22,012,000 (1995), including 16,072,548 of Ugandan citizenship (1993 SIL). Republic of Uganda. Literacy rate 52% to 57%; 18% (1977 C. M. Brann). Also includes people from Zaïre, Rwanda, Kenya, Sudan. Information mainly from Ladefoged, Glick, Criper 1972, SIL 1995. Data accuracy estimate: A2, B. Christian, traditional religion, Muslim, Baha'i. Blind population 175,000. Deaf institutions: 4. The number of languages listed for Uganda is 47. Of those, 46 are living languages and 1 is extinct.
ACHOLI (ACOLI, ATSCHOLI, SHULI, GANG, LWO, LWOO, AKOLI, ACOOLI, LOG ACOLI, DOK ACOLI) [ACO] 746,796 in Uganda, including 12,089 speakers of Chopi (1991 census), 4.4% of the population (1972 Ladefoged et al); 27,000 in Sudan (1978 SIL); 773,800 in all countries. North central Acholi District. Nilo-Saharan, Eastern Sudanic, Nilotic, Western, Luo, Southern, Luo-Acholi, Alur-Acholi, Lango-Acholi. Dialects: LABWOR, NYAKWAI, DHOPALUO (CHOPI, CHOPE). Ruhlen (1987) classifies Labwor as a separate language. Literacy campaign. Christian, traditional religion. Bible 1986. NT 1933. Bible portions 1905-1962.
ADHOLA (DHOPADHOLA, JOPADHOLA, LUDAMA) [ADH] 247,577 (1986); 1.6% of population (1972 Ladefoged et al.). Eastern, Mbale District. Not in Kenya. Nilo-Saharan, Eastern Sudanic, Nilotic, Western, Luo, Southern, Adhola. The people are called 'Jopadhola' or 'Budama'. Radio programs, newspapers, literacy campaign. The most distinct of the Western Nilotic languages in Uganda. Bible portions 1977-1979. Work in progress.
ALUR (LUR, ALORO, ALUA, ALULU, LURI, DHO ALUR, JO ALUR) [ALZ] 420,000 in Uganda (1993 Johnstone), 1.9% of the population; 500,000 in Zaïre (1991 UBS); 920,000 in all countries. North of Lake Albert. Nilo-Saharan, Eastern Sudanic, Nilotic, Western, Luo, Southern, Luo-Acholi, Alur-Acholi, Alur. Dialects: JOKOT, JONAM, MAMBISA, WANYORO. Radio programs, newspapers, literacy campaign. The Jonam dialect has 96% lexical similarity with Ngora. Christian in Uganda. Bible 1936-1955. NT 1933-1979. Bible portions 1921-1985.
AMBA (KWAMBA, KUAMBA, KU-AMBA, RWAMBA, HAMBA, RUWENZORI KIBIRA, HUMU, KIHUMU) [RWM] 16,000 in Uganda out of an ethnic group of 62,926 (1991 census), .5% of the population (1972 Ladefoged et al.); 4,500 in Zaïre (1991 SIL); 20,500 in all countries. Zaïre border south of Lake Albert, Ruwenzori Mts., Bundibugyo District. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, D, Bira-Huku (D.30). Dialects: KYANZI (KIHYANZI), SUWA (KUSUWA). Closely related to Bera, Bila, Komo, and Bhele. Literacy campaign. Their name for themselves is 'Kwamba'. Called 'KiHumu' in Zaïre. The people are called 'BaAmba'. They use LuBwisi as a second language. Proficiency in Runyoro-Rutooro, used in churches, is limited. Savannah, forest. Agriculturalists: plantains, millet, maize, sweet potatoes, peanuts, rice, coffee, cotton, cassava; animal husbandry: goats, sheep. Altitude: 2,400 to 3,400 feet. Traditional religion, Christian.
ARINGA (LOW LUGBARA) [LUC] 588,830 (1991 census). Northwest corner, north of Lake Albert, Aringa county, north of Lugbara, west of Ma'di. Also in southern Sudan, around Kaya, near the Uganda and Zaïre borders. Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, East, Moru-Madi, Central. The speakers of Lugbara and Ma'di both consider Aringa to be a separate but related language. Survey needed.
