Rundi

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A language of Burundi

ISO 639-3
run
Alternate Names
Kirundi, Urundi
Population

10,000,000 in Burundi (2006 World Factbook), increasing. 4,000,000 monolinguals. Population total all countries: 10,150,000. Ethnic population: 10,000,000.

Location

Widespread. Also in Rwanda, Tanzania.

Language Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (2005, Constitution, Article 5).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Rwanda-Rundi (D.62)
Dialects

Igisoni, Ikibo, Ikimoso (Urumoso), Ikinyabweru, Ikiragane, Ikirundi, Ikiyogoma. All dialects except Twa are very similar to each other and to Rwanda [kin].

Language Use

Hima is an ethnic group speaking Rundi or Rwanda [kin]. Home, work, official. All ages. Positive attitudes. Many also use Swahili [swh] (especially Muslims).

Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: 55%. Taught in primary schools. Taught in secondary schools, as a subject. Poetry. Magazines. Newspapers. New media. Radio programs. Films. TV. Videos. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1967.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Rundi
Writing
Braille script. Latin script, primary usage.
Other Comments

Ethnic groups: Hutu 80%–85%, Tutsi 14%–15%, Twa (Gesera, Pygmy) 1% (30,000; Barrett 1982). Christian, Muslim.