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| code | name_en | population | region | name_alt | dialects | language_use | development | comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mab | Mixtec, Yutanduchi | 1,800 (1990 census). 38 monolinguals. | Oaxaca, Nochixtlán District, Yutanduchi de Guerrero. | 49% intelligibility of Estetla (Eastern), 48% of San Juan Tamazola, 20% of Yosondúa and Soyaltepec, 36% to 18% of Peñoles, 15% of Chalcatongo, 13% of Tilantongo. | Speakers also use Spanish. | Taught in primary schools. Videos. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible portions: 1995–1999. | Taught in primary schools. Videos. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible portions: 1995–1999. | |
| mad | Madura | 900 in Singapore (1985). Ethnic population: 14,292 (1985). | Island of Madura, Sapudi Islands, northern coastal area of eastern Java. Also spoken in Singapore. | Bawean (Boyanese). | All domains. East Madurese, especially Sumenep, is considered 'high', or 'standard Madurese'. Sumenep is isolated culturally and geographically. Bangkalon, spoken in Surabaya, is important economically because that is the city with the greatest outside contact and commerce. It is highly urbanized and affected by Bahasa Indonesia. About 60% of men and 40% of women speak 'passable' Indonesian to outsiders. | Literacy rate in second language: 40%. Literacy higher among Bangkalon speakers. Grammar. Bible: 1994. | Literacy rate in second language: 40%. Literacy higher among Bangkalon speakers. Grammar. Bible: 1994. | |
| mae | Bo-Rukul | 2,000 (1999 R. Blench). Population includes 1,000 in each dialect. | Plateau State, Bokkos LGA, Barkul, Mabo, Richa, Mwa villages. | Bo, Rukul. A language cluster. | Vigorous. They speak Hausa and Kulere outside the village. Hausa is the lingua franca. English is restricted to young people, especially men, used in education and government. | Literacy rate in second language: 50% of young people read Hausa haltingly. | Literacy rate in second language: 50% of young people read Hausa haltingly. | |
| maf | Mafa | 4,907 in Nigeria (2000 WCD). | Borno State, Gwoza LGA. | Mafa. | Vigorous. They speak Hausa and Kulere outside the village. Hausa is the lingua franca. English is restricted to young people, especially men, used in education and government. | Dictionary. Bible: 1978–1989. | Dictionary. Bible: 1978–1989. | |
| mag | Magahi | 13,000,000 (2002). | Bihar, Gaya, Bhagalpur, eastern Patna districts; Jharkhand, northern Chotanagpur Division, Hazaribagh District; West Bengal, Maldah District. | Southern Magahi, Northern Magahi, Central Magahi. | Used as a religious language. Positive language attitude. Educated people, city dwellers, and those who travel know Hindi well. Much Hindi exposure through TV and radio. | Literacy rate in first language: 30%. Literacy rate in second language: 30% Hindi. Bhojpuri can use Magahi materials. Devanagari script. Magazines. Newspapers. Radio programs. Grammar. NT: 1826. | Literacy rate in first language: 30%. Literacy rate in second language: 30% Hindi. Bhojpuri can use Magahi materials. Devanagari script. Magazines. Newspapers. Radio programs. Grammar. NT: 1826. | |
| mai | Maithili | 2,797,582 in Nepal (2001 census). Population includes 489 Kisan. | Narayani Zone, Rautahat District; Janakpur Zone, Sarlahi, Mahottari, Dhanusa districts; Sagarmatha Zone, Siraha, Saptari districts; Koshi Zone, Sunsari District. | Bantar, Barei, Barmeli, Kawar, Kisan, Kyabrat, Makrana, Musar, Sadri, Tati, Dehati. | Spoken by a wide variety of castes, both 'high' and 'low'. There is a Maithili Academy in Patna. Bihar Maithili is taught at several universities including L. N. Mithila University in Darbhanga, Patna University, and Janakpur Campus of Tribhuvan University. Used in the home, village, towns, cities. All ages. Brahmin speech considered to be standard. Brahmins consider themselves superior, varying from friendly to domineering. Others vary toward Brahmins from friendly to resentment. Hindi and its speakers considered close, culturally similar; Nepali accepted. Second languages used by men or working women mostly only for commerce, social interaction outside the home. In cities some may use Hindi, Nepali, or English even at home and with other Maithili. Bhojpuri or Bengali are used with friends from those groups. Bilingual ability varies greatly, from being limited to using them for trade, to being highly fluent. | Literacy rate in first language: 20%. Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. The educated read Hindi, Nepali, or English. If they can read Hindi or Nepali, they can read Maithili. | Literacy rate in first language: 20%. Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. The educated read Hindi, Nepali, or English. If they can read Hindi or Nepali, they can read Maithili. | |
| maj | Mazatec, Jalapa de Díaz | 15,500 (1990 census). 4,600 monolinguals. | Northern Oaxaca and Veracruz, 13 towns. | 73% intelligibility of Huautla (closest), 62% of Ixcatlán, 51% of Soyaltepec, 46% of San Jerónimo Tecóatl, 35% of Mazatlán. Lexical similarity 82% with Ixcatlán, San Mateo Eloxochitlán, and San Miguel Hualtepec; 80% with Soyaltepec, 74% with Huautla. | Bilingual level estimates for Spanish: 0 75%, 1–5 25%. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 5%. Bible portions: 1968–2002. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 5%. Bible portions: 1968–2002. | |
| mak | Makasar | 1,600,000 (1989). | South Sulawesi, southwest corner of the peninsula, most of Pangkep, Maros, Gowa, Bantaeng, Jeneponto, and Takalar districts. | Gowa (Goa, Lakiung), Turatea (Jeneponto), Maros-Pangkep. The Gowa dialect is prestigious. Dialects form a chain. | Trade language. Vigorous. Many ethnic Chinese speak Makassar as first language. 400,000 second-language speakers. | Lontara script is a Bugis-Makasar syllabary still in use. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1900–1999. | Lontara script is a Bugis-Makasar syllabary still in use. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1900–1999. | |
