Language Information

Mossi, also known as Moré, is the principal language of Upper Volta, in West Africa. It belongs to the Gur, or Voltaic, branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. There are about 4 million speakers.

Family: Niger-Congo
Subgroup: Western Sudanic
Branch: Gur (Voltaic)

Writing Sample

Translation

Help yourself and Wennam will help you. One day a hen fell into a trap hut made no effort to extricate herself. She begged Wennam for help but Wennam, who was passing by, said, "First make an effort yourself and then I will come to your aid." The hen then made a slight motion and the rope snapped. This is addressed to all those who sit idly and repeat endlessly, "Wennam is great; he will grant my any wish." Wennam will not give them anything unless they begin by helping themselves.