Languages of Nigeria: Northern (and central) Nigeria

[vijayjohn]

The most widely spoken languages in Nigeria are Fulfulde and Hausa, particularly in the north (not to mention English and Nigerian Pidgin English). Adamawa Fulfulde is spoken in the east, and Nigerian Fulfulde, elsewhere. However, many other languages from various families are spoken in Nigeria as well. The main languages spoken in the northeast are Kanuri languages, especially Central Kanuri, and Biu-Mandara languages. Chadian Arabic, or something closely related to it, is spoken in the northeast as well. Nupoid and especially Kainji languages are spoken south of Hausaland, with Nupoid languages being spoken closer to the center of the country. The Jukunoid languages are spoken near the border with central Cameroon. Various Bantoid language families are also spoken in this part of Nigeria.