| mal | Malayalam | 10,000 in Singapore. Ethnic population: 14,000 (1993). | Kerala, Laccadive Islands, and neighboring states. Also spoken in Bahrain, Fiji, Israel, Malaysia, Qatar, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom. | Malabar, Nagari-Malayalam, Malayalam, South Kerala, Central Kerala, North Kerala, Kayavar, Namboodiri, Moplah, Pulaya, Nasrani, Nayar. Caste and communal dialects: Namboodiri, Nayar, Moplah, Pulaya, Nasrani. | State language of Kerala. The Cochin Jews in Kerala speak Malayalam. | Malayalam script. Bible: 1841–2002. | Malayalam script. Bible: 1841–2002. | |
| mam | Mam, Northern | 1,000 in Mexico (1980 census). Total Mam in Mexico: 28,000. | Chiapas, outside of Pacayal near La Mesilla border, and in Ojo de Agua near Guadalupe. | Malabar, Nagari-Malayalam, Malayalam, South Kerala, Central Kerala, North Kerala, Kayavar, Namboodiri, Moplah, Pulaya, Nasrani, Nayar. Caste and communal dialects: Namboodiri, Nayar, Moplah, Pulaya, Nasrani. | State language of Kerala. The Cochin Jews in Kerala speak Malayalam. | Literacy rate in first language: 1% to 5%. Literacy rate in second language: 21%. Bible: 1993. | Literacy rate in first language: 1% to 5%. Literacy rate in second language: 21%. Bible: 1993. | |
| maq | Mazatec, Chiquihuitlán | 2,500 (1990 census). 340 monolinguals. | Oaxaca. | 47% intelligibility of Huautla (closest), 37% of Ayautla, 29% of Soyaltepec, 20% of Ixcatlán. | Bilingual level estimates for Spanish: 0 3%, 1 3%, 2 23.5%, 3 60%, 4 10%, 5 .5%. | Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1991. | Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1991. | |
| mar | Marathi | 68,030,000 in India (1997). Population total all countries: 68,049,787. | Maharashtra and adjacent states. Also spoken in Israel, Mauritius. | Cochin, Gawdi of Goa, Kasargod, Kosti, Kudali, Nagpuri Marati. 42 dialects. The dialect situation throughout the greater Marathi speaking area is complex. Dialects bordering other major language areas share many features with those languages. See separate entries for dialects or closely related languages: Konkani, Goanese, Deccan, Varhadi-Nagpuri, Gowlan. There is a dialect in Thanjavur District and elsewhere in Tamil Nadu, which has been influenced by Tamil and Kannada words, with at least 100,000 speakers. | State language of Maharashtra. Spoken by the Mangelas as first language. The Bene Israel are a Marathi-speaking Jewish group of Bombay. 3,00,000 second-language speakers. | Literacy rate in first language: 34%. Literacy rate in second language: 34%. Devanagari script. Bible: 1821–2002. | Literacy rate in first language: 34%. Literacy rate in second language: 34%. Devanagari script. Bible: 1821–2002. | |
| mas | Maasai | 430,000 in Tanzania (1993). Population includes 170,000 Arusa, 30,000 Baraguyu (1987). | North central, on Kenya border, east of Serengeti National Park. The Baraguyu are spread from the Indian Ocean nearly to Malawi. | Arusha (Il-Arusha, L-Arusha), Parakuyo (Baraguyu, Kwavi), Kisonko. | Vigorous. The Baraguyu speak Maasai, but they consider themselves to be a separate ethnic group from the Maasai. Speakers also use Swahili. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 18%. Bible: 1991. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 18%. Bible: 1991. | |
| mat | Matlatzinca, San Francisco | Ethnic population: 1,167 (2000 WCD). | State of Mexico, 1 village: San Francisco de los Ranchos. | Arusha (Il-Arusha, L-Arusha), Parakuyo (Baraguyu, Kwavi), Kisonko. | Most or all speakers are older adults. Speakers also use Spanish. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 18%. Bible: 1991. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 18%. Bible: 1991. | |
| mau | Mazatec, Huautla | 72,000 (1990 census). 27,000 monolinguals. | Northern Oaxaca, Huautla and vicinity. | San Mateo, San Miguel. 90% intelligibility of San Jerónimo Tecóatl (closest, lower in outlying areas), 60% of Mazatlán, 35% of Jalapa. Lexical similarity 94% with San Miguel, 93% with San Mateo, 80% with Soyaltepec, 78% with San Pedro Ixcatlán, 74% with Jalapa de Díaz. | Vigorous. All domains. Oral use in local administration, commerce, oral and written use in elementary schools, some use in religion. Letter writing. Speakers feel Mazatec is needed, and serves locally, but they recognize Spanish for prestige. Spanish is the second language, increasing in use in the city of Huautla. | Dictionary. NT: 1961. | Dictionary. NT: 1961. | |
| mav | Sateré-Mawé | 9,000 (1994 SIL). | Pará, Amazonas, Andirá, and Maués rivers, between the lower Tapajós and lower Madeira rivers. More than 14 villages. | San Mateo, San Miguel. 90% intelligibility of San Jerónimo Tecóatl (closest, lower in outlying areas), 60% of Mazatlán, 35% of Jalapa. Lexical similarity 94% with San Miguel, 93% with San Mateo, 80% with Soyaltepec, 78% with San Pedro Ixcatlán, 74% with Jalapa de Díaz. | Some also use Portuguese. | Literacy rate in first language: 12%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%. Grammar. NT: 1986. | Literacy rate in first language: 12%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%. Grammar. NT: 1986. | |
| max | Malay, North Moluccan | 700,000 (2001 R. Whisler). 100,000 monolinguals. | North Maluku, Halmahera, Sula, and Obi islands. First-language speakers in one neighborhood of Labuha (Christian), and some other families with parents of different ethnic origins. | Different meaning of particles from Manado Malay. Closer to Manado Malay than to Ambonese Malay. | Trade language. A few small communities speak it as first language. Used orally between speakers of different languages. Not written. 300,000 second-language users (2001 R. Whisler). | Literacy rate in first language: 1% to 5%. Literacy rate in second language: 50% to 75%. | Literacy rate in first language: 1% to 5%. Literacy rate in second language: 50% to 75%. | |
| maz | Mazahua Central | 350,000 (1993 SIL). | Western and northwestern State of Mexico and some in D. F. | Atlacomulco-Temascalcingo, Santa María Citendejé-Banos, San Miguel Tenoxtitlán. The Atlacomulco-Temascalcingo dialect uses different kinship terms, has phonological differences, grammatical variation among towns, and may need further adaptation of literature. 85% to 100% intelligibility among dialects. | Bilingual level estimates for Spanish: 0 7%, 1 40%, 2 37%, 3 12%, 4 3%, 5 1%. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 35%. NT: 1970. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 35%. NT: 1970. | |
