Mmaala | Ethnologue

A language of Cameroon

ISO 639: mmu
Alternate Names: Central Yambassa, Mmala, Numaala, Numala, Yambassa
Autonym: Numála
Population: 8,000 (2014 G. Boyd).
Location:: Centre region: Mbam-and-Inoubou division, Mmala canton, in and south of Bokito.
Language Status: 6b (Threatened).
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Sanaga (A.62)
Dialects: Nuenie (Benyi, Nuenyi), Nukitia (Kedia). Lexical similarity: 81% with Elip [ekm], 74% with Yangben [yav], 58% with Nubaca [baf], 44% with Mbule [mlb] (2015 G. Boyd).
Language Use: Even in the village and at home, some children use French [fra]. Speakers do not think French will replace Mmaala. Religious services. Some young people, all adults. Most also use Elip [ekm]. Most also use French [fra], from school age on. Most also use Yangben [yav]. Some also use Ewondo [ewo], especially in the Catholic Church, generally in singing only. A few also use Bulu [bum], especially in the Presbyterian Church (EPC). Used as L2 by Elip [ekm], Yangben [yav].
Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: 1%. Mmaala is begining to be taught in the public schools (couple of hours per week). Dictionary. Bible portions: 2007.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Mmaala
Writing: Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments: Christian, Muslim, traditional religion.

Location: Centre region: Mbam-and-Inoubou division, Mmala canton, in and south of Bokito.