Konzo

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A language of Uganda

ISO 639-3
koo
Alternate Names
Konjo, Lhukonzo, Olukonjo, Olukonzo, Rukonjo
Population

609,000 in Uganda (2002 census), increasing.

Location

Southwest, Ruwenzori mountains, Kasese and Bundibugyo districts. Olhughendera dialect in Bundibugyo District. Also in Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Language Maps
Language Status

4 (Educational).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Konzo (D.41)
Dialects

Lusongora, Olhughendera, Rukonzo (Rukonjo), Sanza (Ekisanza). Nande [nnb] (Kinande) in Democratic Republic of the Congo and Konzo [koo] (Lukonzo) in Uganda are 2 varieties of the same language. Nande [nnb] is influenced by French [fra] and Swahili [swh]; Konzo [koo] by Tooro [ttj]. Lexical similarity: 77% with Nande [nnb].

Language Use

Home, market. All ages. Positive attitudes.

Language Development
Taught in primary schools. Poetry. Radio programs. Dictionary. Bible portions: 1914.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Konzo
Writing
Latin script, used since 1914.
Other Comments

Konzo (Bakonzo) in Uganda and Nande (Banande) in Democratic Republic of the Congo both feel very much 1 people, ethnic autonym: Bayira. They believe they originated from the Rwenzori Mountains–the mountains belong to them and they to the mountains. This plays a very important role in their traditions and identity. Lusongora is most important dialect. Traditional religion, Christian.

Also spoken in:

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