Peace Corps Djerma (Zarma) Language Lessons

COURSE OVERVIEW
This textbook presents the essential structural features of the Djerma language as it is currently spoken in the western region of Niger. THe course is organized into 30 unites which cnsitute intructional material for between 300-400 hours of classroom instructions. It was specifically designed for intensive training extending over a preiod of 10 to 12 weeks. Thirty tape recordings contain the dialogue and drills of 30 unites were developed to accompany the text. These should be used regularly by the student in the language lanboratory or with a tape recorder for reinforcement of what is learned in the classroom. In the ideal situation the student will have access to a native speaker of Djerma who will acta as a teacher and as a model of how the language is spoken.

PROGRAMS THAT USED THIS LANGUAGE
Benin: 1968-present
Burkina Faso: 1967-1987, 1995-present
Ghana: 1961-present
Niger: 1962-2011; Currently Not Active

PROGRAM SECTORS
Benins: Education, Environment, Agriculture, Health, Business
Burkina Faso: Education, Health, Environment
Ghana: Education, Environment, Agriculture, Health
Niger: Currently Not Active

The Zarma people are a people of westernmost Niger and adjacent areas of Burkina Faso, Benin, Ghana and Nigeria. The Zarma language is one of the Songhai languages, a branch of the Nilo-Saharan language family. Because of the common language and culture, they are sometimes referred to as "Zarma Songhay" (also spelled "Zarma-Songhai").

Zarma actually constitute several dozen smaller ethnic groups, who were either indigenous to the era prior to the Songhai Empire and have assimilated into the Zarma people, or else are people of Zarma origins who have differentiated themselves some time in the precolonial period (through dialect, political structure, or religion).

Groups usually referred to as part of the Zarma or Songhay, but who have traceable historical distinctions include the Gabda, Kado, Tinga, and Sorko peoples. The Zarma live in the arid lands of the Sahel. Many live in the Niger River valley and exploit the river for irrigation. They grow millet, sorghum, rice.

Zarma Djerma is spoken in: Mali, Benin, Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso

Zarma Djerma is also called: Adzerma, Djerma, Dyabarma, Dyarma, Dyerma, Zabarma, Zarbarma, Zarmaci, Zerma