The Berta languages, also called Funj, are traditionally considered dialects of a single language: Gebeto, or Berta proper, Fadashi and Undu. Linguists classify them either as a small family or language isolate of their own, or as a primary branch of the Nilo-Saharan family. Berta follows subject-verb-object word order, is tonal, and has significantly influenced some of the neighboring Eastern Jebel languages; the Arabic name Beni-Shangul, as in Ethiopia's Benishangul-Gumuz province, derives from a Berta expression that was misanalyzed as the Arabic beni, meaning sons.
Facts
Partially Attested
Proto-Language StatusNo Proto-Berta reconstruction has been published. The genealogical position of the family itself is unsettled: linguists treat it either as a small family or language isolate on its own, or as a primary branch of Nilo-Saharan. 1 No Proto-Berta reconstruction has been published. The genealogical position of the family itself is unsettled: linguists treat it either as a small family or language isolate on its own, or as a primary branch of Nilo-Saharan. RegionEthiopia and Sudan, concentrated in the Benishangul-Gumuz region of Ethiopia. 1 Speaker Count Sources
1. Wikipedia: Berta Languages
Wikimedia FoundationBerta languages, Wikipedia, infobox region field
[[Ethiopia]], [[Sudan]]
Berta languages, Wikipedia, opening paragraph
They are either a small family (or [[language isolate]]) of their own, or a primary branch of the [[Nilo-Saharan]] language family.
View the Source 2. Wikipedia: Berta (Language)
Wikimedia FoundationBerta, Wikipedia, infobox speakers fieldQuote, Berta, Wikipedia, infobox speakers field
{{sigfig|377,000|2}} all Berta languages
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