BARI (BERI) [BFA] 60,000 in Uganda, 226,000 in Sudan (1978 SIL); a small minority in Zaïre; 286,000 in all countries. Northwest corner. Nilo-Saharan, Eastern Sudanic, Nilotic, Eastern, Bari. Dialects: KUKU, NYEPU (NGYEPU, NYEFU, NYEPO, NYPHO), PÖJULU (PAJULU, FADJULU, FAJULU, FAJELU), NYANGBARA (NYANGWARA, NYAMBARA), MONDARI (MANDARI, MUNDARI). Ethnic Bari in Zaïre now speak a dialect of Logo. Kakwa is a separate language. Trade language. Bible 1979. NT 1954. Bible portions 1927-1964.
CHIGA (OLUCHIGA, ORUKIGA, CIGA, KIGA, RUKIGA) [CHG] 1,391,442 (1991 census), 7.1% of the population. Extreme southwest, Ankole District, Western Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (J.10). Partially intelligible with Nyankore (72%), 84% to 94% lexical similarity; 77% similarity with Nyoro, 75% with Zinza, 72% with Nyambo, 70% with Haya, 68% with Tooro, 63% with Kerewe. Hills, mountain lakes, swamps. Agriculturalists: millet, sorghum, sweet potatoes, beans, peas, maize, wheat, peanuts, sunflower seeds, potatoes, cassava, vegetables, plantains, tobacco, flax, coffee, peas; animal husbandry: cattle. Altitude: 4,000 to 6,000 feet and above. Christian (most), traditional religion. Survey needed.
ENGLISH [ENG] Second language speakers: 1,000,000 (1977 Voegelin and Voegelin); 322,000,000 in all countries (1995 WA). Indo-European, Germanic, West, North Sea, English. Half of the radio programs and newspapers are in English. Used in primary schools, law courts. National language. Bible 1535-1989. NT 1525-1985. Bible portions 1530-1987.
GANDA (LUGANDA) [LAP] 3,015,980 in Uganda (1991 census), a little more than 16% of the population (1972 Ladefoged et al.); 9,460 in Tanzania (1957 census). Southeast, from the northwest shore of Lake Victoria to Lake Kyoga and the Tanzania border; primarily Buganda Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (J.10). Dialects: KOOKI (OLUKOOKI), SESE (OLUSESE), LUVUMA, LUDIOPA. 71% to 86% lexical similarity with Soga, 68% with Gwere. Luvuma, Ludiope may be dialects. The people are called 'Baganda'. The most widely spoken second language in Uganda next to English. Radio programs, newspapers, used in primary schools. Language of wider communication. Typology: SVO. Plateau, hills, swamps, valleys. Agriculturalists: bananas, tobacco, beans, millet, maize, sweet potatoes, peanuts, cassava, cotton; animal husbandry: cattle, goats, chicken; hunters. Altitude: 4,000 feet. Bible 1896-1968. NT 1893-1993. Bible portions 1887-1953.
GUJARATI [GJR] 147,000 or 1% of the population (1986); 44,000,000 in all countries. Also in India, United Kingdom, Fiji, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kenya, South Africa. Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Central zone, Gujarati. The people migrated to Uganda during the early part of the 20th century. Newspaper. Hindu. Bible 1823-1994. NT 1820-1985. Bible portions 1809-1965.
GUNGU (RUGUNGU) [RUB] 25,000 (1991 census). Northeast shore of Lake Albert. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (J.10). The ethnic group is called BaGungu. Speakers are not bilingual in Nyoro. 58% or lower inherent intelligibility of Runyoro-Rutooro. Closest to Rutooro (65% lexical similarity). There is a language committee.
GWERE (LUGWERE, OLUGWERE) [GWR] 275,608 (1991 census), 1.7% of population (1972 Ladefoged et al.). Pallisa District, dominating 2 of thhe district's 4 counties. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (J.10). Closest to Lusiki in vocabulary. 68% lexical similarity with Ganda, 64% with Soga. Gwere has vigorous use in the home, village, and market, and is used as medium of instruction in the first 2 years of primary school. Daily radio program, monthly newspaper. LuGanda is used in churches. Work in progress.
HINDI [HND] 147,000; 1% of the population (1986); 182,000,000 in all countries. Also India, Nepal, South Africa, Kenya, Mauritius, Yemen, USA, United Arab Emirates, Nauru, New Zealand, Germany. Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Central zone, Western Hindi, Hindustani. The people migrated to Uganda in the early 20th century; radio programs. Hindu. Bible 1818-1987. NT 1811-1992. Bible portions 1806-1962.
