Kipfokomo

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A language of Kenya

ISO 639-3
pkb
Alternate Names
Kipokomo, Lower Pokomo, Malachini, Pfokomo, Pokomo, Upper Pokomo
Autonym
Kipfokomo
Population

95,000 (2009 census), increasing.

Location

Garissa, Lamu, and Tana River counties: upper and lower Tana river between Tulu and Masabubu.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, E, Nyika-Taita (E.71)
Dialects

Malalulu, Zubaki, Ndura, Kinakomba, Gwano, Ndera, Mwina, Buu I, Buu II, Buu III, Kulesa, Ngatana, Dzunza, Kalindi. Lexical similarity: 63% with Mvita [swh], 61% with Amu [swh], 60% with Mrima [swh], 59% with Kigiryama [nyf], 58% with Chidigo [dig], 57% with Bajun [swh].

Language Use

Home, social gatherings, church. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Also use English [eng], Kigiryama [nyf]. Also use Swahili [swh], about 75% somewhat bilingually. Used as L2 by Kigiryama [nyf], Kiwilwana [mlk], Waata [ssn].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L2: 15%–25%. Advocacy to introduce L1 for lower primary school. Taught in primary schools for nursery classes. Literature. Videos. NT: 2003–2004.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Kipfokomo
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Muslim, Christian, traditional religion.

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