Songe

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A language of Democratic Republic of the Congo

ISO 639-3
sop
Alternate Names
Kalebwe, Kisonge, Kisongi, Kisongye, Luba-Songi, Lusonge, Northeast Luba, Songye, Yembe
Population

1,000,000 (Hoffman 1991). 150,000 in Western Kalebwe (1982 UBS).

Location

Kasaï-Oriental Province, between Sankuru and Lualaba rivers, mainly Kabinda territory and east into Katanga Province, Kongolo and Kabolo territories.

Language Maps
Language Status

6a (Vigorous).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, L, Songye (L.22)
Dialects

Eastern Kalebwe (Ikalebwe, Kilombeno Kibya), Mbagani, Western Kalebwe (Esambi Kipya, Songe).

Language Development
Dictionary. NT: 1952–1978.
Writing
Latin script.
Other Comments

Ethnic subgroups are Bena Tshofwe, Bekalebwe, Beneki, Belande, Babembe, Balaa, Bambo, Befundu.