Gwak | Ethnologue

A language of Nigeria

ISO 639: jgk
Alternate Names: Bankalawa, Gingwak, Jar, Jaracin Kasa, Jaranchi, Jaranci, Jarancin Kasa, Jarawa, Jarawan Bununu, Jarawan Kasa, Lasjar
Autonym: Gwak
Population: 70,000 (2011 SIL).
Location:: Bauchi state: Dass and Tafawa-Balewa LGAs, Bar, Buyital, Dulem, Garam, Gital, Kardam, Kumgas, and Michiyan Kuka.
Language Status: 6a (Vigorous).
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian
Dialects: None known. Reportedly similar to Bankal [jjr], Duguri [dbm], and Bada [bau].
Language Use: Some pressure to shift to Hausa [hau], especially in Bununu Kasa. Used by all. Also use Hausa [hau] (Blench 2019).
Language Development: Bible portions: 1940–2013.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Gwak
Writing: Latin script [Latn], in development.
Other Comments: The Bagyak people identify both as Bagyak and also as Jarawa or Jar people. Muslim.

Location: Bauchi state: Dass and Tafawa-Balewa LGAs, Bar, Buyital, Dulem, Garam, Gital, Kardam, Kumgas, and Michiyan Kuka.