| Kassonke | |
|---|---|
| Western Maninka | |
| Xaasongaxango | |
| Native to | Mali |
| Ethnicity | Kassonke, Malinke |
|
Native speakers
|
1.6 million (2006–2012) |
| Official status | |
|
Recognised minority
language in |
Mali
|
| Language codes | |
| ISO 639-3 | Either: – Kassonke – Western Malinke (Malinka) |
| Glottolog |
xaas1235 Xaasongaxangowest2500 Western Maninkakan
|
The Kassonke (Khassonké) language, Xaasongaxango (Xasonga), or Western Maninka (Malinke), is a Manding language spoken by the Khassonké of western Mali and by the Malinke of eastern Senegal. Kassonke is a national language in Mali. Western and Eastern Maninka are 90% mutually intelligible, though distinct from the Mandinka (Malinke) of southern Senegal, which is a national language there.