2001. | Literacy rate in second language: 15% to 25%. Grammar. NT: 2001. | |
| agi | Agariya | 55,757 (1981 census). | Madhya Pradesh, Mandla, Bilaspur, Rewa districts, Maikal hills; Chhattisgarh, Bilaspur District Uttar Pradesh, Agra, Mathura, Mirzapur districts. | Nai (Central Angor), Samanai (Southern Angor). | Speakers also use Hindi. | Literacy rate in second language: 5%. | Literacy rate in second language: 5%. | |
| agj | Argobba | 10,860 (1998 census). 44,737 monolinguals. Population includes 47,285 in Amharic, 3,771 in Oromo, 541 in Tigrigna (1998 census). Ethnic population: 62,831 (1998 census). | Fragmented areas along the Rift Valley in settlements like Yimlawo, Gusa, Shonke, Berket, Keramba, Mellajillo, Metehara, Shewa Robit, and surrounding rural villages. | Ankober, Shonke. It is reported that the 'purest' Argobba is spoken in Shonke and T'olaha. Lexical similarity 75% to 85% with Amharic. | 3,236 second-language speakers. The ethnic group near Ankober mainly speaks Amharic; the group near Harar mainly speaks Oromo. The ethnic group is working to foster ethnic recognition. Speakers also use Amharic or Oromo. | Literacy rate in second language: 16.4%. | Literacy rate in second language: 16.4%. | |
| agk | Agta, Isarog | 5 to 6 (2000 Wurm). Ethnic population: 1,000 (1984 SIL). | Mt. Isarog east of Naga City, Bicol Province, Luzon. | Ankober, Shonke. It is reported that the 'purest' Argobba is spoken in Shonke and T'olaha. Lexical similarity 75% to 85% with Amharic. | Under 10% of the ethnic group speaks Agta. Used in the home. Negative language attitude. Speakers also use Central Bicolano. | Literacy rate in second language: 16.4%. | Literacy rate in second language: 16.4%. | |
| agl | Fembe | 350 (1986 SIL). | Western Province, Upper Strickland River. | Closest to Kalamo and Konai. | Under 10% of the ethnic group speaks Agta. Used in the home. Negative language attitude. Speakers also use Central Bicolano. | Literacy rate in first language: below 5%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%. | Literacy rate in first language: below 5%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%. | |
| agm | Angaatiha | 2,100 (2003 BTA). | Morobe Province, Menyamya District. | Closest to Kalamo and Konai. | Under 10% of the ethnic group speaks Agta. Used in the home. Negative language attitude. Speakers also use Central Bicolano. | Grammar. Bible portions: 1976–1980. | Grammar. Bible portions: 1976–1980. | |
| agn | Agutaynen | 10,384 (1990 census). | Agutaya Island, five smaller surrounding islands, and the municipalities of Roxas, San Vicente, and Brooke's Point, Palawan. A few also in Taytay, Linapacan, on Mindoro, and in Manila. | Lexical similarity 52% with Cuyonon; 71% with Calamian Tagbanwa. | Most speakers have low proficiency in Cuyonon, Tagalog, or English. | Literacy rate in first language: 90%. Literacy rate in second language: 90%. Bible portions: 1989–1993. | Literacy rate in first language: 90%. Literacy rate in second language: 90%. Bible portions: 1989–1993. | |
| ago | Tainae | 1,000 (1991 SIL). | Gulf Province, Ivori-Swanson District. The main villages are Pio, Famba, and Paiguna. | Close to Angoya. | Most speakers have low proficiency in Cuyonon, Tagalog, or English. | Literacy rate in first language: below 5%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%. | Literacy rate in first language: below 5%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%. | |
| agp | Paranan | 15,789 (2000 WCD). Population includes 13,220 Lowland Paranan, 1,000 to 2,000 Palanan Agta. | East coast, Isabela Province, Luzon; surrounded by hills. Isolated. | Palanan Dumagat (Palanan Valley Agta, Palanan Valley Dumagat). Intelligibility of Casiguran Dumagat 76%. Palanan Dumagat intelligibility of Paranan 98%, of Casiguran Dumagat 94%. Lexical similarity 85% with Palanan Dumagat, 87% with Casiguran Dumagat. | Paranan speakers have moderate comprehension of Tagalog, low of Ilocano. Palanan Dumagat speakers have low comprehension of Tagalog and Ilocano. | Literacy rate in first language: 75% (lowlanders), 1% to 3% (Negritos). Literacy rate in second language: 75% (lowlanders), 1% to 3% (Negritos). Bible portions: 1988. | Literacy rate in first language: 75% (lowlanders), 1% to 3% (Negritos). Literacy rate in second language: 75% (lowlanders), 1% to 3% (Negritos). Bible portions: 1988. | |
