TARIFIT: a language of Morocco

The following is the entry for this language as it appeared in the 14th edition (2000).
It has been superseded by the corresponding entry in the 15th edition (2005).

SIL code: RIF

ISO 639-2: ber

Population 1,500,000 in Morocco (1991). Population total all countries 2,000,000 (1991).
Region Northern Morocco. The dialects listed are near Al Hoceima. Also spoken in Algeria, France, Netherlands.
Alternate names   RIFI, RIFIA, NORTHERN SHILHA, SHILHA
Dialects URRIGHEL, BENI IZNASSEN.
Classification Afro-Asiatic, Berber, Northern, Zenati, Riff.
Comments The chief differences among dialects are phonological. There may be other dialects. Coon (1939) said Senhaja de Srair is a separate language. 'Rifia' is the Arabic name for their language, 'Rifi' (sg.) or 'Ruafa' (pl.) are names for the people, 'Rif' or 'Riff' geographical names. Muslim. Bible portions 1887-1890.

Also spoken in:

Algeria   
Language name   TARIFIT
Alternate names   TIRIFIE, RIFF, RIFI, RUAFA, FIFIA, RIF, NORTHERN SHILHA, SHILHA
Dialects ARZEU, IGZENNAIAN, IZNACEN (BENI IZNASSEN).
Comments Muslim. Bible portions 1887-1890. See main entry under Morocco.
 

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Ethnologue data from Ethnologue: Languages of the World, 14th Edition
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