Languages of Burkina Faso

[bam] 300 in Burkina Faso (1991 Vanderaa). Kénédougou Province, near N'Dorola. Alternate names: Bamana, Bamanakan.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-East, Northeastern Manding, Bamana 
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[beh] 1,500 in Burkina Faso (1991). Tapoa and Gourma provinces, at the Benin border, south of Arli. Alternate names: Bieri, Bjeri, Bjerb, Berba, Burba.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Eastern 
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[bfo] 108,000 in Burkina Faso (1993). Southwestern Burkina Faso, Poni Province. Also spoken in Côte d'Ivoire. Alternate names: Birifo, Malba-Birifor, Northern Birifor.  Dialects: Wile, Birifor.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Western, Northwest, Dagaari-Birifor, Birifor 
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[bib] 350,000 in Burkina Faso (1999 SIL). Population does not include the Bissa southern Barka region. Population total all countries: 581,900. South central, Boulgou and Zoundweogo provinces, in the cities of Garango, Zabré, Gomboussougou, Tenkodogo. Also spoken in Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo. Alternate names: Bisa.  Dialects: Barka, Lebir, Lere. Related to Samo.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Eastern, Bissa 
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[bbo] 35,000 in Burkina Faso (1995 SIL). Population total all countries: 53,400. Banwa Province. Tansilla is the center, with a radius of about 25 km. Also spoken in Mali. Alternate names: Bobo Fing, Bobo Fign, Bobo Fi, Black Bobo, Bobo, Boboda.  Dialects: Yaba, Sankuma (Sarokama), Jèrè, Tankri, Kure, Kukoma. Northern Bobo Madaré has 20% to 30% intelligibility of Southern Bobo Madaré. All dialects of Northern understand Yaba, centered in Tansilla. Tankri is difficult for others to understand. Different from other Mande languages. Separate literature may be needed for the Mali dialect. Some linguists treat Bobo as a separate major branch of Mande. Sya is the prestige dialect in Mali and used for literature.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Northwestern, Soninke-Bobo, Bobo 
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[bwq] 311,691 (2000 WCD). Population includes 15,000 speakers of Zara. Ethnic population: 160,000 to 190,000 (1999 SIL). Mainly Houet Province, from 20 km west of Bobo Dioulasso to 40 km east, north to Kouka Region in Kossi Province. Alternate names: Bobo Fing, Bobo Fi, Black Bobo, Bobo.  Dialects: Benge, Sogokiré, Voré, Syabéré (Sya), Zara (Bobo Dioula, Bobo Jula).  Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Northwestern, Soninke-Bobo, Bobo 
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[bof] 17,000 (1998 SIL). Kénédougou and Houet provinces, 12 villages around N'Dorola and Samorogouan. Alternate names: Boka, Bo.  Dialects: Black Bolon (Northern Bolon), White Bolon (Southern Bolon). White Bolon has higher inherent intelligibility with Jula (81%) than Black Bolon (52%).  Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding 
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[bmq] 56,000 in Burkina Faso (1991). Kossi Province. Alternate names: Boomu, Bore, Western Bobo Wule, Bobo Oule.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Bwamu 
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[box] 185,945 (2000 WCD). Kossi, Mouhoun, Tuy, Banwa, and Les Balés provinces. Approximately 80 km east-west and 200 km north-south. Alternate names: Eastern Bobo Wule, Eastern Bobo Oule, Red Bobo, Bouamou, Bwamu.  Dialects: Ouarkoye.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Bwamu 
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[bwy] 24,000 (1999 SIL). South of Boromo, border area between Bougouriba and Sissili provinces, area 10 km north to south, and 40 km east to west, from Founzan (Bougouriba Province) to Kabourou (Sissili Province). Alternate names: Coo, Cwi, Twi.  Dialects: Intelligibility within Cwi area is over 90%, 50% to 70% of Láá Láá Bwamu, 30% of Ouarkoye Buamu, and 65% to 70% of Dakwi Bwamu.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Bwamu 
