Information from: “A rapid appraisal survey of Jimi, a language of Cameroon (Mayo-Tsanaga Division, Far North Province)” . Brye, Edward and Brye, Elizabeth and Domche Teko, Engelbert (2002) SIL International
Threatened
100 percent certain, based on the evidence available
2,500-3,500
~3600
"According to the Ethnologue (SIL), in 1982 the Jimi-speaking population numbered 3,500. The Catholic priest who lives in Bourrah estimates the present total population to be 2,500. Self-reporting during our group interviews in two villages revealed there to be about 600 residents in Mijimi and 800 in Mbola."
DATE OF INFO
1982
DOMAINS OF USE
SPEAKER NUMBER TRENDS
TRANSMISSION
MORE ON VITALITY
"Jimi is the primary language spoken in the home, during conversations with friends, and at work. It is also used at the markets, although in Mbola, Fulfulde is also needed in order to communicate with strangers. Jimi is the only language reported to be used for public gatherings such as traditional ceremonies, making announcements, and meetings with regional chiefs."
SPEAKER ATTITUDE
Positive
OTHER LANGUAGES USED BY THE COMMUNITY
Fulfulde
Gude
French
LANGUAGE CONTEXT COMMENTS
"In order to communicate with those of surrounding languages, Jimi speakers use Fulfulde, a language of wider communication. ... Jimi speakers share common origins with those of Gude, and they consider themselves to be one people with Gude speakers. They also share in celebrations with Gude speakers and frequently marry Gude speakers. ... Students use French for all aspects of schooling—that is, in-class instruction as well as during times of recreation."
PLACES
Cameroon
LOCATION DESCRIPTION
"The Jimi language is spoken in seven villages in the Bourrah subdivision of the Mayo-Tsanaga division [Far North, Cameroon]."
Information from: “Ethnologue: Languages of the World, 16th Edition (2009)” . M. Paul Lewis · SIL International
Threatened
20 percent certain, based on the evidence available
3,500
Data for the number of native speakers comes from SIL (1982).
PLACES
Cameroon;
Information from: “World Oral Literature Project” .
Threatened
20 percent certain, based on the evidence available
3,500
Information from: “A survey on language death in Africa” (402) . Sommer, Gabriele (1992) , Brenzinger, Matthias · Mouton de Gruyter
Endangered
20 percent certain, based on the evidence available