| mba | Higaonon | 30,000 (1996 NTM). | Misamis Oriental, south of Ginoog City, north central Mindanao. | Related to Binukid; 77% to 81% intelligibility. | Comprehension of Cebuano is limited. | Bible portions: 1987. | Bible portions: 1987. | |
| mbb | Manobo, Western Bukidnon | 19,034 (2000 WCD). | Mindanao, southern Bukidnon Province. | Ilentungen, Kiriyenteken, Pulangiyen. | Comprehension of Cebuano is limited. | Literacy rate in first language: 45%. Literacy rate in second language: 45%. NT: 1978. | Literacy rate in first language: 45%. Literacy rate in second language: 45%. NT: 1978. | |
| mbc | Macushi | 600 in Venezuela. | Eastern border area. | Not intelligible with Arecuna or Patamona. | Some from Guyana in Bolivar State speak English as second language. | NT: 1996. | NT: 1996. | |
| mbd | Manobo, Dibabawon | 10,000 (1978 SIL). | Manguagan, Davao del Norte, Mindanao. | Not intelligible with Arecuna or Patamona. | Some from Guyana in Bolivar State speak English as second language. | Literacy rate in first language: 23%. Literacy rate in second language: 23%. NT: 1978. | Literacy rate in first language: 23%. Literacy rate in second language: 23%. NT: 1978. | |
| mbe | Molale | Extinct. | Formerly in Washington and Oregon in the valley of the Deschutes River, later west into the Molala and Santiam River valleys, and to the headwaters of the Umpqua and Rogue rivers. | Not close to Cayuse as formerly thought. | Some from Guyana in Bolivar State speak English as second language. | Literacy rate in first language: 23%. Literacy rate in second language: 23%. NT: 1978. | Literacy rate in first language: 23%. Literacy rate in second language: 23%. NT: 1978. | |
| mbf | Malay, Baba | 5,000 in Malacca (1979 Tan Chee Beng). | Melaka Tengah, Malacca Straits, Peninsular Malaysia. | It developed since the 15th century from Low Malay with many Hokkien Chinese borrowings. Regional variants between Malacca and Singapore. Partially intelligible with Standard Malay. It is generally believed that the Baba of Malaysia is more 'refined', and that of Singapore more 'rough'. Most have learned Standard Malay and English in school. Lim (1981) and Holm (1989) treat it as a Malay-based creole. It is different from Peranakan Indonesian. | The only monolinguals are over 70 years old. | NT: 1913. | NT: 1913. | |
| mbg | Nambikuára, Northern | 136 (1999 SIL). Ethnic population: 136 (1999). | Mato Grosso (Mamaindé), Rondônia (Latundê). | Mamaindé, Negarotê, Tawanxte, Taxmainite, Taxwensite, Yalapmunxte (Lacondê, Latundê). | The only monolinguals are over 70 years old. | Bible portions: 1979–1980. | Bible portions: 1979–1980. | |
| mbi | Manobo, Ilianen | 14,609 (2000 WCD). Few monolinguals. | Northern Cotabato, Mindanao. Being pushed more north and east up to Obo Manobo country. | Livunganen, Puleniyan, Arkan Valley. | Vigorous. All domains. Positive language attitude. Most use Cebuano and Magaindanaon. Some also speak Tagalog. | Literacy rate in first language: 15% to 20%. Literacy rate in second language: 15% to 20%. Roman script. NT: 1989. | Literacy rate in first language: 15% to 20%. Literacy rate in second language: 15% to 20%. Roman script. NT: 1989. | |
| mbj | Nadëb | 300 (1986 SIL). | Amazonas, three locations on the Uneiuxi River, a tributary of the Negro River, on the Japura and Negro rivers, and in other scattered places. | Livunganen, Puleniyan, Arkan Valley. | Vigorous. All domains. Positive language attitude. Most use Cebuano and Magaindanaon. Some also speak Tagalog. | Literacy rate in first language: 15% to 20%. Literacy rate in second language: 15% to 20%. Roman script. NT: 1989. | Literacy rate in first language: 15% to 20%. Literacy rate in second language: 15% to 20%. Roman script. NT: 1989. | |
| mbl | Maxakalí | 728 (1994 SIL). | Minas Gerais, 100 miles inland from coast, 14 villages. | Livunganen, Puleniyan, Arkan Valley. | The population is largely young. | Literacy rate in first language: 37%. Literacy rate in second language: 37%. NT: 1981. | Literacy rate in first language: 37%. Literacy rate in second language: 37%. NT: 1981. | |
| mbn | Macaguán | 405 (1993 census). Most are monolingual. Ethnic population: 542 (1998 Arango and Sánchez). | Arauca, Agualinda, and San José de Lipa between the Lipa, Ele, and Cuiloto rivers and Caño Colorado, and other scattered locations. | Unintelligible to speakers of other Guahibo varieties. | Vigorous. | Dictionary. Grammar. | Dictionary. Grammar. | |
| mbp | Malayo | 3,225 (1993 Organizacósn Gonawindu Tayrona). | Southern and eastern slopes of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. | Unintelligible to speakers of other Guahibo varieties. | Vigorous. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%. | |
| mbr | Nukak Makú | 300. | Jungle region between Guaviare and Inirida rivers, up to Maparipan. Near Charco Caimán. | Unintelligible to speakers of other Guahibo varieties. | Vigorous. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%. | |
| mbs | Manobo, Sarangani | 35,000 (1987 SIL). | Southern and eastern Davao, Mindanao. | Governor Generoso Manobo. | Vigorous. | Literacy rate in first language: 44%. Literacy rate in second language: 44%. NT: 1982. | Literacy rate in first language: 44%. Literacy rate in second language: 44%. NT: 1982. | |
| mbt | Manobo, Matigsalug | 30,000 (2002 SIL). 5,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 30,000. | Davao del Norte, southeast Bukidnon, Mindanao. | Kulamanen, Tigwa, Tala Ingod, Matig-Salud. Tigwa has marginal intelligibility of Matigsalug. Tala Ingod may have adequate intelligibility of Matigsalug. | Speakers increasingly use Cebuano. | Literacy rate in first language: 10%. Literacy rate in second language: 25%. Bible portions: 1972–2002. | Literacy rate in first language: 10%. Literacy rate in second language: 25%. Bible portions: 1972–2002. | |
| mbu | Mbula-Bwazza | 40,558 (2000 WCD). Population includes 10,000 Bwazza, 20,000 Tambo, 5,000 to 10,000 Mbula. | Adamawa State, Numan, Guyuk, Song, Demsa LGAs. | Bwazza (Bwaza, Bwa'za, Bare, Bere, Tambo), Mbula. | Many also speak Kanakuru, Longuda, Bacama, or Bata. In some areas they live with the Libo and also speak Libo. Some older ones also speak Hausa or Fulfulde. Some speak English. | Literacy rate in first language: 10%. Literacy rate in second language: 25%. Bible portions: 1972–2002. | Literacy rate in first language: 10%. Literacy rate in second language: 25%. Bible portions: 1972–2002. | |