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[bwj] 69,210 (2000 WCD). Tuy and Les Balés provinces, in and around the villages of Bagassi, Pâ, and Boni. Alternate names: Kàdenbà, Yere.  Dialects: Close to Ouarkoye dialect of Buamu and Bwamu Twi. Speakers unable to use other Bwamu dialects for literature.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Bwamu 
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[cme] 61,400 in Burkina Faso (1991). Population total all countries: 63,100. From just north of Ouagadougou, Côte d'Ivoire, along the main road to Banfora, Comoé Province. Also spoken in Côte d'Ivoire. Alternate names: Gouin, Gwe, Gwen, Kirma.  Dialects: Banfora-Sienena, Niangoloko-Diarabakoko, Soubakanedougou, Gouindougouba. The Gouindougouba dialect is spoken in 1 or 2 villages. Turka is the closest language, but not inherently intelligible.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Kirma-Tyurama 
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[dgd] 21,000 (1999 SIL). Diébougou, To, Boromo, Soukoulaye, Silly, Pa, Dano, Leo, Gao, Dissin, Wessa, Fara, French Hamele. Alternate names: Dagari Dyoula, Dagaari Jula, Jari, Yari, Wala.  Dialects: Not inherently intelligible with Dagaare, Jula, or Mòoré. Lexical similarity 65% to 70% with Dagaare.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Western, Northwest, Dagaari-Birifor, Dagaari 
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[dgi] 388,000 (2001 Johnstoneand Mandryk). Southwest Burkina Faso, Poni, Bougouriba, Sissili, Mouhoun provinces. Alternate names: Northern Dagaare, Dagari, Degati, Dagati, Dogaari, Dagaari, Dagaare.  Dialects: Lober (Lobr), Wule, Nura (Lawra Lobi). Dagara and Birifor are partly intelligible.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Western, Northwest, Dagaari-Birifor, Dagaari 
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[djm]  Northern border with Mali. Alternate names: Dyamsay Tegu.  Dialects: Domno, Gono, Bama, Guru.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Dogon 
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[dtm]  A few villages. Alternate names: Tomo-Kan.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Dogon 
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[dos] 20,000 (1991 Ouattara). Villages of Ouo, Sidéradougou, Kouere, Koro, and Sirakoro, Comoé Province, Sidéradougou Subdistrict, southwest Burkina Faso. Alternate names: Dorosie, Dorhosye, Dokhosié, Doghosié, Doro Doghosié, Dokhobe, Dorobé, Doghose, Dorhossié, Dorossé.  Dialects: Klamaasise, Mesise, Lutise, Gbeyãse, Sukurase, Gbogorose. Different from Bambadion dialects Dogoso and Khe. The regional dialects are inherently intelligible with each other. Lexical similarity 82% with Khisa, 68% with Kaansa, 15% with Dogoso, 14% with Khe.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Gan-Dogose 
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[dgs] 9,000 in Burkina Faso (1999 SIL). Villages are Dandougou, Torokoro, Sokoura, Bondokoro, Tolandougou, Sakédougou. Near the Dogose, Khisa, and Khe. Also spoken in Côte d'Ivoire. Alternate names: Dorossié-Fing, Dorhosié-Finng, Black Dogose, Dorhosié-Noirs, Bambadion-Dogoso, Bambadion-Dokhosié.  Dialects: Lexical similarity 56% with Khe, 15% with Dogosé, 16% with Khisa.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Dogoso-Khe 
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[dya] 14,100 (1991 Vanderaa). Bougouriba Province, Dolo, near Diébougou. Alternate names: Dian, Dya, Dyane, Dyanu, Dan.  Dialects: Zanga. Zanga is a dialect or closely related language. Not close enough to Lobi to be intelligible. Distinct from Dan (Gio, Yacouba).  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Dyan 
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[dnn] 13,400 (1998 Solomiac, Entz). 30% monolinguals. Kénédougou Province, Samorogouan and Samogohiri departments, west of Bobo-Dioulasso near the town of Orodara; villages of Samogo-Iri, Saraba, Diomou, Gnalé, Sokouraba, Todié, and Samogogouan. Alternate names: Samogho, Samogo, Samoro, Kpango, Eastern Duun.  Dialects: Kpango (Samorogouan), Dzùùngoo (Samogohiri). The two dialects are intelligible to each other's speakers.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Northwestern, Samogo 
