Lega-Mwenga
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A language of Democratic Republic of the Congo
ISO 639-3
Alternate Names
Ileka Ishile, Ishile, Isile, Kilega, Kirega, Lega-Ntara, Leka-Shile, Leka-Sile, Rega, Shile
Population
44,900 (2000).
Location
Sud-Kivu province: Mwenga territory.
Language Maps
Language Status
6a* (Vigorous).
Classification
Dialects
Iyoko, Ibanda, Isopo, Lusenge, Bilembo-Mango, Mizulo. Speakers say Lega-Shabunda [lea] and Bembe [bmb] are difficult to understand. Lexical similarity: 96%–88% among dialects; 76%–84% with Bembe [bmb]; 67%–81% with Lega-Shabunda [lea]; 60% with Buyu [byi]; 50% with Zimba [zmb], Enya [gey], and Mituku [zmq]; 45% with Nyanga [nyj].
Language Use
Also use Congo Swahili [swc], as the language of instruction in school.
Language Development
NT: 1957.
Language Resources
Writing
Latin script [Latn], limited usage.