Kanurilanguage

Kanuri language, also called Kanuri proper, is a member of the Saharan branch of the Nilo-Saharan language family. It is spoken by the Kanuri people primarily in Niger, Nigeria, and Chad, with smaller communities in Cameroon. The language serves as a lingua franca in parts of its region and is used in daily communication, local media, and education in some areas.

Classification and varieties: Kanuri comprises several mutually intelligible dialects, with Yerwa Kanuri (also called Borno Kanuri) as one of the most widely spoken. Other prominent varieties include Shuwa Kanuri and Manga Kanuri. Some scholars treat Shuwa Kanuri as a distinct language due to regional variation.

Writing system: Kanuri has historically used the Arabic script (Ajami) for religious and literary purposes. In the modern era, Latin-based orthographies are used in education and publishing, with regional conventions varying.

Status and use: Kanuri remains a vital language for millions of speakers. It coexists with other regional languages such as Hausa and French or English, depending on country. It has a growing body of literature, radio, and online content, and efforts exist to promote literacy and standardization.