| agr | Aguaruna | 38,290 (2000 WCD). Almost no monolinguals. | Western upper Marañon River area, Potro, Mayo, and Cahuapanas rivers. | Close to Huambisa, Achuar-Shiwiar. | Official language. Vigorous. Spanish speakers and Quechuas in the area also use Aguaruna. All domains. Oral and written use in commerce. Letters. Positive toward bilingualism. Bilingual level estimates for Spanish: 0 35%, 1 20%, 2 20%, 3 15%, 4 9.9%, 5 .1%. Primary education begins in Aguaruna and Spanish is gradually added. | Literacy rate in first language: 60% to 100%. Literacy rate in second language: 50% to 75%. Taught in primary schools. Roman script. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1973. | Literacy rate in first language: 60% to 100%. Literacy rate in second language: 50% to 75%. Taught in primary schools. Roman script. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1973. | |
| ags | Esimbi | 20,000 (1982 SIL). | North West Province, Menchum Division, western part of Wum Subdivision, centered around Benakuma. | Lexical similarity 35% with Balo, Ipulo, and Iceve-Maci. | Official language. Vigorous. Spanish speakers and Quechuas in the area also use Aguaruna. All domains. Oral and written use in commerce. Letters. Positive toward bilingualism. Bilingual level estimates for Spanish: 0 35%, 1 20%, 2 20%, 3 15%, 4 9.9%, 5 .1%. Primary education begins in Aguaruna and Spanish is gradually added. | Literacy rate in first language: 60% to 100%. Literacy rate in second language: 50% to 75%. Taught in primary schools. Roman script. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1973. | Literacy rate in first language: 60% to 100%. Literacy rate in second language: 50% to 75%. Taught in primary schools. Roman script. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1973. | |
| agt | Agta, Central Cagayan | 779 (2000 WCD). | Northeast Luzon. | Lexical similarity 35% with Balo, Ipulo, and Iceve-Maci. | 95% of the ethnic group speaks Agta. All domains. All or nearly all the children speak Agta. Positive language attitude. They use Ilocano with all non-Agta who do not know Agta. Tagalog is the instructional language in school. | Literacy rate in first language: 6%. Literacy rate in second language: 6%. NT: 1992. | Literacy rate in first language: 6%. Literacy rate in second language: 6%. NT: 1992. | |
| agu | Awakateko | 18,000 (1998 SIL). | Western Huehuetenango Department. | Lexical similarity 35% with Balo, Ipulo, and Iceve-Maci. | All ages. | Literacy rate in first language: 10%. Literacy rate in second language: 29%. Taught in primary schools. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1971–1993. | Literacy rate in first language: 10%. Literacy rate in second language: 29%. Taught in primary schools. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1971–1993. | |
| agv | Agta, Remontado | 2,527 (2000 WCD). | Luzon; Santa Inez, Rizal Province; Paimohuan, General Nakar, Quezon Province. | Lexical similarity 73% with Tagalog, 37% with Umiray Dumaget. | Speakers also use Tagalog. | Literacy rate in first language: 10%. Literacy rate in second language: 29%. Taught in primary schools. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1971–1993. | Literacy rate in first language: 10%. Literacy rate in second language: 29%. Taught in primary schools. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1971–1993. | |
| agx | Aghul | 17,373 in Russia (1989 census). Population total all countries: 17,405. Ethnic population: 17,728 in Russia (1989 census). | Southern Dagestan ASSR. Also spoken in Azerbaijan. | Koshan, Keren, Gekxun, Agul. | 98% speak it as first language. Used in the home. 30% to 50% of children speak Aghul. Positive language attitude. Lezgi is used as the literary language. | Grammar. | Grammar. | |
| agy | Alta, Southern | 1,000 (1982 SIL). | Eastern Nueva Ecija, Sierra Madre and coast areas of Quezon Province, town of San Miguel, and a large community in a remote part of San Miguel, Bulacan Province. North of the Umiray Dumaget. | Not close to other languages. Lexical similarity 34% with Northern Alta. | Speakers also use Tagalog. | Bible portions: 1970. | Bible portions: 1970. | |
| agz | Agta, Mt. Iriga | 1,500 (1979 SIL). | East of Iriga City, west of Lake Buhi, Bicol Province, Luzon. | 86% intelligibility of Iriga City Bicolano, 82% of Mt. Iraya, 72% of Central Bicolano (Naga). It is doubtful whether Naga Bicolano is adequately understandable to Mt. Iriga Agta speakers. Lexical similarity 76% with Iriga City Bicolano, 66% with Mt. Iraya, 66% with Central Bicolano (Naga). | Iriga City Bicolano has higher prestige. Iriga City inhabitants regard Naga as true Bicolano. Moderate comprehension of Tagalog. | Bible portions: 1970. | Bible portions: 1970. | |
