NATENI [NTM]
45,000 (1993 Johnstone). Atakora Province. The Natemba are in Toukountouna District, Tayaba in Tanguiéta District, Kuntemba in Kobly, Matiri, and Tanguiéta districts, Okoma in Tanguiéta and Kouandé districts. Tayakou is the center of traditional beliefs and practices. Linguistic affiliation: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Gurma. Dialects: NATENI (NATEMBA, NATIMBA), TAYARI (TAYABA), KUNTENI (KUNTEMBA), OKONI (OKOMA). Close to Bimoba. Dialect names in parentheses are for the speakers. Bilingualism in Bariba, French. Literacy rate in first language: 1% to 5%. Traditional religion, Christian.