The North Bauchi languages (also called the B.2 West Chadic or Warji languages) are a branch of West Chadic languages that are spoken in Bauchi State, northern Nigeria.
An extensive survey of the North Bauchi (Warji) languages had been done by Skinner (1977).Skinner, Neil A. 1977. North Bauchi Chadic languages. Afroasiatic Linguistics, 4/1:1-49.
Culturally, North Bauchi language speakers are unique for their chestharp, a fusion of the arched harp with the chest bow.
Languages The North Bauchi languages are:Blench, Roger. 2006. The Afro-Asiatic Languages: Classification and Reference List (ms)
Pa'a Warji Diri Ciwogai Kariya (Vinahə) Mburku Miya Siri Zumbun (Jimbin) Ajawa (†)
Names and locations Below is a comprehensive list of North Bauchi language names, populations, and locations from Blench (2019).
Language Cluster Dialects Alternate spellings Own name for language Endonym(s) Other names (based on location) Other names for language Exonym(s) Speakers Location(s) Ciwogai Tsagu Sago, Tsaganci 3,000 (1977 Skinner) Bauchi State, Ningi and Darazo LGAs Diri Diriya, Dirya Sago, Tsagu Diryanci Buwane, Diryawa 3,750 (LA 1971) Bauchi State, Ningi and Darazo LGAs Kariya Two dialects Kauyawa, Keriya Vinahә Wihә Lipkawa (see also Mburku) 2,200 (LA 1971); 3,000 (1977 Skinner) Bauchi State, Darazo LGA. At Kariya Wuro, 30 S.E. of Ningi. Paʼa Paha, Afa FuCaka sg. FuCiki, pl. Foni Paʼanci Faʼawa, Afawa 8,500 (LA 1971); 20,000 (Skinner, 1977) Bauchi State, Ningi and Darazo LGAs Siri Siri Siryanci 2,000 (LA 1971); 3,000 (1977 Skinner) Bauchi State, Darazo and Ningi LGAs Warji Gala (?) Sәrzakwai, Sirzakwai Sar Sarawa 28,000 (LA 1971); 50,000 (Skinner, 1977) Bauchi State, Darazo LGA, Ganjuwa district, and Ningi LGA, Warji district; Jigawa State, Birnin Kudu LGA Mburku Barko, Barke Vә Mvәran Mburkanci Burkunawa, Lipkawa (see also Kariya) 210 (1949–50); 4,000 (1977 Skinner) Bauchi State, Darazo LGA Miya Muya Vәne Mi Miyawa 5,200 (LA 1971) Bauchi State, Darazo LGA, Ganjuwa district. Miya town and associated hamlets Zumbun Wudufu (possible dialect) Jimbin Vina Zumbun 1,500 (LA 1971) Bauchi State, Darazo LGA
Reconstruction
Proto-North Bauchi (Proto-Warji) quasi-reconstructions by Roger Blench (2012):Blench, Roger. 2012. Linguistic and cultural background to the North Bauchi region and the Wiihə people.
Trees Scientific name English name Proto-North Bauchi Faidherbia albida whitethorn #atasay Acacia sieberiana paperbark acacia #malaliya Khaya senegalensis African mahogany #kwamay Zizyphus sp. jujube #akwaya Ficus sp. fig #tirini Bombax buonopozense silk cotton #zəŋgwa
Antelopes Scientific name English name Proto-North Bauchi Tragelaphus scriptus bushbuck #badakəla Gazella rufifrons red-fronted gazelle #tambəra Alcelaphus buselaphus hartebeest #zəmakwara Ourebia ourebi oribi #ndagway Redunca redunca reedbuck #gəlafi
Crops Scientific name English name Proto-North Bauchi Vigna subterranea Bambara groundnut #azuwey Sorghum bicolor guinea corn #ʒuna Pennisetum typhoideum millet (gero) #gyəla Pennisetum typhoideum millet (maiwa) #marday Abelmoschus esculentus okra #tagway Solanum spp. garden egg #akintə
Livestock English name Proto-North Bauchi chicken #ɬərkəyi cow #yəruwa he-goat #aʧikyə sheep #tumakway
Liquids English name Proto-North Bauchi beer #təɬana honey #suƙwana oil #ʃivəna
References