What are the main branches of the Niger-Kordofanian language family?

The Niger-Kordofanian language family is one of the largest language families in the world, comprising over 1,400 languages spoken primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. It is divided into several main branches, each with its own distinct characteristics and subgroups. The main branches of the Niger-Kordofanian language family are as follows:

1. Niger-Congo: This is the largest branch of the Niger-Kordofanian family and includes over 1,000 languages. It is further divided into several subgroups, including the Atlantic-Congo, Benue-Congo, and Mande subfamilies.

- Atlantic-Congo: This subgroup includes languages spoken in West Africa, Central Africa, and parts of Southern Africa. It is further divided into several subgroups, such as the Kwa, Gbe, and Volta-Niger subfamilies.

- Benue-Congo: This subgroup is primarily spoken in Central and West Africa. It includes several subfamilies, such as Bantu, Ijoid, and Kainji.

- Mande: This subgroup is mainly spoken in West Africa, particularly in Mali, Guinea, and Sierra Leone. It includes languages such as Bambara, Mandinka, and Soninke.

2. Kordofanian: This branch is spoken in the Kordofan region of Sudan and includes several languages, such as Katla, Lafofa, and Moro. It is a smaller branch compared to Niger-Congo.

3. Dogon: This branch is spoken by the Dogon people in Mali and Burkina Faso. It is a distinct branch within the Niger-Kordofanian family and includes languages like Tommo So and Dogul Dom.

4. Ijoid: This branch is spoken in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria and includes languages such as Izon and Defaka.

5. Gur: This branch is spoken in West Africa, particularly in Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Togo. It includes languages like Moore, Dagaare, and Konkomba.

6. Adamawa-Ubangi: This branch is spoken in Central Africa, primarily in Cameroon and the Central African Republic. It includes languages such as Gbaya and Zande.

These are the main branches of the Niger-Kordofanian language family, each with its own unique linguistic features and geographical distribution. The diversity within this language family reflects the rich linguistic heritage of sub-Saharan Africa.