The Iyasa are a small Indigenous community whose ancestral homeland lies along the southern coast of Cameroon. For generations, their way of life has been closely connected to deep-sea fishing and the coastal environment.
Today, climate change, environmental degradation, and rising sea levels threaten both Iyasa communities and their traditional way of life. As many Iyasa people move to larger cities in search of work and security, the Iyasa language and cultural traditions face increasing challenges. With an estimated 2,400 speakers remaining, the language is considered critically endangered.
In response, community leaders established the Iyasa Language and Culture Project to support the preservation, revitalization, and transmission of Iyasa language and culture. With support from partners such as 7000 Languages, this course offers learners an introduction to the Iyasa language while exploring the rich cultural traditions, knowledge, and daily life of the Iyasa people.