Introduction

 

The Tunen language group of Cameroon has a population of over 100,000 (1997 J. Mbongue), most of whom live in Centre region: Mbam-and-Inoubou division, Makénéné and Ndikinimeki subdivisions; Littoral region: Nkam division, Yingui subdivision.

The language is classified as Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Basaa (A.44). The ISO Code is tvu. Alternate names include: Banen, Banend, Nen, Penin, and Penyin.

There are five dialects reported and several subdialects of Tunen: Toboany (Itundu), Tufombo (Logananga, Ndogbang, Ndokbiakat), Alinga (Eling, Tuling), Ndoktuna, Niguessen (Mese, Paningesen, Sese).

Tunen is similar to Nyokon [nvo], Nomaande [lem], and Tuotomb [ttf]. Note that Tunen is distinct from the Pinyin [pny] in the Ngemba group.

There is some literature available in Tunen as well as texts, and a grammar in the language, but the number of readers is low. The dictionary will serve as a reference tool for this people group and others who are interested in studying Tunen.