Lugbara

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A language of Uganda

ISO 639-3
lgg
Alternate Names
High Lugbara
Population

797,000 in Uganda (2004), increasing. 90,800 in Vurra, 171,000 in Ayivu, 146,000 in Maracha, 158,000 in Terego, 95,500 in Madi Okollo, 42,400 in Arua Municipality, 93,800 in Koboko. Population total all countries: 1,637,000.

Location

West Nile, Arua, Nyadri, Koboko, Nebbi, and Yumbe districts. Also in Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, East, Moru-Madi, Central
Dialects

Arua (Standard Lugbara), Maracha, Terego (Omugo). Lexical similarity: 93% with Maracha and Terego dialects, 87% with Arua and Terego dialects, 80% with Arua dialect and Ogoko Southern Madi [snm], 76% with Arua dialect and Okollo Southern Madi [snm] (1992 SIL Survey).

Language Use

Vigorous. Home, work, markets. All ages. Positive attitudes. Also use Swahili [swh].

Language Development
Literacy campaign in progress (2012). Taught in primary schools. Taught in secondary schools, as a subject. Poetry. Radio programs. Films. Dictionary. Bible: 1966.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Lugbara
Writing
Latin script, used since 1922.
Other Comments

Christian.

Also spoken in:

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