Amba

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A language of Uganda

ISO 639-3
rwm
Alternate Names
Bulebule, Hamba, Humu, Kihumu, Kuamba, Ku-Amba, Lubulebule, Lwamba, Ruwenzori Kibira, Rwamba
Population

35,600 in Uganda (2002 census), decreasing. Population total all countries: 40,100.

Location

Ruwenzori mountains, Bundibugyo District, Democratic Republic of the Congo border area south of Lake Albert, Beni District, Watalinga and Bawisa subcounties. Also in Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b (Threatened).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, D, Bira-Huku (D.30)
Dialects

Kyanzi (Kihyanzi), Suwa (Kusuwa). Similar to Bera [brf], Bila [bip], Komo [kmw], and Bhele [bhy]. Lexical similarity: 70% with Bera [brf], 57%–59% with Bila [bip], Kaiku [kkq], Komo [kmw], and Bhele [bhy], 25% with Nande [nnb], 34% with Talinga-Bwisi [tlj].

Typology

7 vowels, 24 consonants; tonal

Language Use

Due to intermarriage, most Amba children grow up speaking Lubwisi [tlj]. Home. Mostly adults. Positive attitudes. Also use Talinga-Bwisi [tlj] or Nyoro [nyo].

Language Development
Literacy campaign in progress. Radio programs. Bible portions.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Amba
Writing
Latin script, used since 2009.
Other Comments

Ethnic autonym: Kwamba. Glossonym: KiHumu in Democratic Republic of the Congo. Traditional religion, Christian.

Also spoken in:

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