IK (ICIETOT, TEUSO, TEUTH, NGULAK) [IKX] 2,000 (1972 C. Turnbull). Northeast part of Karamoja. Nilo-Saharan, Eastern Sudanic, Kuliak, Ik. They call their language 'Icietot'. Isolated. Speakers are reported to use Karamojong as second language. It is very different from other Eastern Sudanic languages. Mountain slope. Hunters, some cultivation. Traditional religion.
KAKWA (BARI KAKWA, KAKUA, KWAKWAK) [KEO] 86,472 in Uganda (1991 census), .6% of population (1972 Ladefoged et al.); 40,000 in Sudan (1978); 20,000 in Zaïre; 146,500 in all countries. Northwest corner, West Nile District. Nilo-Saharan, Eastern Sudanic, Nilotic, Eastern, Bari. Dialects of Sudan, Zaïre, and Uganda differ little (Nida). 74% lexical similarity with Pöjulu, 73% with Bari, 72% with Ngyepu and Kuku, 68% with Nyanggwara, 61% with Mondari. Radio programs, literacy campaign. Very different from other Eastern Nilotic languages in Uganda. 15,000 Christians in Uganda. Bible 1983. NT 1974. Bible portions 1930-1967.
KARAMOJONG (KARIMOJONG, KARIMONJONG) [KDJ] 370,000 (1994 UBS) or 2% of the population (1972 Ladefoged et al.), including 50,000 Jie (1986 MARC). East and northeast, Karamojo District around Moroto. Nilo-Saharan, Eastern Sudanic, Nilotic, Eastern, Teso-Turkana, Turkana. Dialects: KARAMOJONG, JIE (JIYE), DODOS (DODOTH). Several subdivisions represent more than one ethnic group. The dialects have 83% to 95% lexical similarity. 85% lexical similarity with Turkana, 75% with Teso. People are friendly with the Toposa; hostile to the Turkana. Radio programs. Semi nomadic. Typology: VSO; highly inflectional; grammatical tone; vowel harmony; voiceless vowels. Pastoralists: cattle, sheep, goats, donkeys; limited agriculture: sorghum. Traditional religion, Christian; Jie: traditional religion. NT 1974, in press (1996). Bible portions 1932-1967.
KENYI (LUKENYI) [LKE] Including Soga: 1,200,000 (1991 UBS), 8% of the population. Between Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga, Busoga Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (J.10). 81% lexical similarity with Soga, 71% to 86% with Ganda, 64% with Gwere, 58% with Saamia. Welmers lists Olusoga and Lukenyi separately. Politically distinct from Ganda. The people are called 'BaKenyi'. They say they are a displaced people of Ganda origin. Low flat hills, swamps, valleys. Agriculturalists: bananas, beans, millet, coffee, cotton. Survey needed.
KONJO (RUKONJO, OLUKONJO, KONZO, OLUKONZO, LHUKONZO) [KOO] 361,709 (1992 census), 1.7% of the population (1972 Ladefoged et al.); including 15,000 Sanza (1971 Welmers). Southwest, Ruwenzori Mountains. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Konzo (J.40). Dialects: SANZA (EKISANZA), RUKONJO. 77% lexical similarity with Nandi. Many dialects. Radio programs. Mountain slope, rolling hills, plains. Agriculturalists: yams, beans, sweet potatoes, peanuts, soy beans, potatoes, rice, wheat, cassava, coffee, bananas, cotton; animal husbandry: goats, sheep fowl. Altitude: up to 7,500 feet. Traditional religion (most), Christian. Bible portions 1914. Work in progress.
KUMAM (KUMAN, IKOKOLEMU, KUMUM, IKUMAMA, AKUM, AKOKOLEMU) [KDI] 112,629 (1991 census), 1% of the population (1972 Ladefoged et al.). South of Lake Kwania, western Teso District. Nilo-Saharan, Eastern Sudanic, Nilotic, Western, Luo, Southern, Kuman. Radio programs, literacy campaign. 82% lexical similarity with Dhopaluo, 81% with Lango, 77% with Acholi. Ladefoged and Bender classify Kumam as Southern Luo; some linguists classify it in the Dinka group. Kumam oral tradition gives a Teso descent. Survey needed.
