ABSTRACT
Their Nilo-Hamitic language, although differing in many re spects, resembles dialects spoken by the Bari and related tribes, with whom they are considered to form one stock.1 Many features of Mandari culture and social organization, however, suggest Nilotic influence or even direct Nilotic origin. Since the establishment of peaceful conditions under the Sudan Adminis tration, a close economic interdependence in pastoral activities has grown up between Mandari and their neighbours, the Aliab Dinka and Atuot, which has furthered their contact with Nilotes as opposed to other Bari speakers, who have largely given up a pastoral mode of life.2