| mbv | Mbulungish | 5,000 (1998 Willits). | On the coast north of the Nunez River, 22 villages. | Related to Nalu, Baga Mboteni. | Children were reported to be speaking the language actively in 1995–1996. | Literacy rate in first language: 10%. Literacy rate in second language: 25%. Bible portions: 1972–2002. | Literacy rate in first language: 10%. Literacy rate in second language: 25%. Bible portions: 1972–2002. | |
| mbw | Maring | 11,000 (1998 SIL). | Western Highlands Province, Hagen District. A small number are over the Bismarck Range in Madang Province. 18 villages. | Central Maring, Eastern Maring, Timbunki, Tsuwenki, Karamba, Kambegl. Speakers of all dialects understand the central one. | Children were reported to be speaking the language actively in 1995–1996. | Literacy rate in first language: below 5%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%. Grammar. Bible portions: 1974–1979. | Literacy rate in first language: below 5%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%. Grammar. Bible portions: 1974–1979. | |
| mbx | Mari | 80 (2000 Wurm). | East Sepik Province, near Mari Lake and on Salumei River. | Central Maring, Eastern Maring, Timbunki, Tsuwenki, Karamba, Kambegl. Speakers of all dialects understand the central one. | Used only in the home. A few children speak Mari. People neutral toward Mari. Speakers are highly bilingual in Tok Pisin. | Literacy rate in first language: below 5%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%. Grammar. Bible portions: 1974–1979. | Literacy rate in first language: below 5%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%. Grammar. Bible portions: 1974–1979. | |
| mby | Memoni | No estimate available. | Karachi. | Memoni language appears to have similarities to Sindhi and Gujarati. | The younger generation might not learn it as first language. They learn Urdu, Sindhi, or Gujarati as second language. | Most are highly educated. | Most are highly educated. | |
| mbz | Mixtec, Amoltepec | 6,091 (2000 WCD). 1,200 monolinguals (1990 census). Ethnic population: 8,000 to 9,000. | Oaxaca, western edge of Sola de Vega District, Santiago Amoltepec Municipio, and settlements (Las Cuevas, La Mesilla, El Armadillo, El Mamey, El Zapote, Colonia de Jesús, Barranca Oscura, Llano Tigre, Llano Conejo, El Cocal, El Laurel, La Tortuga). 20 villages in the southern part of Santiago Amoltepec Municipio. | 63% intelligibility of Ixtayutla, 52% of Pinotepa Nacional, 46% of Yosondúa, 42% of Nuyoo, 32% of Zacatepec, 25% of San Juan Colorado, 20% of Jamiltepec, 15% of Chayuco. | Functionally monolingual parents do pass Mixtec on to children. Used in local administration, commerce. Many children speak Spanish more than Mixtec, but they know Mixtec. The language has low prestige. Older adults want to preserve the language. Speakers in Amoltepec center know some very basic Spanish, but those in the outlying rancherías are quite monolingual. A few know some English words. | Literacy rate in first language: 0%. | Literacy rate in first language: 0%. | |
| mca | Maca | 1,500 (2000 Chief Andrés Chemhey). Ethnic population: 1,500 (2000). | Southwestern, Presidente Hayes Department, Colonia Juan Belaieff Island in Paraguay River west of Asunción. Many were taken to Asunción. | 63% intelligibility of Ixtayutla, 52% of Pinotepa Nacional, 46% of Yosondúa, 42% of Nuyoo, 32% of Zacatepec, 25% of San Juan Colorado, 20% of Jamiltepec, 15% of Chayuco. | Vigorous. Older adults and preschool children are monolingual. Used in the home, village, church. All ages. Strongly supportive toward Macá. Language and identity are closely linked by the Macá. Strong cultural cohesion. Men are more proficient in Spanish than women. | Bible portions: 1985. | Bible portions: 1985. | |
| mcb | Machiguenga | 10,149 (2000 WCD). | Urubamba, Camisea, Picha, Manu, Timpia, Tigompinia, Kompiroshiato, and Mishagua rivers. | Closest to Nomatsiguenga. There are minor dialects. | Official language. All ages. Bilingual level estimates for Spanish: 0 60%, 1 25%, 2 8.3%, 3 4.6%, 4 1.6%, 5 .5%. | Literacy rate in first language: 30% to 60%. Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. Dictionary. NT: 1976–1997. | Literacy rate in first language: 30% to 60%. Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. Dictionary. NT: 1976–1997. | |
| mcc | Bitur | 856 (2000 census). | Western Province, southern bank and hinterland of Fly River; Upiara, Bisuaka, Petom, Tewara and Kasimap villages. | Lexical similarity 52% with Makayam, 35% with Were, 33% with Baramu. | Official language. All ages. Bilingual level estimates for Spanish: 0 60%, 1 25%, 2 8.3%, 3 4.6%, 4 1.6%, 5 .5%. | Literacy rate in first language: 30% to 60%. Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. Dictionary. NT: 1976–1997. | Literacy rate in first language: 30% to 60%. Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. Dictionary. NT: 1976–1997. | |
| mcd | Sharanahua | 500 in Brazil. | Marináwa in Acre, along the upper Envira, tributary of the Tarauacá, municipality of Cruziero do Sul, on Rio Humaitá off the Juará River. | Marinahua (Marináwa), Chandinahua. | The Marináwa are integrated into Brazilian society. There may be no speakers left. Speakers are shifting to Portuguese. | Literacy rate in first language: 10% to 30%. Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 10%. Taught in primary schools. TV. Dictionary. NT: 1996. | Literacy rate in first language: 10% to 30%. Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 10%. Taught in primary schools. TV. Dictionary. NT: 1996. | |
| mce | Mixtec, Itundujia | 1,082 (1990 census). 33 monolinguals. | Oaxaca, Putla District, 10 km southwest of Yosondúa, 40 km southeast of Putla. Most in Morelos and Guerrero villages. | 60% intelligibility of Yosondúa, 59% of Chalcatongo, 25% of San Martín Peras, 15% of Amoltepec, 12% of Zacatepec, 10% of San Esteban Atatláhuca, Nuyoo, 0% of Ixtayutla. | Nearly all of the monolinguals and over half of the speakers are over 50 years old. Speakers also use Spanish. | Literacy rate in first language: 10% to 30%. Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 10%. Taught in primary schools. TV. Dictionary. NT: 1996. | Literacy rate in first language: 10% to 30%. Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 10%. Taught in primary schools. TV. Dictionary. NT: 1996. | |