| ahe | Ahe | 30,000 (1990 UBS). | East of Iriga City, west of Lake Buhi, Bicol Province, Luzon. | 86% intelligibility of Iriga City Bicolano, 82% of Mt. Iraya, 72% of Central Bicolano (Naga). It is doubtful whether Naga Bicolano is adequately understandable to Mt. Iriga Agta speakers. Lexical similarity 76% with Iriga City Bicolano, 66% with Mt. Iraya, 66% with Central Bicolano (Naga). | Iriga City Bicolano has higher prestige. Iriga City inhabitants regard Naga as true Bicolano. Moderate comprehension of Tagalog. | Bible portions: 1970. | Bible portions: 1970. | |
| ahg | Qimant | 1,650 in Ethiopia (1998 census). Ethnic population: 172,327 (1998 census). | Northwest Amhara Region, north of Lake Tana. Communities of Qwara or Kayla are near Addis Ababa and in Eritrea. None in Sudan. Also spoken in Eritrea. | Qimant (Kemant, Kimant, Kemanat, Kamant, Chemant, Qemant), Dembiya (Dembya, Dambya), Hwarasa (Qwara, Qwarina, "Kara"), Kayla, Semyen, Achpar, Kwolasa (Kwolacha). Distinct from Awngi, Bilen, and Xamtanga. | 3,181 second-language speakers. Qwara dialect is extinct. 170,747 ethnic Western Agaw are monolingual in Amharic in Ethiopia. It is reported that all Qimant also use Amharic. Ge'ez is used as liturgical language, but many use a few Hebrew words in prayer. | Literacy rate in second language: 14.7%. Bible portions: 1885. | Literacy rate in second language: 14.7%. Bible portions: 1885. | |
| ahh | Aghu | 3,000 (1987 SIL). | South coast area along the Digul River west of the Mandobo language, Merauke Kabupaten, Jair Kecamatan. | Qimant (Kemant, Kimant, Kemanat, Kamant, Chemant, Qemant), Dembiya (Dembya, Dambya), Hwarasa (Qwara, Qwarina, "Kara"), Kayla, Semyen, Achpar, Kwolasa (Kwolacha). Distinct from Awngi, Bilen, and Xamtanga. | 3,181 second-language speakers. Qwara dialect is extinct. 170,747 ethnic Western Agaw are monolingual in Amharic in Ethiopia. It is reported that all Qimant also use Amharic. Ge'ez is used as liturgical language, but many use a few Hebrew words in prayer. | Grammar. | Grammar. | |
| ahi | Aizi, Tiagbamrin | 9,000 (1999 SIL). | Southern Department, Jacqueville Subprefecture, both banks of the Ebrié Lagoon, in the villages of Tiagba, Nigui-Assoko, Nigui-Saff, Tiémié, and Attoutou B (old quarter). | Not intelligible with Mobumrin Aizi, even though both are Kru languages. | Older speakers use Adioukrou. Young people learn French in school. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | |
| ahk | Akha | 1,261 in Viet Nam (1995 Institute for Southeast Asian Studies, Hanoi). | Quang Binh and Quang Tri Provinces both sides of the Viet Nam-Laos border, northeast of Phuc Trach. | Ako, Asong. | Older speakers use Adioukrou. Young people learn French in school. | Literacy rate in first language: 1% to 5%. Literacy rate in second language: 1% to 50%. | Literacy rate in first language: 1% to 5%. Literacy rate in second language: 1% to 50%. | |
| ahl | Igo | 6,000 (1995 H. Massanvi Gblem). No monolinguals. Ethnic population: 6,000. | Plateau Region, Apeyeme prefecture a Canton Bogo-Ahlon around village of Sassanou. | Ako, Asong. | Vigorous. All domains, traditional religion, church. Speakers use French, and may use Éwé as second language. French used in education. Some also speak Ikposo, Lelemi, Likpe, Twi, or Tem. | Literacy rate in first language: 33%. 2,000 read Igo, 1,000 can write it. | Literacy rate in first language: 33%. 2,000 read Igo, 1,000 can write it. | |
| ahm | Aizi, Mobumrin | 2,000 (1999 SIL). | Southern Department, Jacqueville Subprefecture, 2 villages (Abraco and Abraniamiambo) on the north bank of the Ebrié Lagoon. | Ako, Asong. | Older speakers use Adioukrou. Young people learn French in school. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | |
| ahn | Àhàn | 300 (2000 Blench). | Ondo State, Ekiti LGA, Ajowa, Igashi, and Omou towns. | Ako, Asong. | Older speakers use Adioukrou. Young people learn French in school. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | |
| aho | Ahom | Extinct. | Assam. | Ako, Asong. | No longer spoken in daily life, but used in religious chants and literary materials. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | |
| ahp | Aizi, Aproumu | 6,500 (1999 SIL). | Southern Department, on both banks of the Ebrié Lagoon in Jacqueville Subprefecture, villages of Attoutou A (new quarter), Attoutou B, Tefredji, Koko, Bapo (Allaba B, Taboth), and in the village of Allaba in Dabou Subprefecture. | Ako, Asong. | Young people learn French in school. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | |
