Nyingwom language
In today's article we are going to talk about Nyingwom language, a topic that has captured the attention of many people in recent times. Nyingwom language is a fascinating topic that has generated much interest and debate in today's society. Throughout this article we will explore various perspectives on Nyingwom language, analyzing its impact in different areas and how it has evolved over time. In addition, we will examine the different opinions and positions that exist around Nyingwom language, offering an exhaustive analysis that allows our readers to better understand this relevant topic. Do not miss it!
| Nyingwom | |
|---|---|
| Kam | |
| Àngwɔ̀m | |
| Pronunciation | |
| Region | eastern Nigeria |
Native speakers | (5,000 cited 1993)[1] |
Niger–Congo?
| |
| Language codes | |
| ISO 639-3 | kdx |
| Glottolog | kamm1249 |
| Nyí ŋwɔ̀m | |
|---|---|
| Person | nyí ŋwɔ̀m |
| Country | àbìbì nyí ŋwɔ̀m |
The Nyingwom or Kam language is a Niger-Congo language spoken in eastern Nigeria. Blench (2019) lists speakers residing in the main villages of Mayo Kam and Kamajim in Bali LGA, Taraba State.[2] Lesage reports that Kam is spoken in 27 villages of Bali LGA. [3]
Nyingwom was labeled as branch "G8" in Joseph Greenberg's Adamawa language family proposal. The precise classification of Kam is a matter of current research.
Speakers refer to themselves and their language as Nyí ŋwɔ̀m. Kamajim (Kam: àngwɔ́g ɲí 'house of the people') is the traditional capital of the Kam at the western foothills of a mountain range situated to the north of the Kam River. The Kam have historically been in extensive contact with the Kororofa Jukun.[3]
Distribution
Kam or Nyingwom is spoken by approximately fewer than 5,000 speakers in the settlements of:[4]
- Sarkin Dawa (70)
- Mayo Kam (150)
- Garin Hamza (700)
- Din Kamaajin A, B, C, D (3,000)
- Garin Laa (300)
- Garin Bandari (300)
However, Jakob Lesage estimates 20,000-25,000 speakers in 27 villages in May 2017.[3]
Unlike many other Niger-Congo languages, Kam does not have a noun class system.
Phonology
| Labial | Alveolar | Palatal | Velar | Labiovelar | Glottal | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plosive | p b | t d | tʃ dʒ | k g | kp gb | |
| Fricative | f v | s z | ʃ | h | ||
| Nasal | m | n | ɲ | ŋ | ||
| Approximant | w | r, l |
| Front | Central | Back | |
|---|---|---|---|
| High | i ĩ | ɨ | u |
| Mid-high | e ẽ | o õ | |
| Mid-low | ɛ | ɔ | |
| Low | a ã |
Additionally, Nyingwom has six tones;[5] high, mid, low, rising, falling, and high-falling.
Further reading
- Lesage, Jakob. 2019. Selected Kam documentation (with audio). Pangloss Collection: An archive for endangered languages.
- Meek, Charles K. 1931. Tribal Studies in Northern Nigeria, Vol. 2. London: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co., Ltd.
References
- ^ Nyingwom at Ethnologue (18th ed., 2015) (subscription required)
- ^ Blench, Roger (2019). An Atlas of Nigerian Languages (4th ed.). Cambridge: Kay Williamson Educational Foundation.
- ^ a b c Lesage, Jakob. Kam. AdaGram.
- ^ Kleinewillinghöfer, Ulrich. 2015. Some notes on Nyiŋɔm (aka Nyingwom or Kam).
- ^ a b c Lesage, Jakob (2020). A grammar and lexicon of Kam (àŋwɔ̀m), a Niger-Congo language of central eastern Nigeria. Paris: Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales (INALCO).
External links
- Kam, by Jakob Lesage. AdaGram.