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[fra]   Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Western, Gallo-Iberian, Gallo-Romance, Gallo-Rhaetian, Oïl, French 
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[fuh] 750,000 in Burkina Faso (1999 SIL). Northeastern Burkina Faso corner. Dialects: Barani (Barain, Baraniire), Gourmantche, Bogandé, Jelgoore, Liptaakoore, Barkoundouba, Seeba-Yaga (Yaaga) Ouhiguyua, Fada Ngurma.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Atlantic, Northern, Senegambian, Fulani-Wolof, Fula, East Central 
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[gux] 600,000 in Burkina Faso (1999 SIL). Population total all countries: 812,500. Eastern Burkina Faso, Gourma, Tapoa, Gnagna, Komandjari, Yagha, and Kompienga provinces, just below the scrub land that blends into the Sahara. Also spoken in Benin, Niger, Togo. Alternate names: Gourma, Gourmantche, Gurma, Migulimancema, Goulmacema, Gulmancema, Gulimancema.  Dialects: Northern Gourmanchema, Central Gourmanchema, Southern Gourmanchema. Central and eastern dialects are inherently intelligible, northern only with difficulty.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Gurma 
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[hau] 500 in Burkina Faso (1991 Vanderaa). Boulgou and Gourma provinces. Alternate names: Haoussa.  Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.1 
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[bxl] 500 (1995 SIL). Ethnic population: 800 to 1,000 (1995 SIL). Village of Blédougou, west of Banfora, near the town of Sindou, Leraba Province. Alternate names: Dyala, Dyalanu, Jalkuna, Blé.  Dialects: Lexical similarity 19% with Jula, 17% with Bolon.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Jogo-Jeri, Jeri-Jalkuna 
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[dyu] 1,000,000 in Burkina Faso, (1990 SIL). Population total all countries: 1,229,100. Comoé, Kénédougou, Houet, and Leraba provinces. Also spoken in Côte d'Ivoire, Mali. Alternate names: Dyula, Dyoula, Diula, Dioula, Djula.  Dialects: Jula is a trade language of western Burkina Faso and northern Côte d'Ivoire. It is a separate language from Bambara and Malinke, and ethnically distinct.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-East, Northeastern Manding, Bamana 
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[gna] 6,000 (1990 S. Showalter). Poni Province, Gaoua Subdistrict, Loropéni Department, bounded by Loropéni on the west, Derbi on the east, Djigoué on the south, and Yérifoula on the north. Obiré, 10 km northwest of Loropéni, is the cultural center and residence of the Kaan king. Alternate names: Kaanse, Kãasa, Kan, Kaan, Gan, Gã, Gane.  Dialects: Kaansa, Kpatogo (Kpatogoso, Gbadogo, Padoro, Padogho, Padorho, Bodoro). Lexical similarity 81% between dialects, 71% with Khisa, 68% with Dogosé.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Gan-Dogose 
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[knz] 9,568 in Burkina Faso (1985 census). Sourou Province, Tougan Subdistrict, 540 square km bordering Mali. Also spoken in Mali. Alternate names: Kalemsé, Kalenga, Sàmòmá, Sàmó.  Dialects: Kasoma (East Kalamsé), Logremma (Logma, West Kalamsé).  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Northern 
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[xkt]   Alternate names: Kantonsi, Yare, Yarsi, Dagaari Dioula.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Western, Southeast 
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[xrb] 35,000 in Burkina Faso (1995 SIL). Population total all countries: 40,605. East of the main Ferké to Bobo-Dioulosso road and Banfora, southern Burkina Faso. Comoé Province. Also spoken in Côte d'Ivoire. Alternate names: Kar, Ker, Kler.  Dialects: Kar averages 70% comprehension by Tenyer and Syer speakers, but the reverse is 30%.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Karaboro 
