Alternate Names: Batta, Bete, Birsa, Bwatiye, Demsa Bata, Dunu, Eastern Bwatiye, Gboati, Gbwata, Gbwate
Dialects: Furo, Garoua (Garua), Jirai, Kobotachi, Malabu, Njoboliyo, Ribaw (Ribow), Song Bata, Wadi (Wa’i), Zumu (Jimo, Zomo). Bacama , and Central Bwatiye , 54%–68% of non-riverine dialects (Furo and Song); Njoboliyo , 87% of Furo ,, Song ,, and Central Bwatiye ,; Njoboliyo , 73% of Bacama. Upriver dialects have contact with downriver dialects due to fishing practices. Dialect chain: Bacama , 89% with Central Bwatiye ,, 81% with Njoboliyo ,, 86% with Furo ,, 84% with Song Bata ,.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 150,000 in Nigeria (1992). Population total all countries: 152,500.
Language Use: Most Muslims shifted to Fulfulde [fub]. Home. All ages. Mixed attitudes. Adults middle-aged and above also use Fulfulde [fub]. Also use Hausa [hau]; adults middle-aged and above also use Fulfulde [fub]. Used as L2 by Mbula-Bwazza [mbu].
Language Development: Dictionary.
Nation of Origin: Nigeria
Other Comments: Bacama , are joined with the Bata in the Bwatiye Association. Muslim, Christian.