| mcf | Matsés | 1,000 in Brazil (2000 SIL). | Amazonas. | Different from Mayo, or Maya and Marubo of Brazil. | Some speak some Portuguese. Teachers are first-language Portuguese speakers. | Literacy rate in first language: 1% to 5%. Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 15%. Grammar. NT: 1993. | Literacy rate in first language: 1% to 5%. Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 15%. Grammar. NT: 1993. | |
| mcg | Mapoyo | 3 (2000 Muller). Ethnic population: 120. | Suapure River, 100 kilometers north of La Urbana, Amazonas. | Close to Yawarana. | Members of the ethnic group now speak Spanish. May be extinct. | Literacy rate in first language: 1% to 5%. Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 15%. Grammar. NT: 1993. | Literacy rate in first language: 1% to 5%. Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 15%. Grammar. NT: 1993. | |
| mch | Maquiritari | 270 in Brazil (1986 SIL). | Roraima. | Cunuana, De'cuana (Wainungomo), Ihuruana, Maitsi, Mayongong (Ye'cuana, Yekuana). | Members of the ethnic group now speak Spanish. May be extinct. | Literacy rate in second language: 15%. NT: 1970. | Literacy rate in second language: 15%. NT: 1970. | |
| mci | Mese | 4,000 (1997 census). | Morobe Province, Lae District, Boana Subdistrict, interior north of Lae. 14 villages: Samanzing, Biliman, Tusulu, Hobu, Zezegi, Momolili, Zitare, Malapipi, Kwamu, Busu, Nomenga, Zitale-Ogaw, Tuzing, Kaisia. Sambuen is a border community with both Nabak and Mese speakers. | West-Central Mese, East Mese, Momolili, Zezagi. | Men 50 years old and older can speak either Yabem or Kâte. Most adults under 30 also use Tok Pisin. | Literacy rate in first language: below 5%. Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 15%. Bible portions: 1996–1997. | Literacy rate in first language: below 5%. Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 15%. Bible portions: 1996–1997. | |
| mcl | Macaguaje | Extinct. Ethnic population: 50 (1998 Arango and Sánchez). | Lower Putumayo, tributaries of Caquetá River. | West-Central Mese, East Mese, Momolili, Zezagi. | Members of the ethnic group now speak Siona or Coreguaje. | Literacy rate in first language: below 5%. Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 15%. Bible portions: 1996–1997. | Literacy rate in first language: below 5%. Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 15%. Bible portions: 1996–1997. | |
| mcm | Malaccan Creole Portuguese | 5,000 in Malaysia (1997 Col. Timothy D'Souza, Eurasian Association). Population total all countries: 5,000 (1997). | Trankera and Hilir, Melaka, Straits of Malacca. Related varieties in parts of Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Variety in Pulau Tikus spoken more in 1997 than in 1987. | West-Central Mese, East Mese, Momolili, Zezagi. | Trade language. Also spoken as second language by some Chinese shopkeepers in Hilir. | Dictionary. Grammar. Bible portions: 1884. | Dictionary. Grammar. Bible portions: 1884. | |
| mcn | Masana | 103,000 in Cameroon (1982 SIL). | Far North Province, southeastern Mayo-Danay Division, around Yagoua. | Yagwa (Yagoua), Domo, Walya, Bongor, Wina (Viri), Gizay (Guissey), Budugum. | Trade language. Also spoken as second language by some Chinese shopkeepers in Hilir. | Dictionary. NT: 1950–1955. | Dictionary. NT: 1950–1955. | |
| mco | Mixe, Coatlán | 5,000 (1993 SIL). Speakers of all Mixe languages: 90,000 (1993 SIL). | East central Oaxaca, including Coatlán, Camotlán, San José, Santa Isabel, Ixcuintepec. | Coatlán Mixe, Camotlán Mixe. | Bilingual level estimates for Spanish: 0 10%, 1 50%, 2 25%, 3 10%, 4 5%, 5 0%. | Literacy rate in first language: 25%. Videos. Dictionary. NT: 1976. | Literacy rate in first language: 25%. Videos. Dictionary. NT: 1976. | |
| mcq | Ese | 10,000 (2000 SIL). | Oro Province, Popondetta District, southeast of the Omie. | Muaturaina, Chimona, Dea, Akabafa, Nami, Mesari, Averi, Afore, Minjori, Oko, Wakue, Numba, Jimuni, Karira. | Vigorous. All domains. Personal letters. All ages. Positive language attitude. 50% monolingual. Others use Tok Pisin, English, or Hiri Motu as second language. The use of Hiri Motu is diminishing. The younger generation does not know it. | Literacy rate in first language: 50%. Taught in primary schools. Newspapers. Radio programs. Dictionary. NT: 1975–1999. | Literacy rate in first language: 50%. Taught in primary schools. Newspapers. Radio programs. Dictionary. NT: 1975–1999. | |
| mcr | Menya | 20,000 (1998 SIL). | Morobe Province, Menyamya District, north along the Tauri River and its tributaries. | Muaturaina, Chimona, Dea, Akabafa, Nami, Mesari, Averi, Afore, Minjori, Oko, Wakue, Numba, Jimuni, Karira. | Vigorous. All domains. Personal letters. All ages. Positive language attitude. 50% monolingual. Others use Tok Pisin, English, or Hiri Motu as second language. The use of Hiri Motu is diminishing. The younger generation does not know it. | Literacy rate in first language: 5% to 15%. Literacy rate in second language: 15% to 25%. Bible portions: 1995. | Literacy rate in first language: 5% to 15%. Literacy rate in second language: 15% to 25%. Bible portions: 1995. | |
| mcv | Minanibai | 300 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). | Ikobi Kairi and Goaribari Census districts, near the mouth of the Omati River, Gulf Province. | Related to Mubami. | Might be extinct. | Literacy rate in first language: 5% to 15%. Literacy rate in second language: 15% to 25%. Bible portions: 1995. | Literacy rate in first language: 5% to 15%. Literacy rate in second language: 15% to 25%. Bible portions: 1995. | |
