Kenye

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A language of Uganda

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

99,900 (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation.

Location

Buyende, Kaliro, Kibuku, Mayuge, Pallisa, and Serere districts: Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga basin; some in Bugiri, Busia, Kaberamaido, Kamuli, Kayunga, and Namayingo 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. Used by all. Mixed attitudes. Also use Ganda [lug], Gwere [gwr], Saamya-Gwe [lsm], Soga [xog], Teso [teo].

Language Development

Radio.

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.

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