| ahr | Ahirani | 779,000 (1997). | Maharashtra, Dhule, Jalgaon districts; Gujarat. | Preliminary findings are that it is distinct from Khandesi. | Speakers also use Hindi or Marathi. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | |
| ahs | Ashe | 35,000 (1972 Barrett). Population includes Begbere-Ejar. | Kaduna State, Kachia LGA. | Related to Begbere-Ejar. | Speakers also use Hindi or Marathi. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | |
| aht | Ahtena | 80 (1995 M. Krauss). Ethnic population: 500 (1995 M. Krauss). | Alaska, Copper River above the Eyak River at its mouth, and upper Susitna and Nenana drainages. 8 communities. | Related to Begbere-Ejar. | All speakers older than 50 years. Speakers also use English. | Dictionary. | Dictionary. | |
| aib | Ainu | 6,570 (2000). | Yengixar (Shule) town, Hanalik and Paynap villages in the Kashgar area, and Gewoz village near Hoban; Hetian, Luopu, Moyu, Shache, Yingjisha and Shulekuche counties of southwestern Xinjiang Autonomous Region. | The language has the same grammar as Uyghur but much Persian vocabulary. Some consider it to be a dialect of Uyghur, others to be an Iranian language heavily influenced by Uyghur. The government counts them as Uyghur. | Used in the home. Uyghur spoken to outsiders. | Dictionary. | Dictionary. | |
| aic | Ainbai | 100 (2003 SIL). | Sandaun Province, Vanimo District, south of Bewani station. 2 villages. | Lexical similarity 30% with Manem, 25% with Pagi. | Used in the home. Uyghur spoken to outsiders. | Dictionary. | Dictionary. | |
| aid | Alngith | 3 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). | Queensland, northeast Cape York Peninsula just north of Weipa. | Lexical similarity 30% with Manem, 25% with Pagi. | Used in the home. Uyghur spoken to outsiders. | Dictionary. | Dictionary. | |
| aif | Agi | 955 (2003 SIL). | Sandaun Province. | Lexical similarity 30% with Manem, 25% with Pagi. | Used in the home. Uyghur spoken to outsiders. | Dictionary. | Dictionary. | |
| aig | Antigua and Barbuda Creole English | 39,000 in Saint Kitts. | Throughout the islands. | Nevis Creole English. | People use it with Jamaicans and some other Caribbean people, but not with non-Caribbean people. | Dictionary. | Dictionary. | |
| aih | Ai-Cham | 2,700 (2000). | 13 villages in Di'e and Boyao townships in Libo County of the Qiannan Buyi-Miao Autonomous Prefecture in southern Guizhou Province. | Di'e, Boyao. The two dialects listed have phonological differences, but are largely intelligible to each other's speakers. Similar to Mak. | People use it with Jamaicans and some other Caribbean people, but not with non-Caribbean people. | Dictionary. | Dictionary. | |
| aii | Assyrian Neo-Aramaic | 30,000 in Syria (1995). Ethnic population: 700,000. | Over 30 villages on the banks of the Khabur River, northern Syria. | Iranian Koine (General Urmi). | Most speakers are older adults. Many use Russian as primary language. | Syriac script. Radio programs. Bible: 1852–1919. | Syriac script. Radio programs. Bible: 1852–1919. | |
| aij | Lishanid Noshan | 2,000 to 2,500 (1994 H. Mutzafi). | Originally eastern and southern Iraqi Kurdistan. | Arbel (Arbil), Dobe, Koy Sanjaq, Rwanduz, Rustaqa, Shaqlawa, Ranye, Qaladze. 60% to 70% inherent intelligibility of Lishanan and Hulaulá. Very different and not inherently intelligible with the Christian Aramaic languages and Lishana Deni. Western cluster subdialects are Arbil, Dobe. Eastern cluster subdialects are Southeastern varieties: Koy Sanjaq, Qaladze. Northeastern varieties: Rwanduz, Rustaqa. | Speakers are older adults. | Hebrew script. | Hebrew script. | |
| aik | Ake | 2,000 (1999 R. Blench). | Nasarawa State, Lafia LGA, 3 villages. | The closest language is Eggon. | There is concern in the largest village that people are losing the language to Hausa. | Hebrew script. | Hebrew script. | |
| ail | Aimele | 138 (2000). | Southwest corner of Southern Highlands Province around Mt. Bosavi; Western Province around Lake Campbell. Most have moved to Wawoi Falls area of Western Province. | The closest language is Eggon. | There is concern in the largest village that people are losing the language to Hausa. | Hebrew script. | Hebrew script. | |
| aim | Aimol | 2,643 in Manipur (2001 census). | Assam; Manipur; Chandel District, Unapal, Satu, Kumirei, Chingunghut, Aimol Tampak, Khodamphai, Ngairong Aimol, Chandonpokpi, Soibong (Khudengthabi); Senapati District, Tuikhong; Churachandpur District, Kha-Aimol, Luichungbum. | Langrong. Langrong may be a separate language. Related to Chiru, Purum. Reportedly intelligible to Koireng. | Used in the home, church. Most speakers highly proficient in Meitei. | Literacy rate in second language: 60% to 70%. Roman script. | Literacy rate in second language: 60% to 70%. Roman script. | |
