Gurunsi languages

The Gurunsi languages , also known as Grusi languages , are a language family of the Gur languages branch within the Niger-Congo family of languages . They include 23 individual languages ​​in a Northern, Eastern and Western branch.

The term Gurunsi was probably used for the first time in 1886 by the Africa explorer Gottlob Krause . The idea that the Gurun speakers are a single ethnic group was abandoned because, despite their linguistic affinity, there are great cultural differences between the ethnic groups. In addition, Gurunsi is not a term used by the so called people themselves; it only has an exclusive function in the languages ​​of neighboring ethnic groups. Due to the linguistic relationship, the term is still allowed to be used meaningfully in this area.

languages

• Northern branch
  • Calamse
  • Lyélé
  • Southern June
  • Northern June
  • Pana
  • Kasem
• Western point
  • Chakali
  • Winyé
  • Deg
  • Phuie
  • Paasaal
  • Sisaala, tumult
  • Sissala
  • Sisaala
  • Tampulma
  • Vagla
• Eastern branch
  • Bago-Kusuntu
  • Chala
  • Lukpa
  • Kabiyé
  • Tem
  • lama
  • Delo

Web links

• Gurunsi languages ​​at ethnologue.com (English)

literature

• Hans Peter Hahn: A propos d'une histoire régionale des Kassena au Burkina Faso . In: Yénouyaba Georges Madiéga, Oumarou Nao (ed.): Burkina Faso. Cent ans d'histoire, 1895-1995 . Volume 2, Karthala, Paris 2003
• Jürgen Zwernemann: Shall We Use the Word 'Gurunsi'? . In: Africa: Journal of the International African Institute . Vol. 28, No. 2, April 1958, pp. 123-125