Depending on how they are counted, Niger has between 8 and 20 indigenous languages. The discrepancy comes from the fact that several are closely related, and can be grouped together or considered apart.
French, inherited from the colonial period, is the official language. It is spoken mainly as a second language by people who have received an education. Although educated Nigeriens still constitute a relatively small percentage of the population, the French language is the language used by the official administration (courts, government, etc.), the media and the business community. See also: African French.
The usual categorization of languages of Niger mentions eight national languages. These, their language families, the approximate percentage of the population that speak them, and their approximate home regions are as follows:
| Language | Family | Approx % | Main region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hausa | Afro-Asiatic / Chadic | 49.6 | South, central |
| Zarma & Songhai | Nilo-Saharan | 25.5 | Southwest |
| Tamajeq | Afro-Asiatic / Berber | 08.4 | North |
| Fulfulde | Niger–Congo / Atlantic | 08.3 | All |
| Kanuri | Nilo-Saharan | 04.8 | Southeast |
| Colloquial Arabic | Afro-Asiatic / Semitic | 01.2 | North |
| Gurma | Niger–Congo / Gur | 00.? | Southwest corner |
| Toubou | Nilo-Saharan | 00.? | East |
Famous quotes containing the word languages:
“The very natural tendency to use terms derived from traditional grammar like verb, noun, adjective, passive voice, in describing languages outside of Indo-European is fraught with grave possibilities of misunderstanding.”
—Benjamin Lee Whorf (1897–1934)