KUPSABINY (SEBEI, SAPEI) [KPZ] 120,000 (1994 UBS), .6% of the population (1972 Ladefoged). Eastern border area slightly north of Mbale, Sebei Province. Nilo-Saharan, Eastern Sudanic, Nilotic, Southern, Kalenjin, Elgon. Dialects: SABINY (SAPINY, KUPSABINY, KUPSAPINY), MBAI, SOR. Radio programs, literacy campaigns. People called 'Sebei', language 'Kupsabiny'. NT in press (1995). Bible portions 1975.
LANGO (LWO, LWOO, LEB-LANO, LANGI) [LAJ] 977,680 (1991 census), 5.6% of population (1972 Ladefoged et al.). Central, north of Lake Kyoga, Lango Province. Nilo-Saharan, Eastern Sudanic, Nilotic, Western, Luo, Southern, Luo-Acholi, Alur-Acholi, Lango-Acholi. Distinct from Acholi (Lwo), Lango of Sudan (related to Lotuko), or Lango (Didinga) of Sudan. Radio programs, newspapers, literacy campaign. Used in primary schools. Roman script. Bible 1979. NT 1974. Bible portions 1967.
LUGBARA (HIGH LUGBARA) [LUG] 200,000 in Uganda, including 140,000 in Arua, 60,000 in Maracha and Terego (1983 SIL); 288,000 in Zaïre (1993 Johnstone); 488,000 in all countries. Northwest, west Nile district. Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, East, Moru-Madi, Central. Dialects: ARUA (STANDARD LUGBARA), MARACHA, TEREGO (OMUGO). Radio programs, newspapers, literacy campaign, used in primary schools. Few trees. Plateau, low ridges. Agriculturalists: eleusine, sorghum, simsim, peaas, beans, peanuts, pumpkins, sugar cane, bananas, maize, cassava, tobacco; animal husbandry: cattle, goats, sheep, fowl. Altitude: 4000 to 5000 feet. Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim, Baha'i. Bible 1966. NT 1936-1978. Bible portions 1922-1964.
LULUBA (OLUBOGO, OLUBOTI, OLU'BO) [LUL] 15,000 in all countries (1985 SIL). Also in Sudan. Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, East, Moru-Madi, Southern. Many are bilingual in Bari, but there is strong interest in using Luluba for education.
MA'DI (MA'ADI, MA'DITI, MA'DI) [MHI] 130,558 in Uganda (1991 census); 18,000 in Sudan (1982); 150,000 in all countries. Northwestern Sudan border area near Nimule, West Nile District, Madi Province, Madi Subdistrict, and Madi County. Moyo is in the west, Adjumani in the east. Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, East, Moru-Madi, Southern. Dialects: MOYO, ADJUMANI (OYUWI). Newspapers, radio programs, literacy campaign. NT 1977. Bible portions 1935-1938. Work in progress.
MA'DI, SOUTHERN (SOUTHERN MA'DI) [QMD] 48,000 (1983 SIL). Okollo County, on the west bank of the Nile River. Okollo town is the administrative center. Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, East, Moru-Madi, Southern. Dialects: OKOLLO, OGOKO, RIGBO. Closer to Lugbara than to Madi (Moyo), which they do not understand. Ogoko and Rigbo are closer to Lugbara than Okollo is; intelligibility testing needed. Okollo dialect is considered more 'pure' than the others. Survey needed.
MANGBETU [MDJ] 30,700 in Uganda including 17,500 Makere, 13,200 Meje; 650,000 in all countries (1985 UBS). Northwest, Zaïre border north of Lake Albert. Primarily Zaïre. Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, East, Mangbetu. Dialects: MAKERE (AMAKERE, NAMAKERE, NAMAKERETI), MEJE (MEDJE, MEDYE, MEGYE, EMEEJE, NEMEEJE, NAMEJETI). Only Makere and Meje dialects are in Uganda. Work in progress.
MASABA (LUMASABA, MASAABA, GISU, LUGISU) [MYX] 751,253 (1991 census). Eastern, south of the Kupsabiny, Bugisu Province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Masaba-Luyia (J.30). Dialects: ULUBUKUSU, ULUBUYA, ULUDADIRI, LUGISU (GISHU), ULUKISU, SYAN. Radio programs, literacy campaign. Syan is a related dialect or language. 62% lexical similarity with Saamia, 52% with Isuxa, 50% with Ragooli. NT 1977-1992. Bible portions 1904-1910.