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[kza] 30,200 (1991 Vanderaa). West of the main Ferké to Bobo-Dioulosso road and Banfora, southern Burkina Faso. Alternate names: Syer-Tenyer.  Dialects: Tenyer, Syer. Kar averages 70% comprehension by Tenyer and Syer speakers, but the reverse is 30%.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Karaboro 
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[xsm] 120,000 in Burkina Faso (1998 SIL). Population total all countries: 250,000. Nahouri Province, Po and Tiébélé towns. Also spoken in Ghana. Alternate names: Kassem, Kasim, Kasena, Kassena.  Dialects: East Kasem, West Kasem. West and East Kasem are inherently intelligible to each other's speakers. Closest to Nuni and Lyélé.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Northern 
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[kqg] 1,300 in Burkina Faso (1983 SIL). Near the Dogose, Khisa, and Dogoso. Villages are Noumoukiedougou, Tiébata, Moromoro, Boli, Sessagbo, and Lobo. Also spoken in Côte d'Ivoire. Alternate names: Kheso, Bambadion-Kheso.  Dialects: Lexical similarity 56% with Dogoso (Bambadion-Dogoso), 14% with Dogosé, 13% with Khisa.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Dogoso-Khe 
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[kqm] 3,000 in Burkina Faso (1991 SIL). Comoé Province, around Mangodara Prefecture, in southwest Burkina Faso near the Côte d'Ivoire border. 25 villages. Alternate names: Komono, Khi, Khi Khipa, Kumwenu.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Gan-Dogose 
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[kfz] 196,000 in Burkina Faso (2001 Johnstone and Mandryk). Population total all countries: 196,100. Yatenga Province, Titao Subdistrict, Soum and Oudalan provinces, Djibo-Aribinda Subdistrict. A few in Mali at Bandiagara and Yoro, several villages. The Koromba are east, the Fulse west. Also spoken in Mali. Alternate names: Kurumfe, Kuruma, Fula, Fulse.  Dialects: Koromba, Fulse.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Kurumfe 
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[kus] 17,000 in Burkina Faso (1998 SIL). Nahouiri, Boulgou provinces, some villages south of Zabré, south central. Alternate names: Kusale, Kusasi, Koussassé.  Dialects: Toende (Western Kusaal).  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Western, Southeast, Kusaal 
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[lob] 285,500 in Burkina Faso (1991 Vanderaa). Population total all countries: 441,300. Poni Province, southwest border area around Gaoua. A few villages in northwest Ghana along the Volta River; known as Miwa. Also spoken in Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana. Alternate names: Lobiri, Miwa.  Dialects: Gongon Lobi.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Lobi 
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[lee] 130,000 (2001 Johnstone and Mandryk). Northern and central portion of Sanguié Province: Réo, Kyon, Tenado, Dassa, Didyr, Godyr, and Kordie subdistricts, with principal center in Réo. Thousands of migrants in neighboring countries, especially Côte d'Ivoire. Alternate names: Lele.  Dialects: Southern Lyélé (Reo), Central Lyélé, Northern Lyélé, Kandéré. Most Central and Northern Lyélé speakers have nearly 100% comprehension of the Southern Lyélé, the one being developed. Kandéré speakers have 75% comprehension of Southern Lyélé. Southern Lyélé speakers understand all dialects except Kandéré well. Close to Nuni, but inherent intelligibility between them is low.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Northern 
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[rkm] 200,000 in Burkina Faso (1992 CMA). Population total all countries: 225,000. Kossi and Mouhoun provinces, northwest, around Nouna, Dedougou. Also spoken in Mali. Alternate names: Marka Dafing, Meka.  Dialects: Safané, Nouna, Gassan. Speakers of most dialects have more than 80% inherent intelligibility of the southeastern dialect around Safané, except for those in the northwestern dialect region, who have 70% intelligibility of it. The central dialect around Dembo village is also well understood. Reported to be close to Bambara or a variant of Jula. B. Coulibaly, a Bambara speaker and linguist, says it is harder for him to understand than the Jula on Radio Abidjan.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-East, Marka-Dafin 
