Amba

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A language of Uganda

ISO 639-3
rwm
Alternate Names
Baamba, Bulebule, Hamba, Humu, Kihumu, Ku-Amba, Kuamba, Lubulebule, Lwamba, Ruwenzori Kibira, Rwamba
Autonym
Kwamba
Population

42,600 in Uganda (2014 census), decreasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. Total users in all countries: 47,100.

Location

Bundibugyo and Ntoroko districts: Ruwenzori mountains, Democratic Republic of the Congo border area south of Lake Albert.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b (Threatened).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, D, Lega-Holoholo (D.22)
Dialects

Kyanzi (Kihyanzi), Suwa (Kusuwa). Lexical similarity: 70% with Bera [brf], 57%–59% with Kaiku [kkq], Komo [kmw], and Bhele [bhy], 25% with Nande [nnb], 34% with Talinga-Bwisi [tlj].

Typology

7 vowels, 24 consonants; tonal.

Language Use

Due to intermarriage, most Amba children grow up speaking Lubwisi [tlj]. Home. Some young people, all adults. Positive attitudes. Also use Nyoro [nyo], Talinga-Bwisi [tlj].

Language Development
Literacy campaign in progress. Radio. Texts. Bible portions: 2004.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Amba
Writing

Latin script [Latn], used since 2009, in development.

Other Comments

Traditional religion, Christian.

Also spoken in:

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