gewpré

Gewpré, also known as Gwepe or Gpre, is a language spoken by the Gewpre people in the central region of Ivory Coast. It is part of the Kru language family, which is itself a branch of the Niger-Congo language family. The number of speakers is estimated to be around 30,000 to 40,000, though precise figures can vary.

The Gewpre language is characterized by its tonal system, meaning that the pitch contour of a word can distinguish its meaning. Like many West African languages, it also features a complex verb morphology and noun class system. While there isn't a standardized written form of Gewpré that is universally recognized, efforts have been made by linguists and community members to develop orthographies for educational and literacy purposes.

The Gewpre people primarily engage in agriculture, cultivating crops such as yams, cassava, and plantains. Their cultural traditions are rich and include distinct forms of music, dance, and storytelling, often transmitted orally. The Gewpre language serves as a vital element in maintaining these cultural practices and fostering a sense of identity among the Gewpre community.

While the language is not currently considered endangered, factors such as increased urbanization and the influence of dominant national languages like French can pose challenges to its long-term vitality. Preservation efforts are ongoing, focusing on education and promoting the use of Gewpré within the community.