MENING [MYQ] Small. Sudan border. Nilo-Saharan, Eastern Sudanic, Nilotic, Eastern, Teso-Turkana, Unclassified. Related to Karamojong and Teso, but clearly a different language.
NDO (KEBU, OKE'BU, NDU) [NDP] 200,000 in Uganda (1994 UBS); 300,000 in all countries (1991 UBS). Northwestern. Mahigi is the center. Mainly in Zaïre. Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, East, Mangbutu-Efe. Dialects: AVARI (AVIRITU, AVERE), OKE'BU (NDO OKE'BU, KEBUTU, KEBU), MEMBI. Blacksmiths. NT 1994. Bible portions 1964.
NUBI (KINUBI, KI-NUBI) [KCN] 14,739 in Uganda (1991 census); 10,000 in Kenya; 25,000 in all countries. Bombo, 30 miles north of Kampala, Arua, and elsewhere in Uganda. Creole, Arabic based. Descendants of Emin Pasha's troops. Formerly a soldier language, which split off from Sudanese Pidgin Arabic about 1900; there are conflicting reports of intelligibility with it. 90% of the lexicon is from Arabic. Traders. Muslim. Survey needed.
NYANG'I (NUANGEYA, NYUANGIA, NYANGIYA, NYANGIA, NGANGEA, GYANGIYA, NYANGEYA, NGIANGEYA, NIPORI, NIPOREN, POREN, NGAPORE, UPALE) [NYP] 100 or fewer speakers out of a larger ethnic group (1988 M.L. Bender). Eastern Uganda. Nilo-Saharan, Eastern Sudanic, Kuliak, Ngangea-So. A separate language from Ik. Spoken only by the elderly. Younger people speak Dodos (Karamojong) as first language and Nyang'i as second language. Hunters, some cultivation. Traditional religion.
NYANKORE (NKOLE, NYANKOLE, RUNYANKOLE, ULUNYANKOLE, ULUNYANKORE) [NYN] 1,643,193, including 141,668 Hororo, 1,643,193 Hima (1991 census) or 8.1% of the population. Western Province, Ankole District, east of Lake Edward. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (J.10). Dialects: HORORO, ORUTAGWENDA, HIMA. Hima may be a separate language. Radio programs, newspapers, used in primary schools. Nyankole, Nyoro, and their dialects are considered by some to be one language (78% to 96% lexical similarity). 84% to 94% lexical similarity with Chiga, 75% to 86% with Tooro (Nyoro), 81% with Zinza, 78% with Nyambo, 74% with Haya, 68% with Kerewe. The standardization of the western languages (Nyankore-Chiga and Nyoro-Tooro) is called 'RuNyakitara', and is taught at the University. Ethnic groups: BaHima, BaIru. Savannah, acacia scrub, tropical forest, papyrus. Plains, hills, plateau, swamps, crater lakes. Agriculturalists: millet, sweet potatoes, plantains beans, peanuts, cassava, coffee, maize, sorghum; animal husbandry: goats, sheep, cattle; fishermen. Altitude: 3,000 to 4,000 feet. Christian (most), Traditional religion, Muslim. Bible 1964-1989. NT 1962. Bible portions 1907-1957.
NYOLE (NYULE, NYULI, LUNYOLE) [NUJ] 228,918 (1991 census) or 1.4% of population (1972 Ladefoged et al.). Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Masaba-Luyia (J.30). Dialects: MENYA (LUMENYA), HADYO (LUHADYO), SABI (LUSABI), WESA (LUWESA). 70% to 80% lexical similarity with LuSamia, 82% with the Lugw dialect of Saamia (closest), 67% with Ganda, 61% with Nyore of Kenya. Widely used, including in primary schools. Lunyole Language Association. Daily radio program. Speakers have limited bilingualism in LuGanda, which is used in church. Typology: SVO. Work in progress.