| mcw | Mawa | 6,560 (2000 WCD). | Central, north Guéra Prefecture, Bitkine Subprefecture, about 30 km south of Bitkine, centered around the village of Mahoua. Southeast of the Mukulu. | 'Gurara' and 'Roffono' ('Reupan') are villages in which the speech is very similar to that of Mahoua. Lexical similarity 8% with Ubi. | The majority use Shuwa Arabic as second language, some use Kenga. | Literacy rate in first language: 5% to 15%. Literacy rate in second language: 15% to 25%. Bible portions: 1995. | Literacy rate in first language: 5% to 15%. Literacy rate in second language: 15% to 25%. Bible portions: 1995. | |
| mcz | Mawan | 471 (2003 SIL). | Madang Province, Gogol River area. | 'Gurara' and 'Roffono' ('Reupan') are villages in which the speech is very similar to that of Mahoua. Lexical similarity 8% with Ubi. | Speakers are older adults. Speakers also use Tok Pisin. | Literacy rate in first language: 5% to 15%. Literacy rate in second language: 15% to 25%. Bible portions: 1995. | Literacy rate in first language: 5% to 15%. Literacy rate in second language: 15% to 25%. Bible portions: 1995. | |
| mda | Mada | 100,000 (1993 SIL). | Plateau State, Akwanga and Keffi LGAs; Kaduna State, Jema'a LGA. | 'Gurara' and 'Roffono' ('Reupan') are villages in which the speech is very similar to that of Mahoua. Lexical similarity 8% with Ubi. | Speakers are older adults. Speakers also use Tok Pisin. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. Grammar. NT: 1999. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. Grammar. NT: 1999. | |
| mdb | Morigi | 700 (1975 Wurm). | Gulf Province, Lower Turama Census Division. | 'Gurara' and 'Roffono' ('Reupan') are villages in which the speech is very similar to that of Mahoua. Lexical similarity 8% with Ubi. | Speakers are older adults. Speakers also use Tok Pisin. | 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%. | |
| mdc | Male | 972 (2000 census). | Madang Province, coast south of Bom. | Related to Bongu and Anjam. | Speakers are older adults. Speakers also use Tok Pisin. | 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%. | |
| mde | Maba | 250,000 (1999 SIL). | East, Ouaddaï Prefecture, Abéché and Am Dam subprefectures, and Biltine Prefecture, Biltine Subprefecture; almost all of Abéché Subprefecture and the area around Biltine. | Bakha, Abkar, Kajanga (Kajangan), Kelingan, Malanga, Mandaba (Ma Ndaba), Mandala (Ma Dala), Nyabadan, Kodoo, Ouled Djemma, Kujinga, Dondongo. Lexical similarity 73% with Karanga and Kachmere, 63% with Marfa, 42% with Masalit. | Trade language. | 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%. | |
| mdf | Moksha | 296,904 (2000 WCD). | Mordovia, southern. Saransk is the capital. | Considerable difference with Erzya. | The Tengushen are Erzya ethnically, but speak Moksha. Speakers also use Russian. | Bible portions: 1879–1996. | Bible portions: 1879–1996. | |
| mdg | Massalat | 10 (1991 R. Blench). Ethnic population: 29,836 (1993 census). | East Batha Prefecture, Oum Hadjer Subprefecture, and Ouaddaï Prefecture, Am Dam Subprefecture. | Considerable difference with Erzya. | Speakers are shifting to Chadian Arabic. | Bible portions: 1879–1996. | Bible portions: 1879–1996. | |
| mdh | Maguindanao | 1,000,000 (1999 WA). Population includes 766,565 Magindanaon (1990 census), 241,000 Iranun (1981 SIL). | Maguindanao, North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kuderat, and Zamboanga del Sur provinces; Iranun also in Bukidnon, Mindanao. | Laya, Ilud, Biwangan, Sibugay, Iranun (Ilanon, Illanon, Ilanum, Iranon), Tagakawanan. 84% intelligibility of Iranun, 60% of Maranao. Iranun has 98% intelligibility of Maguindanao; 96% of Illanun of Sabah, Malaysia and 95% of Maranao. Subdialects of Iranun: Iranun and Isebanganen. | Trade language. Comprehension of Tagalog is low. | Literacy rate in first language: 60%. Literacy rate in second language: 60%. Dictionary. Bible portions: 1946–1995. | Literacy rate in first language: 60%. Literacy rate in second language: 60%. Dictionary. Bible portions: 1946–1995. | |
| mdi | Mamvu | 60,000 (1991 SIL). | Orientale Province, west and southwest of Watsa in Watsa Territory. Possibly some in Uganda. | Amengi, Mamvu (Momvu, Momfu). | Trade language. Comprehension of Tagalog is low. | Bible portions: 1931. | Bible portions: 1931. | |
| mdj | Mangbetu | 620,000. | Orientale Province, Rungu, Niangara, Poko, Watsa, Wamba, and northeast corner of Banalia territories. The Popoi group is in Banalia Territory, and the Aberu group is in Wamba Territory. None in Uganda. | Meje (Medje), Mangbetu, Makere, Malele, Popoi. The Medje dialect is reported to have the most speakers, and is the most widely understood. Lombi and Asua are related separate languages. | Perhaps 50% know Bangala, another 10% have low proficiency. Popoi and Aberu are in Swahili-speaking areas. | Bible portions: 1931. | Bible portions: 1931. | |
| mdk | Mangbutu | 15,000 (1991 SIL). Population includes 1,200 Andinai. | Orientale Province, south of the Kibali River and east of the Moto River in Watsa Territory. | Andinai, Makutana, Angwe (Andali). The Andinai are separated from the other Mangbutu by the Lese. The Andali are a clan speaking the Angwe dialect. | Perhaps 50% know Bangala, another 10% have low proficiency. Popoi and Aberu are in Swahili-speaking areas. | Bible portions: 1931. | Bible portions: 1931. | |
| mdl | Maltese Sign Language | No estimate available. | Orientale Province, south of the Kibali River and east of the Moto River in Watsa Territory. | Andinai, Makutana, Angwe (Andali). The Andinai are separated from the other Mangbutu by the Lese. The Andali are a clan speaking the Angwe dialect. | Perhaps 50% know Bangala, another 10% have low proficiency. Popoi and Aberu are in Swahili-speaking areas. | Bible portions: 1931. | Bible portions: 1931. | |
| mdo | Gbaya, Southwest | 13,000 to 18,000 in Cameroon (1998 SIL). Population includes 5,000 to 8,000 Dooka, 8,000 to 10,000 Mbodomo. | East Province, Lom and Djerem Division, Bétaré-Oya Subdivision, Ngoura District. | Dooka, Mbodomo (Gbaya-Mbodomo, Bodomo). | Vigorous. Minimal Fulfulde is used in the markets. Proficiency is greater where there are more Fulani people: Yangamo has a 30% Fulani population. A small number also use French, mainly educated men. | Bible portions: 1980. | Bible portions: 1980. | |
