Kenye

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A language of Uganda

ISO 639-3
lke
Alternate Names
Kenyi, Lukenhe, Lukenye, Lukenyi
Population

62,000 (2002 census), increasing.

Location

Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga basin, Buyende, Kaliro, Pallisa, Serere, and Mayuge districts; pockets in Kamuli, Kaberamaido, Kayunga, Bugiri, and Busia districts.

Language Maps
Language Status

6a (Vigorous).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (E.16)
Dialects

Lukenye-Ludebede, Lukenye-Lukooli. Kenye, Lamogi [xog], Siginyi [xog], and Gwere [gwr] are mutually intelligible. Lexical similarity: 81% with Soga [xog], 71%–86% with Ganda [lug], 64% with Gwere [gwr], 58% with Saamia [lsm].

Language Use

Prefer to use surrounding languages outside the home; seldom identify themselves as BaKenye. They shy away from their true identity for fear of being marginalized and discriminated against (Abdallah 2004). Mostly home. All ages. Mixed attitudes. Also use a Soga [xog] variety. Also use Ganda [lug], Gwere [gwr], Saamia [lsm], Teso [teo].

Language Development
Radio programs.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Kenye
Writing

Unwritten [Qaax].

Other Comments

Politically distinct from Ganda [lug]. Some Kenye people claim to be a displaced people of Ganda origin.