Fon | Ethnologue

A language of Benin

ISO 639: fon
Alternate Names: Dahomeen, Fongbe
Autonym: Fɔngbè
Population: 2,000,000 in Benin (2018). Total users in all countries: 2,070,400.
Location:: Widespread. Atlantique, Littoral and Zou departments.
Language Status: 3 (Wider communication). Used in early 17th century in the Fon kingdom of Dahomey (now Benin). Used as slave trade language in 18th century with arrival of European colonizers. After slave trade ended in 1848, became widespread in Southern Benin, Southwest Nigeria and Togo.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe, Fon
Dialects: Agbome, Arohun, Gbekon, Kpase.
Language Use: Vigorous. Administration, education, religious services, commerce, and labor. Positive attitudes. Also use French [fra]. Used as L2 by Aguna [aug], Ayizo Gbe [ayb], Ci Gbe [cib], Eastern Xwla Gbe [gbx], Ede Idaca [idd], Ede Ije [ijj], Gbesi Gbe [gbs], Gun [guw], Kotafon Gbe [kqk], Maxi Gbe [mxl], Saxwe Gbe [sxw], Tchumbuli [bqa], Tofin Gbe [tfi], Weme Gbe [wem], Western Xwla Gbe [xwl], Xwela Gbe [xwe].
Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: 10%. 10% can read Fon, 7% can write it. Taught in primary schools in small-scale multilingual education program since 2013. Literature. Newspapers. Periodicals. Radio. TV. Dictionary. Grammar. Texts. Bible: 2014.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Fon
Writing: Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments: Traditional religion, Christian.

Togo

Location: Plateaux region: north and south Atakpamé, scattered small groups.
Language Status: 5 (Dispersed)
Other Comments: Traditional religion, Christian.

Location: Widespread. Atlantique, Littoral and Zou departments.