Balanta-Kentohe

A language of Guinea-Bissau

ISO 639: ble
Alternate Names: Alante, Balanda, Balant, Balanta, Balante, Ballante, Belante, Brassa, Bulanda, Frase
Population: 369,000 (2018).
Location:: Widespread in central west.
Language Status: 5* (Developing).
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Atlantic, Northern, Bak, Balant-Ganja
Dialects: Nhacra (Fora), Kantohe (Kentohe, Queuthoe), Naga, Mane. Naga, Mane, and Kantohe dialects may be separate languages. Distinct from Balanta-Ganja [bjt] in Senegal. Not intelligible with Mansoanka [msw]. Naga and Mane are related on one end, and Nhacra and Kentohe are very closely related on the other end of the dialect chain, with Kentohe and Mane being furthest apart. Mane speakers say they are the same as Balanta Ganja [bjt] of Senegal. (2009 B. Paris).
Language Use: Most also use Guinea-Bissau Creole [pov], as the language of interethnic unity, communication, and commerce. Some also use Portuguese [por], as the language of education and communication with foreigners.
Language Development: Taught in primary schools. Videos. NT: 2011.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Balanta-Kentohe
Writing: Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments: Traditional religion, Christian.

Location: Widespread in central west.