Dinka, Southwestern

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A language of South Sudan

ISO 639-3
dik
Alternate Names
Rek, Western Dinka
Population

450,000 (1982 UBS). 55,000 Abiem, 15,000 Luac, 40,000 Malual, 17,000 Paliet, 35,000 Palioupiny, 50,000 Tuic.

Location

Warrap, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, and Western Bahr el Ghazal states, Jur River county.

Language Maps
Language Status

4 (Educational). Recognized language (2011, Transitional Constitution, Article 6(1)), primary education, literacy efforts.

Classification
Nilo-Saharan, Eastern Sudanic, Nilotic, Western, Dinka-Nuer, Dinka
Dialects

Abiem (Ajong Dit, Ajong Thi, Akany Kok, Akern Jok, Anei, Apuoth, Apwoth), Aguok (Agwok), Apuk, Awan, Lau, Luac, Malual (Atoktou, Duliit, Korok, Makem, Malwal, Peth), Paliet (Ajak, Baliet, Bon Shwai, Buoncwai, Bwoncwai, Kondair, Kongder, Tainbour, Thany Bur), Palioupiny (Akjuet, Akwang, Ayat, Cimel, Gomjuer, Palioping), Rek (Raik), Tuic (Adhiang, Amiol, Nyang, Thon, Twic, Twich, Twij). Luac dialect is different from Luac dialect in Northeastern Dinka [dip]. Lexical similarity: 89% with South Central Dinka [dib], 90% with Southeastern Dinka [dks].

Language Use

All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes.

Language Development
Extensive literacy materials available. Taught in primary schools. NT: 2006.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Dinka, Southwestern
Writing
Latin script.