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[mfq] 1,800 in Burkina Faso (1991 L. Vanderaa CRC). Boulgou Province, Ouargaye Subdistrict. Alternate names: Moa, Moab, Moare, Ben.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Gurma, Moba 
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[mos] 5,000,000 in Burkina Faso. Population includes 15,700 Yana (1991). Population total all countries: 5,036,700. Central Ouagadougou area and throughout the country. Also spoken in Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Togo. Alternate names: Moose, More, Mole, Mossi, Moshi.  Dialects: Saremdé, Taolendé, Yaadré, Ouapadoupou, Yaande, Zaore (Joore), Yana (Yanga, Jaan). Yana has over 90% intelligibility of Ouagadougou Mòoré, 75% to 80% of Joore. Joore with Ouagadougou varies from 88% in Tibga to 95% in Diabo. Yanga dialect is in Togo, completely intelligible with Central Mòoré.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Western, Northwest 
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[nti] 2,400 (1991 Vanderaa). Léraba Province, Sindou Subdistrict, extreme west, almost due west of Banfora, around the town of Sindou; and in Dinaoro, Timba, and Kawara. The presence of Natioro in Mali or Côte d'Ivoire is unconfirmed. Alternate names: Koo'ra, Natyoro, Natjoro.  Dialects: Kaouara-Timba-Sindou-Koroni, Ginaourou. Similar to Wara but not inherently intelligible.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Wara-Natioro 
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[gur] 25,100 in Burkina Faso (1991). Nahouri Province, subdistrict of Zecco and Ziou. Alternate names: Gurenne, Gurne, Frafra, Nankani.  Dialects: Gudeni, Nankani, Booni, Frafra, Nankana.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Western, Northwest 
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[nuv] 45,000 to 55,000 (1995 SIL). 15,000 to 25,000 in Northwestern Nuni, 25,000 to 35,000 in Northeastern Nuni. Sissili and Sanguié provinces, near Boromo. The dividing line between the dialects is the Mouhoun River. Alternate names: Nouni, Nunuma, Nounouma, Nuna, Nune, Nibulu, Nuruma.  Dialects: Northwestern Nuni. Northeastern Nuni. Speakers of Northern Nuni cannot understand Southern Nuni. Close to Kasem and Lyélé.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Northern 
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[nnw] 167,670 (2000 WCD). Sissili Province, around Léo, in eastern Mouhoun Province, southern Boulkiemdé and Sanguié provinces, western Nahouri and Kossi provinces. Over 100 villages. Alternate names: Nouni, Nunuma, Nounouma, Nuna, Nune, Nibulu, Nuruma.  Dialects: Micari, Basinyari (Sundoni), Yatini, Gori, Bwana, Sankura. Close to Kasena and Lyélé.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Northern 
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[pnq] 5,000 in Burkina Faso (1998). Population total all countries: 7,800. Sourou Province, Kassoum Subdistrict, around the town of Oué in the valley of the Sourou River where it enters from Mali, on the border due north of Dedougou. Also spoken in Mali. Alternate names: Sama.  Dialects: Pana North, Pana South.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Northern 
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[pug] 14,285 (2000 WCD). Tuy, Ioba, Bougouriba, and Poni provinces. One area is between 10 and 50 km north and west of Diébougou, the other is between 25 and 40 km northeast of Dano. Other villages are scattered throughout the Dagaari territory. 450 sq km. Alternate names: Puguli, Buguli, Pougouli, Pwien, Pwe, Pwa, Pwo, Buguri, Phuien, Pwie.  Dialects: Phuie is closely related to Winye and Sisaala languages.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Western 
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[stj] 105,000 in Burkina Faso (1995 R. Jones SIM). Sourou Province, concentrations in Mouna and Solenzo areas, and Ouaga, Bobo, Dedougou, and Koudougou cities. Also spoken in Mali. Alternate names: Tougan, West Central Goe, San, Sane, Northwestern Samo.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Eastern, Samo 
