Tooro

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A language of Uganda

ISO 639-3
ttj
Alternate Names
Orutoro, Rutooro, Rutoro, Toro
Population

488,000 (1991 census), increasing. Ethnic population: 20,500 Batuku (2002 census).

Location

West, south and southeast of Lake Albert, Kabarole, Ntoroko, Kibaale, Bundibugyo, Kamwenge, Kyenjojo Kyegegwa, and Kasese districts.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing). De facto language of provincial identity in Kabarole and Kabale districts.

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (E.12)
Dialects

Rutuku, Tuku. Hema [nix] (Nyoro-Toro) in Democratic Republic of the Congo is slightly different. Tuku dialect is most likely a separate language. Lexical similarity: 78%–93% with Nyoro [nyo].

Language Use

Vigorous. Home, market, work. All ages. Positive attitudes.

Language Development
Taught in primary schools. Taught in secondary schools, as a subject. Poetry. Radio programs. Films. Dictionary. Bible: 1912.
Writing
Latin script, used since 1978.
Other Comments

Standardized form of the western languages (Nyankore-Chiga and Nyoro-Tooro) is called Runyakitara, and is taught at the University and used in internet browsing, but is a hybrid language. Christian, traditional religion, Muslim.