Songe
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A language of Democratic Republic of the Congo
ISO 639-3
Alternate Names
Kalebwe, Kisonge, Kisongi, Kisongye, Luba-Songi, Lusonge, Northeast Luba, Songye, Yembe
Population
1,000,000 (Hoffman 1991). 150,000 in Western Kalebwe (1982 UBS).
Location
Lomami province: mainly Kabinda territory; Sankuru province: between Lualaba and Sankuru rivers; Tanganyika province: Kabolo and Kongolo territories; Kasai and Maniema provinces.
Language Maps
Language Status
6a* (Vigorous).
Classification
Dialects
Western Kalebwe (Esambi Kipya, Songe), Eastern Kalebwe (Ikalebwe, Kilombeno Kibya), Mbagani.
Language Development
Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 2011.
Language Resources
Writing
Latin script [Latn].
Ethnic subgroups are Bena Tshofwe, Bekalebwe, Beneki, Belande, Babembe, Balaa, Bambo, Befundu.