Kainji languages
The Kainji languages form a sub- unit of the Platoid languages, a branch of the Benue - Congo languages , which in turn belong to the Niger - Congo.
The approximately 55 - Kainji languages are spoken by about one million people in North West and Central Nigeria. It extends from the Kainji Dam in the west ( Federal States of Niger and Kebbi ) to the northern highlands of Jos ( Plateau State ) in the east. Also in Kaduna, among others Kainji languages are spoken. The most important Kainji languages are Tsuvadi ( 150 thousand speakers), Lela, Rubasa, Cischingini and Tsishingini with around 100 thousand speakers.
Position of the Kainji languages within the Niger - Congo
- Niger - Congo Volta - Congo Southern Volta - Congo Benue - Congo East Benue - Congo Platoid Kainji
- Northwest Plateau
- Central Plateau
- Southeast Plateau
- South Plateau
- Tarokoid
- Jukunoid
Internal classification
- Kainji East Kainji North - Jos Jera Jera (65 thousand), Sanga (20 thousand), Lemoro (10 thousand), Duguza (2 thousand), Gyem (1 thousand), Iguta (6 thousand), Izora (5 thousand), Janji (400), Kudu Camo (3 thousand), Lere (almost †), Shau (almost †), Sheni (almost †), Ziriya (almost †), Gamo - Ningi †
- Kurama (10 thousand), Gbiri - Niragu (5 thousand), Bina (2 thousand), Kono (1.5 thousand), Mala (2 thousand), Shuwa - Zamani ( Kauru ) (1 thousand), Dungu (300) Kinuku (500) Ruma (2 thousand), Surubu (2 thousand), Tumi (600) Vono (500)
- Duka: C'Lela ( Lela ) (100 thousand), Hun - Saare (75 thousand), Puku - Geeri - Keri - wipsi (40 thousand), Gwamhi - Wuri (10 thousand)
- Kamuku: Kamuku (30 thousand), Acipa (25 thousand), Pongu (20 thousand), Hungworo (1 thousand), Shama - Sambuga (5 thousand), Fungwa (1 thousand)
- Baushi - Gurmana: Baushi (20 thousand), Gurmana (3 thousand)
- Bassa: Bassa ( basa, Rubasa ) (100 thousand), Bassa Gurmana (2 thousand), Bassa Kaduna †, Bassa Kontagora †
- Kambari: Tsuvadi (150 thousand), Cischingini (80 thousand), Tsishingini (80 thousand), Tsikimba (50 thousand), Baangi (15 thousand), Kakihum (15 thousand)
- Kainji Lake: Laru (5 thousand), Lopa (5 thousand)
- Reshe: Resche ( Gunga, Yaurawa ) (45 thousand)