Biu–Mandara languages facts for kids

The Biu–Mandara languages, also called Central Chadic languages, are a group of languages. They belong to the larger Chadic languages family. People speak these languages in countries like Nigeria, Chad, and Cameroon. The most widely spoken Biu–Mandara language is Kamwe.

Language Families

Scientists who study languages often group them into families based on how they are related. The Biu–Mandara languages are divided into several main branches. Each branch contains many different languages.

Here are some of the main groups within the Biu–Mandara language family:

• Tera (A.1): This group includes languages like Tera and Jara.
• Bura–Higi (A.2, A.3): This branch has two main parts. One part is the Bura group, with languages such as Bura-Pabir and Huba. The other part is the Higi group, which includes Kamwə.
• Wandala–Mafa (A.4, A.5, A.6): This is a large group with many languages. It includes languages like Wandala, Lamang, and Mafa.
• Daba (A.7): Languages in this group include Daba and Mina.
• Bata (Gbwata) (A.8): This group has languages such as Bata and Gude.
• Mandage (Kotoko) (B.1): Languages like Msər and Malgbe are part of this group.
• Buduma (Yedina): This is a distinct language, Buduma.
• East–Central (B.2): This group includes languages like Gidar and Mbara.

Images for kids

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  Main Chadic-speaking peoples in Nigeria.

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  Map showing where Biu–Mandara languages are spoken.

See also

In Spanish: Lenguas biu-mandara para niños