| mdr | Mandar | 200,000 (1985). | South Sulawesi, Majene and Polewali-Mamasa districts, a few settlements in Mamuju District, on the islands of Pangkep District, and at Ujung Lero near Pare-Pare. | Majene, Balanipa (Napo-Tinambung), Malunda, Pamboang, Sendana (Cenrana, Tjendana). Mandar is a complex dialect grouping; there may be more dialects than those listed. Balanipa and Sendana may each be more than one dialect. Balanipa is the prestige dialect. Mandar, Mamuju, and Pitu Ulunna Salu are separate languages in a language chain. | Vigorous. Minimal Fulfulde is used in the markets. Proficiency is greater where there are more Fulani people: Yangamo has a 30% Fulani population. A small number also use French, mainly educated men. | Lontara syllabary script. Dictionary. | Lontara syllabary script. Dictionary. | |
| mds | Maria | 870 (1980 census). | Central Province, Marshall Lagoon to Mt. Brown; a remote area. | Didigaru, Maria, Gebi, Oibu, Amota, Imila, Uderi. Lexical similarity 63% with Doromu (closest). | Vigorous. Minimal Fulfulde is used in the markets. Proficiency is greater where there are more Fulani people: Yangamo has a 30% Fulani population. A small number also use French, mainly educated men. | Lontara syllabary script. Dictionary. | Lontara syllabary script. Dictionary. | |
| mdv | Mixtec, Santa Lucía Monteverde | 4,000 (2001 Williams). 203 monolinguals (1995 census). Ethnic population: 6,000 (1995 census). | West central Oaxaca, northeastern Putla District, town of Santa Lucía Monteverde. | Intelligibility is 83% of San Esteban Atatláhuca; people had difficulty understanding written materials in it. Santa Catarina Yosonotu Mixtec may be closer to this than to Atatláhuca. | 2,300 people between 5 to 14 years old, of whom 1,200 speak Mixtec, including 4 monolinguals (1995 census). Speakers also use Spanish. | Lontara syllabary script. Dictionary. | Lontara syllabary script. Dictionary. | |
| mdx | Dizi | 21,075 (1998 census). 17,583 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 21,894 (1998 census). | Kafa Region, near Maji town. | Related to Sheko, Nayi. | 2,054 second-language speakers. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 16.8%. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 16.8%. | |
| mdy | Male | 53,779 (1998 census). 40,660 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 46,458 (1998 census). | Omo Region, southeast of Jinka. | Lexical similarity 48% with Dorze, 46% with Gofa, 45% with Koorete, 44% with Gamo, 43% with Wolaytta and Kullo. | 6,730 second-language speakers. Male is the language of the home. | Literacy rate in second language: 4.5%. Interest in Male literature. | Literacy rate in second language: 4.5%. Interest in Male literature. | |
| mdz | Suruí do Pará | 140 (1995 SIL). | Pará, 110 km from Marabá, in municipio of São João Araguaia. | Member of Akwáwa cluster. Probably fairly close linguistic relationship to Asuriní and Parakanã. | 6,730 second-language speakers. Male is the language of the home. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%. | |
| meb | Ikobi-Mena | 650 (1977 SIL). Population includes 350 Ikobi, 300 Mena (1981 Wurm and Hattori). | Gulf Province, south of Kibirowi Island, around upper Omati River and around Middle Turama River. | Meni, Mena, Pimuru, Gorau, Utabi. Closest language is Omati (Mini). Wurm and Hattori treat Ikobi and Mena as separate languages. | 6,730 second-language speakers. Male is the language of the home. | 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%. | |
| mec | Mara | 15 (1991 M. Sharpe). | Roper River area, Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. | Related to Warndarrang and Yugul, which may be extinct. | Most speak Kriol or English as second language. | Dictionary. Grammar. | Dictionary. Grammar. | |
| med | Melpa | 130,000 (1991 SIL). | Western Highlands Province, Hagen District. | Tembagla. Only slight dialect differences. | Most speak Kriol or English as second language. | Literacy rate in first language: 5% to 15%. Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. NT: 1965–1995. | Literacy rate in first language: 5% to 15%. Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. NT: 1965–1995. | |
| mef | Megam | 6,872 (2000 WCD). | Northeastern Bangladesh. | Called a dialect of Garo, but may be a separate language. | Most speak Kriol or English as second language. | Literacy rate in first language: 5% to 15%. Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. NT: 1965–1995. | Literacy rate in first language: 5% to 15%. Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. NT: 1965–1995. | |
| meh | Mixtec, Southwestern Tlaxiaco | 6,000 (1990 census). 1,000 monolinguals. | Oaxaca. | Nuyoo, Yucuhiti. 54% intelligibility of Atatláhuca (closest). | Most speak Kriol or English as second language. | Literacy rate in first language: 5%. Literacy rate in second language: 60%. Bible portions: 1999–2003. | Literacy rate in first language: 5%. Literacy rate in second language: 60%. Bible portions: 1999–2003. | |
| mei | Midob | 50,000 (1993 R. Werner). | Northern Sudan, Dar Fur Province, Jebel Midob, and settled communities in Omdurman and Gezira Aba. The center is Malha. | Shelkota (Shalkota), Kaageddi, Urrti (Uurti). Lexical similarity 51% with Birgid (closest). | Most speak Kriol or English as second language. | Literacy rate in first language: 5%. Literacy rate in second language: 60%. Bible portions: 1999–2003. | Literacy rate in first language: 5%. Literacy rate in second language: 60%. Bible portions: 1999–2003. | |
| mej | Meyah | 14,783 (2000 WCD). | East Bird's Head, north coast, west of Manokwari, north of Hattam language, and scattered locations. | Closest to Manikion. | Many are becoming bilingual in Indonesian. | Literacy rate in first language: 25% to 50%. Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. NT: 1997. | Literacy rate in first language: 25% to 50%. Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. NT: 1997. | |
| mel | Melanau | 200 in Brunei (1995 Martin). | Around Kuala Belait town. | Mukah-Oya (Mukah, Muka, Oya, Oya', Oga). | Speakers also use Malay. | Literacy rate in second language: 52%. | Literacy rate in second language: 52%. | |
| mem | Mangala | Extinct. | Broome, Jurgurra Creek, Edgar Range, southwest Fitzroy, West Pilbara, Western Australia. | Mukah-Oya (Mukah, Muka, Oya, Oya', Oga). | Members of the ethnic group now speak Kriol or Aboriginal English. | Dictionary. Grammar. | Dictionary. Grammar. | |
