Nande

Print

A language of Democratic Republic of the Congo

ISO 639-3
nnb
Alternate Names
Banande, Bayira, Kinande, Kinandi, Nandi, Ndande, Northern Nande, Orundande
Population

903,000 (1991 UBS).

Location

Nord-Kivu Province, mainly Beni and Lubero territories.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Konzo (D.42)
Dialects

Ekisongoora (Nyangala, Songola), Kumbule (Ekikumbule), Mate (Ekimate), Nande, Sanza (Ekisanza), Shu (Ekishu), Swaga (Ekikira, Ekiswaga), Tangi (Ekitangi), Yira (Ekiyira). Lexical similarity: 75% with Konzo [koo]; 65% with Hunde [hke]; 55% with Tembo [tmv] and Shi [shr]; 45% with Nyoro [nyo], Nyanga [nyj], and Lega-Shabunda [lea]; 40% with Talinga-Bwisi [tlj]; 30% with Bhele [bhy]; 25% with Amba [rwm].

Language Development
Bible: 1980–1996.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Nande
Writing
Latin script.
Other Comments

The Konzo (Bakonzo) in Uganda and Nande (Banande) in Democratic Republic of the Congo feel very much one people, Ethnic autonym: Bayira. They believe they originate from the Ruwenzori Mountains—the mountains belong to them and they to the mountains. This plays a very important role in their traditions and self-image. Christian.