Mafa | Ethnologue

A language of Cameroon

ISO 639: maf
Alternate Names: Mofa, Natakan, “Matakam” (pej.)
Autonym: Mafa
Population: 210,000 in Cameroon (2005 SIL). Based on the actual population of the sub-divisions where the Mafa people are present (2014 C. Hamm). Total users in all countries: 214,910.
Location:: Far North region: Mayo-Tsanaga division, Mokolo town and north.
Language Status: 5 (Developing).
Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.5
Dialects: West Mafa (Magoumaz, Mavoumay, Moskota), Central Mafa (Djingliya, Gouzda, Koza, Ldamtsai, Mokola, Mokolo, Ouzal), East Mafa (Bao, Mazam, Midre, Soulede), Roua. The Roua dialect may be a separate language.
Language Use: Vigorous. All domains. Used by all. Some also use Adamawa Fulfulde [fub]. Some also use Buwal [bhs]. Some also use French [fra]. Some also use Mefele [mfj]. Some also use North Mofu [mfk]. A few also use Hausa [hau]. A few also use Hdi [xed]. Used as L2 by Cuvok [cuv], Gavar [gou], Hdi [xed], Mefele [mfj], Mofu-Gudur [mif], Vemgo-Mabas [vem], Zulgo-Gemzek [gnd].
Language Development: New orthography in Catholic schools. Taught in primary and secondary schools. Literature. Radio. Dictionary. Bible: 1989.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Mafa
Writing: Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments: Traditional religion.