Kainji languages

Kainji
Geographic distribution:	Kainji Lake, Nigeria
Linguistic classification:	Niger–Congo Atlantic–Congo Benue–Congo Central Nigerian (Platoid) Kainji
Subdivisions:	Reshe core Kainji
Glottolog:	kain1275

The sixty or so Kainji languages are spoken by about 900 000 people in Nigeria. Four of the largest are Tsuvadi (150 000), Cishingini and Tsishingini (100 000 each)—all from the Kambari branch; and Clela (= C'lela, Lela) (100 000), of the Duka branch.

Classification

The most divergent of the Kainji languages are Resh, Laru, and Lopa. Subclassification of the other branches is not yet clear. A division between East and West Kainji is no longer maintained.

• Reshe
• Lakes: Laru, Lopa
• Kainji proper
  • Kambari languages
  • Basa languages
  • Kamuku languages
  • Shiroro languages
  • Northwest Kainji (Lela, Duka)
  • East Kainji

References

• The Kainji languages (Roger Blench)