NYORO (RUNYORO) [NYR] 495,443 (1991 census), 6.2% of the population. South and southeast of Lake Albert, Bunyoro and Toro provinces. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (J.10). Dialects: RUTAGWENDA, ORUNYORO (NYORO). Hema-Sud (Nyoro-Toro) in Zaïre is quite different. Radio programs, newspapers, used in primary schools, literacy campaign, mother tongue authored literature. Roman script. 78% to 93% lexical similarity with Toro, 77% with Nyankole and Ciga, 67% with Nyambo and Zinza, 66% with Haya, 62% with Kerewe. 73% inherent intelligibility with Gungu. Savannah. Swamps, coastal, plateau, mountain slope. Animal husbandry: cattle; fishermen; agriculturalists: millet, sorghum, plantains, sweet potatoes, beans, pumpkins, cow peas, cassava, peanuts, cotton, tobacco; hunters. Christian, traditional religion, Muslim. Bible 1912. NT 1905-1978. Bible portions 1900-1902. Work in progress.
PÖKOOT (POKOT, PAKOT, SUK) [PKO] (264,000 in Kenya; (1994 BTL). East central, near Kupsabiny. Nilo-Saharan, Eastern Sudanic, Nilotic, Southern, Kalenjin, Pokot. Semi-nomadic. Traditional religion, Christian. NT 1967-1987. Bible portions 1936-1963.
RULI (RURULI, LUDUULI) [RUC] 68,010 (1991 census). East of Nyoro. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (J.10). Dialects: EASTERN RULI, WESTERN RULI. 2 'dialects' have 79% lexical similarity: in Nakasongola (east) influenced by Ganda, and in Kuyanoongo (west) influenced by Nyoro. 71% lexical similarity with Nyoro (closest), 70% Eastern Ruli and Ganda. Ruli used the most in home and village. Survey needed.
RUNDI [RUD] 100,903 in Uganda (1991 census), 2% of the population (1972 Ladefoged et al.); 4,600,000 in Burundi (1986); 6,000,000 in all countries (1991 WA). Most in Buganda. Also in Tanzania. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Rwanda-Rundi (J.60). Bible 1967. NT 1951. Bible portions 1920-1986.
RWANDA (RUNYARWANDA, RUANDA) [RUA] 532,692 in Uganda, including 203,030 speakers of Rufumbira, 329,662 Rwanda, 1,394 Twa (1991 census), 5.9% of the population (1972 Ladefoged et al.); 8,436,000 in Rwanda (1993); 250,000 possibly in Zaïre; 88,000 in Tanzania (1987); 9,306,800 in all countries. Southwestern border with Rwanda. The largest group in Kisoro District. Also in Zaïre, Burundi, Tanzania. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Rwanda-Rundi (J.60). Dialects: RUFUMBIRA, TWA. Widely spoken. Literacy campaign. Radio programs. Rufumbira may be distinct and need separate literature. Bible 1954-1993. NT 1931-1989. Bible portions 1914-1986.
SAAMIA (LUSAMIA, OLUSAAMIA) [SBU] 225,378 in Uganda, including 40,074 speakers of Lugwe (1991 census), 1.3% of the population (1972 Ladefoged et al.); 335,000 in Kenya (1987); 560,380 in all countries. Southeastern. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Masaba-Luyia (J.30), Luyia. Dialects: LUSAAMIA, LUGWE. Speakers may be bilingual in Luganda. Radio programs. Literacy campaign. 80% lexical similarity with Nyore, 59% to 61% with Ganda. Dialects have 92% lexical similarity. Ganda used in church. Bible portions 1904.
SINGA (LUSINGA) [SGM] Rusinga Island. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (J.10). Extinct.
SOGA (LUSOGA, OLUSOGA) [SOG] 1,370,845 (1991 census), 8% of the population. Between Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga, Busoga Province. LuTenga is around Jjinja, LuLamogi farther north. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (J.10). Dialects: TENGA (LUTENGA), LAMOGI (LULAMOGI), GABULA (LUGABULA). 81% lexical similarity with Kenyi, 71% to 86% with Ganda, 64% with Gwere, 58% with Saamia. Tenga has 82% with Ganda. Lamogi dialect has 79% to 82% lexical similarity with Tenga, 89% with Siki, 88% with Soga, 82% with Gwere. Welmers lists Soga and Kenyi separately. Politically distinct from Ganda. Radio programs, literacy campaign. Low flat hills, swamps, valleys. Agriculturalists: bananas, beans, millet, coffee, cotton. Bible portions 1896-1899. Work in progress.
