Page Type: languageBekwel | Ethnologue

BKW ISO 639-3

Bekwel

Bɛkwyel Autonym

A language of Congo

ISO 639
bkw
Alternate Names
Bakwele, Bakwil, Bekwil
Autonym
Bɛkwyel
Population
14,000 in Congo (2018). Total users in all countries: 19,700.
Location:
Sangha department: on Cameroon border, near Gabon border, almost to Ouesso.
Language Status
6a (Vigorous).
Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Makaa-Njem (A.85)
Dialects
Zalagee, Ebaa, Mekwoob, Mebeeza, Koolo. Reportedly similar to Mpumpong [mgg]. Lexical similarity: 85% with Koonzime [ozm].
Language Use
Used by all. Also use Lingala [lin] (Leitch 2005).
Language Development
Dictionary. Bible portions: 2014.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Bekwel
Writing
Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments
Different from Baakpe [bri] (Bakwiri) of Cameroon. Traditional religion, Christian.

Also Spoken in

Language Name
Bekwel
User Population
1,700 in Cameroon (2021 Joshua Project). , based on ethnicity.
Location
East region: Boumba-and-Ngoko division, Moloundou area along Ngoko river north side.
Dialects
Esel (Essel).
Language Status
6a (Vigorous)
Other Comments
Traditional religion, Christian.
View other languages of Cameroon
Language Name
Bekwel
User Population
4,000 in Gabon (Idiata 2007).
Location
Ogooué-Ivindo province: northeast corner, Makokou on Ivindo river, and Imbong and Massombo villages northeast of Mékambo.
Language Status
6b (Threatened)
Other Comments
Different from Mokpwe [bri] of Cameroon. Traditional religion, Christian.
View other languages of Gabon

Map

Location: Sangha department: on Cameroon border, near Gabon border, almost to Ouesso.