| ain | Ainu | 15 in Japan (1996 Alexander Vovin). Ethnic population: 15,000 in Japan. | South Sakhalin Island and southern Kuril Islands. | Sakhalin (Saghilin), Taraika, Hokkaido (Ezo, Yezo), Kuril (Shikotan). | The last speaker of Sakhalin dialect died in 1994. Except for 15 speakers (1996), the Ainu in Japan speak Japanese. | NT: 1897. | NT: 1897. | |
| aio | Aiton | 5,000 (1990 Diller). | Assam, Jorhat, Karbi Anglong districts, Doboroni, Banlung, Ahomoni, Balipathar, Kaliyani, Chakihula, Tengani, Barhula villages. | Close to Phake. Related to Shan of Myanmar. | Some speakers use Assamese, Hindi, or English. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Tai script. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Tai script. | |
| aip | Burumakok | 40 (1994 Kroneman). | Lowlands area south of the main ranges, southeast of Sumo and Dekai, south of Langda and Bomela, Jayawijaya Kabupaten, Kurima Kecamatan, village of Burumakok, south of Sumtanon, east of Siradala. | Close to Phake. Related to Shan of Myanmar. | All ages. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Tai script. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Tai script. | |
| aiq | Aimaq | 170,000 in Iran (1993 Johnstone). | Mazanderan Province. | Teimuri (Teimurtash). | All ages. | Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 15%. | Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 15%. | |
| air | Airoran | 1,000 (1998 SIL). | North coast area on the lower Apauwer River. Subu, Motobiak, Isirania and other villages, Jayapura Kabupaten, Mamberamo Hilir, and Pantai Barat kecamatans. | Teimuri (Teimurtash). | Used in religious services. | Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 15%. | Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 15%. | |
| ais | Amis, Nataoran | 5 (2000 Wurm). | Villages in the Hualien area and north of Fenglin. | Nataoran, Sakizaya (Sakiray, Sakiraya), Kaliyawan (Kaliyuawan), Natawran, Cikosowan, Pokpok, Ridaw. Not generally understood by other Amis. Sakizaya is even more divergent from Central Amis. In recent years the dialects have converged. Lexical similarity 50% with Central Amis. | All speakers are older adults. | Dictionary. | Dictionary. | |
| ait | Arikem | Extinct. | Rôndonia State, Candeias and Jamari rivers, tributaries of the upper Madeira. | Nataoran, Sakizaya (Sakiray, Sakiraya), Kaliyawan (Kaliyuawan), Natawran, Cikosowan, Pokpok, Ridaw. Not generally understood by other Amis. Sakizaya is even more divergent from Central Amis. In recent years the dialects have converged. Lexical similarity 50% with Central Amis. | All speakers are older adults. | Dictionary. | Dictionary. | |
| aiy | Ali | 35,000 (1996). | Boali, Bimbo, Boda, and Yaloke subprefectures. | Nataoran, Sakizaya (Sakiray, Sakiraya), Kaliyawan (Kaliyuawan), Natawran, Cikosowan, Pokpok, Ridaw. Not generally understood by other Amis. Sakizaya is even more divergent from Central Amis. In recent years the dialects have converged. Lexical similarity 50% with Central Amis. | Speakers also use Sango. Many children learn Sango as their first language. | Dictionary. | Dictionary. | |
| aiz | Aari | 158,857 (1998 census). 129,350 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 155,002 (1989 census). | North central Omo Region, southern tip of Ethiopian plateau, near the Hamer-Banna. | Gozza, Bako (Baco), Biyo (Bio), Galila, Laydo, Seyki, Shangama, Sido, Wubahamer (Ubamer), Zeddo. Galila is a significantly divergent dialect. | 13,319 second-language users. Used in the home, market. Some bilingualism in Amharic and Gofa (Wolaytta). | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 8.3%. NT: 1998. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 8.3%. NT: 1998. | |
| aja | Aja | 200 (1993 SIL). | Southern Sudan, Western Bahr el Ghazal Province. Also in the western Central African Republic, along the Sudan border, near the Shinko and Sapo rivers. | They consider themselves to be a Kresh tribe, but their language is not intelligible to the Kresh. Santandrea reports it to be halfway between Banda and Kresh; nearer to Banda in vocabulary and Kresh in structure. | Speakers are mostly bilingual in Gbaya (Kresh). | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 8.3%. NT: 1998. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 8.3%. NT: 1998. | |
