Page Type: languageBayot | Ethnologue

BDA ISO 639-3

Bayot

A language of Senegal

ISO 639
bda
Alternate Names
Baiot, Baiote, Bayoot, Bayotte, Jola Bayote
Population
24,200 in Senegal (2020). Total users in all countries: 29,540.
Location:
Ziguinchor region: villages in Nyassia commune; majority in urban areas and in the larger cities, including Dakar.
Language Status
6b (Threatened). Recognized language (2011, Codification).
Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Atlantic, Northern, Bak, Jola, Bayot
Dialects
Essin (Kuhiŋe), Kugere. Minor differences between the main dialects in pronunciation and grammar. Phonology and vocabulary in Senegal are considerably different from the Bayot dialect(s) in Guinea-Bissau. Lexical similarity: 87% between the 2 dialects (Carlton and Rand 1993); 15%–18% with other Jola varieties (most similar), similarity mostly because of borrowings (Segerer 2010).
Language Use
L1 by all generations in the Nyassia municipality. Adults who have moved away speak it when possible but their children tend to speak Wolof [wol]. Close contact with the Nyassia area (2021 SIL). Some young people, all adults. Positive attitudes. Many also use Jola-Fonyi [dyo], mostly adults who live in the Nyassia area. Many also use Wolof [wol], mostly the younger generation and also those who have moved away from the language area. Also use French [fra], used by educated people in official and public situations. Also use Guinea-Bissau Creole [pov].
Language Development
Beginning literacy classes. Grammar. Bible portions: 2013.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Bayot
Writing
Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments
Traditional religion, Christian.

Also Spoken in

Language Name
Bayot
User Population
5,340 in Guinea-Bissau (2018).
Location
Cacheu region: São Domingos area, Arrame village, on Senegal border.
Dialects
Kúsikinay (Aramé, Kuhoole).
Language Status
6a (Vigorous)
Other Comments
Bayot in Guinea-Bissau is different (about 70% the same) from the variety in Senegal. One dialect in Kasu and Arrame villages; the other in Elia, Kulaje, Ijobel, and Nambalan villages. Traditional religion.
View other languages of Guinea-Bissau

Map

Location: Ziguinchor region: villages in Nyassia commune; majority in urban areas and in the larger cities, including Dakar.