Sukuma

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A language of Tanzania

ISO 639-3
suk
Alternate Names
Kisukuma
Population

5,430,000 (2006), increasing.

Location

Northwest, between Lake Victoria and Lake Rukwa, Shinyanga to Serengeti plain, Kiya; Mwanza, Gwe. Few in cities; 88% in the traditional area.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, F, Sukuma-Nyamwezi (F.21)
Dialects

Gwe (Kigwe), Kiya. Dialects contiguous with Nyamwezi and mutually intelligible along the border of the two people groups. Lexical similarity: 84% with Nyamwezi [nym], 59% with Sumbwa [suw] and Nyaturu [rim], 57% with Kimbu [kiv], 55% with Nilamba [nim], 49% with Langi [lag].

Language Use

Vigorous. Known for vigorous use of L1. All ages. Very positive attitudes. Also use Swahili [swh].

Language Development
Some literacy work. Poetry. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1960.
Writing
Latin script.
Other Comments

Christian, Muslim, traditional religion.