| ajg | Aja | 152,300 in Togo (2002 SIL). | Southwestern Benin and Southeastern Togo on both sides of the Mono River. In Togo in the southeast corner of the Plateau Province north and south of the 'Forêt de Togodo', in the prefecture of Moyen-Mono, as well as in the prefecture 'des Lacs' and the prefecture of Yoto. There are also Aja speakers in Lome and several other towns in southern Togo. | Dogo, Hwe (Ehoue), Tado (Stado, Sado, Tadou), Sikpi, Tala. | All domains except schools and government. Most adults use Gen. Most children understand Gen. Some speakers also use Éwé or French. | Literacy rate in first language: 19%. | Literacy rate in first language: 19%. | |
| ajp | Arabic, South Levantine Spoken | 1,600,000 in Palestinian West Bank and Gaza (1996). | Also spoken in Argentina, Egypt, Israel, Kuwait, Palestinian West Bank and Gaza, Puerto Rico, Syria. | Madani, Fellahi. | Speakers also use Hebrew. | Literacy rate in second language: 90% in Arabic, 60% in Hebrew. | Literacy rate in second language: 90% in Arabic, 60% in Hebrew. | |
| ajt | Arabic, Judeo-Tunisian | 500 in Tunisia (1994 H. Mutzafi). | Also spoken in France, Italy, Spain, Tunisia, USA. | Tunis. | Most of the Jews in Tunisia now speak French. | Hebrew script. Bible portions: 1897–1937. | Hebrew script. Bible portions: 1897–1937. | |
| aju | Arabic, Judeo-Moroccan | 8,925 in Morocco (2000 WCD). | Casablanca. | Many dialects. Much intelligibility with Tunisian Judeo-Arabic, some with Judeo-Tripolitanian Arabic, but none with Judeo-Iraqi Arabic. May be inherently intelligible with Moroccan Arabic. | Younger generation speakers have French as first language. Their Arabic is closer to Moroccan Arabic than to Moroccan Judeo-Arabic. Most speakers in Morocco are older adults. Many older adults speak Spanish or French as first language. Some bilingualism in Spanish, French, and Hebrew. | Hebrew script. Radio programs. | Hebrew script. Radio programs. | |
| ajw | Ajawa | Extinct. | Bauchi State. | Related to Miya. | Became extinct between 1920 and 1940. Members of the ethnic group now speak Hausa. | Hebrew script. Radio programs. | Hebrew script. Radio programs. | |
| ajz | Amri | 125,000 (2003). | Assam, Kamrup District, south of the Brahmaputra River including Chandubi, Loharghat, Rani block, Jalukbari, Pandu, Basbistha, Panikhaith, Jorabat, Sonapur, Khetri, Kahi Kusi; Meghalaya; East Khasi Hills District, Nongpoh area, including Barni Hat and Umling. | Reported to be unintelligible with Karbi. Lexical similarity 75% with Rengkhang and Chingthang, 90% with the Karbi spoken in West Bengal. | Positive language attitude. Strong feelings of separateness from the dominant Karbi group in Karbi, Anglong District. Speakers of all ages use Assamese as second language. | Literacy rate in second language: 20%. Roman script. Newspapers. Radio programs. | Literacy rate in second language: 20%. Roman script. Newspapers. Radio programs. | |
| akb | Batak Angkola | 750,000 (1991 UBS). | North central, Sipirok area. | Close to Mandailing Batak, but distinct sociolinguistically. | Positive language attitude. Strong feelings of separateness from the dominant Karbi group in Karbi, Anglong District. Speakers of all ages use Assamese as second language. | Bible: 1991. | Bible: 1991. | |
| akc | Mpur | 7,000 (1993). | North coast of Bird's Head, west of Manokwari, and Kebar Valley. | Sirir, Ajiw. | Positive language attitude. Strong feelings of separateness from the dominant Karbi group in Karbi, Anglong District. Speakers of all ages use Assamese as second language. | Literacy rate in second language: 15% to 25%. Bible portions: 1998. | Literacy rate in second language: 15% to 25%. Bible portions: 1998. | |
| akd | Ukpet-Ehom | 11,386 (2000 WCD). | Cross River State, Akamkpa LGA. | Ukpet (Akpet), Ehom (Ubeteng, Ebeteng). A dialect cluster. | Positive language attitude. Strong feelings of separateness from the dominant Karbi group in Karbi, Anglong District. Speakers of all ages use Assamese as second language. | Literacy rate in second language: 15% to 25%. Bible portions: 1998. | Literacy rate in second language: 15% to 25%. Bible portions: 1998. | |
| ake | Akawaio | Few speakers in Venezuela. | Bolivar State. | Close to Macushi, marginally intelligible with Arecuna. | Positive language attitude. Some speakers also use Spanish. | Bible portions: 1873. | Bible portions: 1873. | |
| akf | Akpa | 26,894 (2000 WCD). | Benue State, Otukpo LGA. | Dialect cluster. Lexical similarity 84% with Ekpari. | Positive language attitude. Some speakers also use Spanish. | Bible portions: 1873. | Bible portions: 1873. | |
