Alternate Names: Frafra, Gurene, Gurenne, Gurune, Nankani, Ninkare
Dialects: Booni, Gurune (Gudeni, Gudenne, Gurenne, Zuadeni), Nabt (Nabdam, Nabde, Nabdug, Nabit, Nabnam, Nabrug, Nabte, Namnam), Nankani (Naani, Nankanse), Talni (Talene, Talensi). 5 major dialects and many minor ones. Dialects are divided according to geography and ethnic sub-boundaries. Some named after towns or localities. Consider Southern Dagaare , in particular a sister language.
Status Notes: De facto provincial language in Upper East Region.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 820,000 in Ghana (2003), increasing. Up to 656,000 in Upper East region, and at least 164,000 in various towns and cities in other regions (2003). Population total all countries: 845,100.
Language Use: Vigorous. All domains. All ages. Also use English [eng]. Used as L2 by Mampruli [maw].
Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: 1%–5%. Literacy rate in L2: 5%–15%. Taught in primary and secondary schools. Radio programs. Videos. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 2008.
Writing System: Latin
Nation of Origin: Ghana
Other Comments: Ethnonym: Talensi. Christian, traditional religion.