Soninke language


The Soninke language, also known as Serakhulle or Azer or Maraka, is a Mande language spoken by the Soninke people of West Africa. The language has an estimated 2.3 million speakers, primarily located in Mali and Mauritania, and also in Senegal, Ivory Coast, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Guinea. It enjoys the status of a national language in Mauritania, Mali, Senegal and The Gambia.

Phonology

Vowels

Long vowels are written double: aa, ee, ii, oo, uu.

Dialects

Dialects of Soninke include the Berber-inflected Azer dialect.