Zarma

DJE

educational

Alternate Names: Adzerma, Djerma, Dyabarma, Dyarma, Dyerma, Zabarma, Zarbarma, Zarmaci

Dialects: Kaado. In Niger, dialects from Dendi , and Songai blend into Zarma. Intelligibility is high, ethnic autonym: Dendi or Songai. Cannot understand Songhay, Koyraboro Senni , in Mali.

Genealogy:

Nilo-Saharan
Songhai
Southern

Demographics: 2,350,000 in Niger (2006). Population total all countries: 2,438,900.

Language Use: Used as L2 by Western Niger Fulfulde [fuh].

Language Development: Taught in primary schools. Radio programs. TV. Dictionary. Bible: 1990.

Writing System: Arabic (Maghribi), Arabic (Naskh), Braille, Latin

Nation of Origin: Niger

Other Comments: Ethnic groups include Kurtey (32,000), Wogo (28,000), Songhay (400,000), Dendi (40,000). Muslim, Christian, traditional religion.