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[sym] 38,000 (1999). North central Burkina Faso, Sourou Province. Alternate names: San, Sa, Northeastern Samo.  Dialects: Bounou, Kiembara (Northeastern Goe), Bangassogo, Gomboro. Intelligibility of Matya Samo varies between 28% and 50%, depending on the village and text tested; of Southern Samo it is less than 10%.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Eastern, Samo 
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[sbd] 85,000 (1998). Nayala Province, concentrations in Nouna and Solenzo areas, and Ouaga, Bobo, Dedougou, and Koudougou cities. Toma dialect is in Toma, Yaba, Gossina, Ye, Kougny, and Gassan departments. Alternate names: San, Sane.  Dialects: Toma (Nyaana, Makaa). Some serious difficulty in intelligibility among Samo varieties. Northern Samo speakers have below 10% inherent intelligibility of Southern Samo.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Eastern, Samo 
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[sos] 17,000. Population includes 5,000 in the northern dialect, 4 villages, 12,000 in the southern, 7 villages. Houet Province, Bobo-Dioulasso Department, west of Bobo-Dioulasso, villages of Karankasso, Bouendé, Torosso, Banzo, Tiara, Bama. Alternate names: Sambla, Sembla, Southern Samo, Samogho.  Dialects: Northern Seeku (Timiku), Southern Seeku (Gbeneku). Dialects have good inherent intelligibility. Close to Dzùùngo. 3 minor dialects. Prost says lexical correspondence to Samogho Gouan and Samogho Ire is 50%.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Northwestern, Samogo 
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[sen] 50,000 (1985 census). Northern part of Kénédougou Province, from Djigouéra and north. Alternate names: Nandergé, Nanergé, Nanergué, Nandereke, Naani.  Dialects: Some intelligibility of Tagba. No significant dialects or subgroups.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Suppire-Mamara 
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[seq] 50,000 (1995 SIL). Southwest Burkina Faso, Leraba Province. Alternate names: Sénoufo, Niangolo.  Dialects: Intelligibility testing of Cebaara varies from 51% in Konadougou to 71% in Niankorodougou; of Pomoro of Mali varies from 42% in Konadougou to 74% in Niankorodougou.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Senari 
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[sep] 35,000 in Burkina Faso (1999 SIL). Kénédougou Province, Tagouara Plateau, Koloko and Ouelaní prefectures, west of Bobo-Dioulasso, to the Mali border. Also spoken in Côte d'Ivoire, Mali. Alternate names: Sìcìté, Sìpììté, Sìcìré, Sucite, Tagba.  Dialects: Difficult intelligibility of Nanerige.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Suppire-Mamara 
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[sif] 20,000 in Burkina Faso (1999). Population total all countries: 40,000. Kénédougou Province, 80 km west of Bobo-Dioulasso, centering in Orodara, plus several small villages: Tin, Diossogou, Diéri, Kotoudéni, Diéridéni, Didéri, Lidara, and Bandougou. Also spoken in Côte d'Ivoire, Mali. Alternate names: Siémou, Siemu, Syémou, Sému, Seme.  Dialects: Bandougou. Minor dialect differences between villages and within Orodara. The Bandougou dialect is considered different, but intelligibility among dialects seems adequate. No closely related languages.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Seme 
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[skq] 6,000 (1999 SIL). Sanmatenga Province, near Pensa. Alternate names: Silinkere, Silanke.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding 
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[sld] 13,000 (1991 SIL). Sissili Province, between Léo and Hamale. 30 villages. Alternate names: Sisaali.  Dialects: All one dialect in Burkina Faso. A separate language from the Sisaala languages in Ghana, although closest to Busilli (Western Sisaala).  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Western 