SOO (SO, TEPETH, TEPES) [TEU] 5,000 (1972 Ladefoged et al.). Karamoja District of eastern Uganda on Mt. Moroto on Kenya border. Nilo-Saharan, Eastern Sudanic, Kuliak, Ngangea-So. In some areas used mainly by those over 40 years. Younger people speak Karamojong as primary language.
SWAHILI (KISWAHILI, KISUAHELI) [SWA] 5,000,000 first language speakers in all countries (1989 Holm); 30,000,000 second language speakers in all countries (1989 Holm). Also in Kenya, Tanzania, Mayotte, Rwanda, Burundi, Oman, South Africa, and USA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Swahili (G.40). Dialect: SHAMBA (KISHAMBA). The government plans to make this a mandatory subject in schools. Used by the security forces and in some regions. Muslim. Braille Scripture in progress. Bible 1891-1996. NT 1879-1989. Bible portions 1868-1968.
TALINGA-BWISI (LUBWISI, BWISSI, MAWISSI, OLUBWISI, KITALINGA) [TLJ] 53,467 in Uganda (1991 census); 20,000 to 30,000 in Zaïre (1993 R. Benson WHM); 75,000 to 85,000 in all countries. Zaïre border, Bundibugyo District, southwest of Fort Portal, between Albert and Edward Lakes, immediately next to the Zaïre border, near Kilembe. Also in Zaïre. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Haya-Jita (J.20). Speakers use Tooro as second language. The BaTooro used to rule over the BaBwisi, and RuTooro use seems to be decreasing. LuBwisi is used in the home, in some churches, primary school, and market if both speakers are BaBwisi. RuTooro is used in some churches. English is used by men and boys who have been to higher levels of school. Closest to Tooro (73% lexical similarity) and Nyoro (72%). 68% inherent intelligibility of Tooro. Called 'Bwisi' in Uganda, 'Talinga' in Zaïre. Distinct from Bwisi of Congo and Gabon. Speakers desire written materials. Typology: SVO; CV, V; tonal. Tropical forest. Mountain slope. Peasant agriculturalists. Christian, Muslim. Work in progress.
TESO (ATESO, IKUMAMA, BAKEDI, BAKIDI, ETOSSIO, ELGUMI, WAMIA) [TEO] 999,537 in Uganda (1991 census), 8.3% of the population (1972 Ladefoged et al.); 217,487 in Kenya (1993 Johnstone); 1,217,000 in all countries. Sorot and Kumi region, southeast, Teso Province. Lokathan live around Madial at the north end of the Nangeya Mts. Nilo-Saharan, Eastern Sudanic, Nilotic, Eastern, Teso-Turkana, Teso. Dialects: LOKATHAN (BIRI, KETEBO), OROM (ROM). 76% lexical similarity with Turkana, 75% with Karamojong. Limited intelligibility with other varieties in the Teso-Turkana group. The people are 'Iteso', the language 'Ateso'. The dialect in Ngoro is considered standard. Radio programs, newspapers, literacy campaign, used in primary schools. Typology: VSO; highly inflectional; grammatical tone; vowel harmony. Pastoralists; agriculturalists. Christian; traditional religion. Bible 1961. NT 1930-1966. Bible portions 1910-1960.
TOORO (RUTOORO, ORUTORO, RUTORO, TORO) [TTJ] 488,024 (1991 census). South and southeast of Lake Albert, Toro province. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (J.10). Dialect: TUKU. Hema-Sud (Nyoro-Toro) in Zaïre is quite different. 78% to 93% lexical similarity with Nyoro. Savannah. Swamps, coastal, plateau, mountain slope. Animal husbandry: cattle; fishermen; agriculturalists: millet, sorghum, plantains, sweet potatoes, beans, pumpkins, cow peas, cassava, peanuts, cotton, tobacco; hunters. Christian, traditional religion, Muslim. Survey needed.
UGANDAN SIGN LANGUAGE [UGN] Deaf sign language. There have been elementary schools for deaf children since 1962. Several sign languages became one in 1988. The schools allow sign language in the classroom since 1988. The sign language used in the classroom and that used by adults outside is the same. Some sign language interpreters are provided for deaf people in court. Little research. There are a few sign language classes for hearing people. There is a manual alphabet for spelling. Survey needed.
Part of the Ethnologue, 13th Edition, Barbara F. Grimes, Editor.
Copyright © 1996, Summer Institute of Linguistics, Inc. All rights reserved.
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