| akg | Anakalangu | 14,000. Ethnic population: 14,000 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). | Sumba Island, southwest coast, east of Wanukaka. | Close to, but unintelligible to speakers of Wejewa, Mamboru, Wanukaka, and Lamboya. | Positive language attitude. Some speakers also use Spanish. | Bible portions: 1873. | Bible portions: 1873. | |
| akh | Angal Heneng | 40,000 (1994 V. Schlatter). | Southern Highlands Province, south of Margarima and Kandep, north of Lake Kutubu, west of the Lai Valley. | Waola (Wala), Augu, Nipa. | Positive language attitude. Some speakers also use Spanish. | NT: 1978. | NT: 1978. | |
| aki | Aiome | 751 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). | Madang Province, 70 miles west of Madang city, scattered houses. | Waola (Wala), Augu, Nipa. | Positive language attitude. Some speakers also use Spanish. | NT: 1978. | NT: 1978. | |
| akj | Aka-Jeru | Extinct. | Andaman Islands, interior and south North Andaman Island, and Sound Island. | Waola (Wala), Augu, Nipa. | Positive language attitude. Some speakers also use Spanish. | NT: 1978. | NT: 1978. | |
| akl | Aklanon | 394,545 (1990 census). | Aklan Province, northern Panay. | 66% intelligibility of Hiligaynon. Lexical similarity 68% with Hiligaynon. | Speakers also use Hiligaynon. | Literacy rate in first language: 69.7%. Literacy rate in second language: 69.7%. Bible portions: 1990–1993. | Literacy rate in first language: 69.7%. Literacy rate in second language: 69.7%. Bible portions: 1990–1993. | |
| akm | Aka-Bo | Extinct. | Andaman Islands, east central coast of North Andaman Island, and North Reef Island. | 66% intelligibility of Hiligaynon. Lexical similarity 68% with Hiligaynon. | Speakers also use Hiligaynon. | Literacy rate in first language: 69.7%. Literacy rate in second language: 69.7%. Bible portions: 1990–1993. | Literacy rate in first language: 69.7%. Literacy rate in second language: 69.7%. Bible portions: 1990–1993. | |
| akn | Amikoana | A few speakers. | Northern Amapá. | 66% intelligibility of Hiligaynon. Lexical similarity 68% with Hiligaynon. | Speakers also use Hiligaynon. | Literacy rate in first language: 69.7%. Literacy rate in second language: 69.7%. Bible portions: 1990–1993. | Literacy rate in first language: 69.7%. Literacy rate in second language: 69.7%. Bible portions: 1990–1993. | |
| ako | Akurio | 10 (2000 E. B. Carlin). Ethnic population: 50. | Southeast jungle. | Related to, but not inherently intelligible with, Trió. Dialects or related languages: Urukuyana, Kumayena. | All but one group is living with the Trió and bilingual in Trió. Children speak Trió. | Literacy rate in first language: 69.7%. Literacy rate in second language: 69.7%. Bible portions: 1990–1993. | Literacy rate in first language: 69.7%. Literacy rate in second language: 69.7%. Bible portions: 1990–1993. | |
| akp | Siwu | 27,000 (2003). | Southeast, north of Hohoé. | Akpafu, Lolobi. Lolobi and Akpafu are inherently intelligible, but have been politically separate since the 1800s. A population sample averaged 66% comprehension of Éwé mixed discourse types. | Vigorous. All domains. All ages. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | |
| akq | Ak | 75 (2000 S. Wurm). | Sandaun Province. | Closest to Namia and Awun. | Vigorous. All domains. All ages. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | |
| aku | Akum | 1,400 in Cameroon (2002 SIL). | Taraba State, near the Cameroon border, 3 villages in Nigeria (Manga, Ekban, Konkom). | Closest to Namia and Awun. | Most speakers have low proficiency in Jukun. Cameroon Pidgin is also spoken in the area. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | |
| akv | Akhvakh | 3,500 (1990). Ethnic population: 3,500 (1990 A. E. Kibrik). | Southern Dagestan ASSR. | Kaxib, Northern Akhvakh, Southern Akhvakh (Tlyanub, Tsegob). 'Dialects' are diverse; speakers communicate in Avar. | Used in the home. 30% to 50% of children speak Akhvakh. Positive language attitude. Avar is used as the literary language. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | |
| akx | Aka-Kede | Extinct. | Andaman Islands, central and north central Middle Andaman Island. | Kaxib, Northern Akhvakh, Southern Akhvakh (Tlyanub, Tsegob). 'Dialects' are diverse; speakers communicate in Avar. | Used in the home. 30% to 50% of children speak Akhvakh. Positive language attitude. Avar is used as the literary language. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | |