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[hmb] 125,000 in Burkina Faso (1999). Population total all countries: 140,000. Hombori area, halfway between Gao and Mopti. Also spoken in Mali. Alternate names: Songay Senni, Songoy, Songai, Songhai, Songay, Songoi, Sonrai, Sonrhai, Central Songai.  Dialects: Marensé (Maransé, Koroboré). Closely related languages: Koyraboro Senni, Kaado, Zarma, Dendi, Tadaksahak.  Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Songhai, Southern 
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[taq] 31,169 in Burkina Faso (2000 WCD). Oudalan Province. Alternate names: Timbuktu, Tomacheck, Tamashekin, Tuareg.  Dialects: Timbuktu (Tombouctou, Tanaslamt), Tadghaq (Kidal).  Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Berber, Tamasheq, Southern 
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[lor] 2,000 in Burkina Faso (1999). Poni Province, Kampti Subdistrict, two pockets just west of Kampti. Alternate names: Ténhé, Tegesie, Lorhon, Loghon, Loron, Nabe.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Teen 
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[tiq] 1,000 (1995 SIL). Ethnic population: 12,000 to 15,000 (1995 SIL). Comoé Province, east of Toussiana, Dramandougou Tiéfo, one village. Other ethnic Tiéfo in about 20 villages, extending into Houet Province, speak Jula as first language. Alternate names: Tyefo, Tyeforo, Kiefo.  Dialects: Noumoudara-Koumoudara, Dramandougou-Nyarafo.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Tiefo 
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[tsp] 19,500 (1995 SIL). Population includes 1,000 in Wenteene dialect, 18,500 in the other dialects. Comoé Province, north, east, and south of Oradara. Alternate names: Tusia, Tusian.  Dialects: Ter. Tru, Kebeenton, Wenteene. Dialects in the northern region are inherently intelligible to their speakers, but they have 45% inherent intelligibility of Southern Toussian.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Tusia 
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[wib] 19,500 in Burkina Faso (1995 SIL). Comoé and Houet provinces, about halfway between Banfora and Bobo-Dioulasso, around center of Toussiana. Also spoken in Côte d'Ivoire. Alternate names: Win, Tusia, Tusian.  Dialects: 40% inherent intelligibility of Northern Toussian. Nianha dialect is central. Each village has a separate dialect.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Tusia 
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[tuz] 37,000 in Burkina Faso (1998 SIL). Comoé Province, north and west of Banfora. The principal villages are the dialects named. Also spoken in Côte d'Ivoire. Alternate names: Tourka, Turuka, Curama, Tyurama.  Dialects: Douna, Beregadougou-Toumousseni. Cerma is the closest language, but it is not inherently intelligible with Turka.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Kirma-Tyurama 
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[vig] 8,000 (1995 SIL). Houet Province, Karankasso Vigué Department, 40 km southeast of Bobo Dioulasso. Alternate names: Vigué, Vige, Vigye.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Viemo 
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[wbf] 4,500 (1993 Johnstone). Comoé Province, west of Banfora, near the town of Sindou. The main village is Néguéni. Alternate names: Ouara, Ouala, Samoe.  Dialects: Negueni-Klani, Ouatourou-Niasogoni, Soulani, Faniagara. Negueni has over 95% intelligibility of Niansogoni, but the reverse is below 80%. No intelligibility of Natioro.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Wara-Natioro 
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[kst] 20,000 (1999 SIL). Bali Province, Boromo Subdistrict, around Boromo, about halfway between Bobo-Dioulosso and Ouagadougou on main route. 17 to 18 villages. Alternate names: Kõ, Kols, Kolsi.  Dialects: Close to Sisaala languages.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Western 
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[dje] 600 in Burkina Faso (1987 SIL).  Alternate names: Dyerma, Dyarma, Dyabarma, Zabarma, Adzerma, Djerma, Zarbarma.  Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Songhai, Southern 
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