Yasa | Ethnologue

A language of Cameroon

ISO 639: yko
Alternate Names: Bongwe, Lyaasa, Maasa, Yassa
Autonym: Iyasa
Population: 2,200 in Cameroon (2015 SIL). Ethnic population: 4,400 (2015 SIL). Total users in all countries: 3,200.
Location:: South region: Océan division, Campo and Kribi subdivisions, 15 villages on the coast near Equatorial Guinea.
Language Status: 5 (Developing).
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Bubi-Benga (A.33)
Dialects: Avandje, Iyassa. Yasa (primarily in Cameroon) is closely related to Kombe [nui] and its dialects.
Language Use: Youth moving to towns, where language proficiency decreases. All domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Most also use French [fra]. Some also use Bulu [bum]. Used as L2 by Bulu [bum].
Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: 80% read, 40% write, though not a conventional orthography. Want literacy. Radio. Bible portions: 2017–2019.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Yasa
Writing: Latin script [Latn], used since 2011.
Other Comments: Christian, traditional religion.

Gabon

Location: Woleu-Ntem province.
Dialects: Iyasa, Bweko, Vendo, Bodele, Marry, One, Asonga, Bomui, Mogana, Mooma, Mapanga.
Language Status: 7 (Shifting)
Other Comments: Non-indigenous. Some or all reportedly are Pygmies.

Equatorial Guinea

Location: Litoral province: Edjabe village.
Language Status: 6b (Threatened)
Other Comments: Traditionally coastal fishermen. All the Kombe, One, Mari, Bweko, and cross-border Yasa consider themselves ‘Bongwe’ (those who use ‘ngwe’ to refer to ourselves), and together with additional groups are vNdowe’ (the beach peoples). Christian.

Location: South region: Océan division, Campo and Kribi subdivisions, 15 villages on the coast near Equatorial Guinea.