| aky | Aka-Kol | Extinct. | Andaman Islands, southeast Middle Andaman Island. | Kaxib, Northern Akhvakh, Southern Akhvakh (Tlyanub, Tsegob). 'Dialects' are diverse; speakers communicate in Avar. | Used in the home. 30% to 50% of children speak Akhvakh. Positive language attitude. Avar is used as the literary language. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | |
| akz | Alabama | 100 (1997 Timothy Montler). Ethnic population: 500 to 600 (1990 Heather Hardy). | Alabama-Coushatta Reservation near Livingston in southeastern Texas. No speakers left in Oklahoma. | Less than 50% cognate with Koasati. | Speakers are shifting to English. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | |
| ala | Alago | 35,052 (2000). | Nasarawa State, Awe and Lafia LGAs. | Doma, Agwatashi, Keana, Assaikio. | Speakers also use Hausa. | Literacy rate in second language: 5%. Bible portions: 1929. | Literacy rate in second language: 5%. Bible portions: 1929. | |
| alc | Qawasqar | 20 (1996 Oscar Aguilera). Population includes 10 in Puerto Edin. | Channel Region, western Patagonia, Isle of Wellington off south Chilean coast, 49 degrees south with center in Puerto Edin. Speakers of the extinct Aksanás dialect also lived in Puerto Edén. | Aksanás (Aksana). | The youngest speakers are from 3 to 20 years old (1996). Positive language attitude. Reports are that speakers are not bilingual in Spanish (Christos Clairis, M. Ruhlen 1987, personal communication). | Dictionary. Grammar. | Dictionary. Grammar. | |
| ald | Alladian | 23,000 (1993 SIL). | Southern Department, along the plain between the coast and the Ebrie Lagoon in 21 villages in the Subprefecture of Jacqueville. | Aksanás (Aksana). | The youngest speakers are from 3 to 20 years old (1996). Positive language attitude. Reports are that speakers are not bilingual in Spanish (Christos Clairis, M. Ruhlen 1987, personal communication). | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. Bible portions: 1937–1968. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. Bible portions: 1937–1968. | |
| ale | Aleut | 190 in Russia (2002 K. Matsumura). 5 on Bering Island Atkan (1995 M. Krauss). Ethnic population: 702 (1989 census). | Nikolskoye settlement, Bering Island, Commander (Komandor) Islands. | Beringov (Bering, Atkan). | All speakers of Bering Island Atkan are 60 years and older (1995 M. Krauss). Neutral language attitude to mild support. Most ethnic group members in Russia speak Russian as first language. | Aleut is taught in school until the fourth grade. | Aleut is taught in school until the fourth grade. | |
| alf | Alege | 1,200 (1973 SIL). | Cross River State, Obudu LGA. | Related to Gayi (Bisu of Obanliku cluster) of Nigeria and Cameroon. | All speakers of Bering Island Atkan are 60 years and older (1995 M. Krauss). Neutral language attitude to mild support. Most ethnic group members in Russia speak Russian as first language. | Aleut is taught in school until the fourth grade. | Aleut is taught in school until the fourth grade. | |
| alh | Alawa | 17 to 20 (1991 M. Sharpe). There are 4 partial first-language speakers. | Roper River, Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. | Related to Gayi (Bisu of Obanliku cluster) of Nigeria and Cameroon. | Young people speak Kriol and understand only a little Alawa. All speakers use Kriol. | Dictionary. Grammar. | Dictionary. Grammar. | |
| ali | Amaimon | 1,781 (2003 SIL). | Madang Province. | Related to Gayi (Bisu of Obanliku cluster) of Nigeria and Cameroon. | Young people speak Kriol and understand only a little Alawa. All speakers use Kriol. | Dictionary. Grammar. | Dictionary. Grammar. | |
| alj | Alangan | 7,694 (2000 WCD). | North central Mindoro. | Related to Gayi (Bisu of Obanliku cluster) of Nigeria and Cameroon. | Young people speak Kriol and understand only a little Alawa. All speakers use Kriol. | NT: 1989. | NT: 1989. | |
| alk | Alak | 4,000 (2000 Bradley). | Southern Laos, mainly in Saravan and Sekong provinces. | Included under Bahnaric as closest to Bahnar, Tampuan, Lamam. Also included under Katuic. | Young people speak Kriol and understand only a little Alawa. All speakers use Kriol. | NT: 1989. | NT: 1989. | |
| all | Allar | 350. | Kerala, Palakkad, Malappuram districts. | Included under Bahnaric as closest to Bahnar, Tampuan, Lamam. Also included under Katuic. | Young people speak Kriol and understand only a little Alawa. All speakers use Kriol. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. |
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