Page Type: languageZarma | Ethnologue

DJE ISO 639-3

Zarma

Zarma sanni, Zarmaciine Autonym

A language of Niger

ISO 639
dje
Alternate Names
Adzerma, Djerma, Dyabarma, Dyarma, Dyerma, Zabarma, Zarbarma, Zarmaci, Zerma
Autonym
Zarma sanni, Zarmaciine
Population
4,240,000 in Niger (2019). Total users in all countries: 4,330,100.
Location:
Dosso and Tillabéri regions; also Niamey.
Language Status
4 (Educational). Recognized language (1999, Constitution, Article 3).
Classification
Nilo-Saharan, Songhai, Southern
Dialects
Songhoyboro Ciine (“Kaado” (pej.)). In Niger, dialects from Dendi [ddn] and Songai blend into Zarma. Intelligibility is high, ethnic autonym: Dendi or Songai. Cannot understand Songhay, Koyraboro Senni [ses] in Mali.
Language Use
Used as L2 by Western Niger Fulfulde [fuh].
Language Development
Taught in primary schools. Radio. TV. Dictionary. Grammar. Texts. Bible: 1990.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Zarma
Writing
Arabic script, Naskh variant [Arab]. Braille script [Brai]. Latin script [Latn], primary usage.
Other Comments
Ethnic groups include Kurtey (32,000), Wogo (28,000), Songhay (400,000), Dendi (40,000). Muslim, Christian, traditional religion.

Also Spoken in

Language Name
Zarma
User Population
600 in Burkina Faso (1987 SIL).
Location
Est region: Tapoa province, scattered settlements.
Language Status
6b (Threatened)
Other Comments
Muslim.
View other languages of Burkina Faso
Language Name
Zarmaci
User Population
1,700 in Mali (2012 G. Davis).
Location
Gao region: Ansongo circle, 2 villages south of Menaka at Niger border.
Language Status
5 (Dispersed)
Other Comments
Muslim, traditional religion.
View other languages of Mali
Language Name
Zarma
User Population
87,800 in Nigeria (2000).
Location
Kebbi state: Argungu, Birnin Kebbi, and Bunza LGAs; Niger state: on Kontagora road; Yobe state: north of Nguru.
Language Status
6a (Vigorous)
Other Comments
Muslim.
View other languages of Nigeria

Map

Location: Dosso and Tillabéri regions; also Niamey.