| men | Mende | 19,700 in Liberia (1991 Vanderaa). | South central. Expanding along the coast and to the south and east. Also spoken in Liberia. | Kpa, Ko, Waanjama, Sewawa. Bandi, mainly in Liberia, is considered to be a separate language. Dialects have 92% to 98% lexical similarity with each other. | Trade language. There are a number of monolinguals. Others use Krio as second language. | Taught as an elective from primary to college levels. Kikakui script. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1959. | Taught as an elective from primary to college levels. Kikakui script. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1959. | |
| meo | Malay, Kedah | No estimate available. | A few villages near Satun. Isolated. | Distinct from Pattani Malay or Standard Malay. | Speakers also use Central Thai. | Taught as an elective from primary to college levels. Kikakui script. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1959. | Taught as an elective from primary to college levels. Kikakui script. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1959. | |
| mep | Miriwung | 10 to 20 (1990 Schmidt). | Kununurra, Western Australia, and Turkey Creek. | Distinct from Pattani Malay or Standard Malay. | Some older adults speak Miriwung. The young people use only Kriol. Most older adults speak Kriol. | Dictionary. Grammar. | Dictionary. Grammar. | |
| meq | Merey | 10,000 (1982 SIL). | Far North Province, Diamare Division, west of Meri on Meri Massif. | Dugur. | Some older adults speak Miriwung. The young people use only Kriol. Most older adults speak Kriol. | Bible portions: 1986. | Bible portions: 1986. | |
| mes | Masmaje | 25,727 (1993 census). | Central, Batha Prefecture, Oum Hadjer Subprefecture, southwest of Oum Hadjer, north of the Mubi. | Dugur. | Some older adults speak Miriwung. The young people use only Kriol. Most older adults speak Kriol. | Bible portions: 1986. | Bible portions: 1986. | |
| mev | Mann | 71,022 in Guinea (1997 Mamy). | East of Kpelle in Nzérékore Prefecture (40,536), Lola Prefecture (16,486), Yomou Prefecture (14,000). | Dugur. | Some older adults speak Miriwung. The young people use only Kriol. Most older adults speak Kriol. | NT: 1978. | NT: 1978. | |
| mew | Maaka | 10,000 (1993). | Borno State, Gujba LGA, Bara town and associated hamlets. | Dugur. | Some older adults speak Miriwung. The young people use only Kriol. Most older adults speak Kriol. | NT: 1978. | NT: 1978. | |
| mey | Hassaniyya | 10,000 in Niger (1998). | Southern Morocco, from Laayoune on down. | Not intelligible with other Arabic varieties. The 'Nemadi' (Ikoku) are an ethnic group of 200 (1967) that speak Hassaniyya, but they have special morphemes for dogs, hunting, and houses. They are nomadic between Mali and Mauritania. | National language. | Radio programs. Dictionary. | Radio programs. Dictionary. | |
| mez | Menominee | 39. Ethnic population: 3,500 (1977 SIL). | Northeastern Wisconsin, on what was formerly the Menomini Reservation. | Not intelligible with other Arabic varieties. The 'Nemadi' (Ikoku) are an ethnic group of 200 (1967) that speak Hassaniyya, but they have special morphemes for dogs, hunting, and houses. They are nomadic between Mali and Mauritania. | Speakers have shifted to English. Speakers are older adults. | Grammar. | Grammar. | |
| mfa | Malay, Pattani | 3,100,000 (1998). Population includes 2,600,000 in southern Thailand, 500,000 in Bangkok and elsewhere. | Chana (Chenok) Region of Songkhla (Singgora) Province in the north, traversing southward through Pattani, Narathiwat, Yala, Saiburi, Tak Bai. | Different from Kedah Malay and Standard Malay. | Speakers also use Central Thai. | NT: 1981. | NT: 1981. | |
| mfb | Lom | 2 to 10 (2000 Wurm). | Sumatra, northeast Bangka Island, Belinyu District. | Not closely related to other languages. | Speakers also use Central Thai. | NT: 1981. | NT: 1981. | |
| mfe | Morisyen | 600,000 in Mauritius (1989). Population total all countries: 604,000. | Also spoken in Madagascar. | Rodrigues Creole. Closer to French creoles of the Caribbean than to Réunion Creole (Philip Baker). Nearly identical to Rodrigues. | Trade language. Lower prestige than French or English. Speakers also use French. | Dictionary. Grammar. Bible portions: 1885–1900. | Dictionary. Grammar. Bible portions: 1885–1900. | |
| mff | Naki | 3,000 (1993 R. Breton). Population includes 300 in Nse chiefdom. | North West Province, Menchum Division, Furu-Awa Subdivision, Nse chiefdom, Naki, Mekaf, Bukpang II, and Lebo villages. | Member of the Eastern Beboid cluster. | In Nse chiefdom they speak Nsaa and are called 'Bunsaa'. Some speakers also use Nse or Lebo, although Jukun is the trade language. In Bukpang II few speak Jukun. Cameroon Pidgin is used in the area. | Dictionary. Grammar. Bible portions: 1885–1900. | Dictionary. Grammar. Bible portions: 1885–1900. | |
| mfh | Matal | 18,000 (1982 SIL). | Far North Province, Mayo-Sava Division, Mora Subdivision, southwest of Mora, to the south, eastern edge of Mandara Mountains. | Member of the Eastern Beboid cluster. | In Nse chiefdom they speak Nsaa and are called 'Bunsaa'. Some speakers also use Nse or Lebo, although Jukun is the trade language. In Bukpang II few speak Jukun. Cameroon Pidgin is used in the area. | NT: 1989. | NT: 1989. | |
| mfi | Wandala | 20,000 in Nigeria (1993). Population includes 10,000 Gamargu, 9,300 Kirawa. | Borno State, Damboa, Bama, Gwoza, and Konduga LGAs. | Kamburwama, Masfeima, Jampalam, Ziogba, Mazagwa, Gwanje, Gamargu (Gamergu, Malgo, Malgwa), Kirawa. | Vigorous. Some speak Hausa or English. | 200 to 300 read Wandala. Grammar. NT: 1988. | 200 to 300 read Wandala. Grammar. NT: 1988. | |
| mfj | Mefele | 11,000 (2002 SIL). | Far North Province, Mayo-Tsanaga Division, Mokolo Subdivision, south and east of Mokolo, 6 villages. | Mefele, Serak (Sirak), Muhura (Mouhour), Shugule (Chougoule). | Vigorous. All domains. Bilingualism in Fulfulde is increasing by those who travel, and in French by the few children in school. Bilingualism in Mafa appears to be increasing among the children, who learn it at school and market. | 200 to 300 read Wandala. Grammar. NT: 1988. | 200 to 300 read Wandala. Grammar. NT: 1988. |
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