Mangbetu

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A language of Democratic Republic of the Congo

ISO 639-3
mdj
Alternate Names
Amangbetu, Kingbetu, Mambetto, Mangbettu, Nemangbetu
Population

620,000.

Location

Orientale Province, Rungu, Niangara, Poko, Watsa, Wamba, and northeast corner of Banalia territories. Popoi in Banalia territory; Aberu in Wamba territory.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, East, Mangbetu
Dialects

Aberu, Makere, Malele, Mangbetu, Meje (Medje, Meegye), Popoi. Medje dialect has most speakers, and is most widely understood. Related to Lombi [lmi] and Asoa [asv].

Language Use

Perhaps 50% also use Bangala [bxg], another 10% have low proficiency. Popoi and Aberu are in Congo Swahili [swc]-speaking areas.

Language Development
Bible portions: 2006–2007.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Mangbetu
Writing
Latin script.