Sabaot

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A language of Kenya

ISO 639-3
spy
Alternate Names
“Mt. Elgon Maasai” (pej.), Sebei
Population

241,000 (2009 census), increasing.

Location

Western Province, Bungoma county, Mount Elgon and Cheptais districts; Rift Valley Province, Trans-Nzoia county, Trans-Nzoia and Kwanza districts.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Nilo-Saharan, Eastern Sudanic, Nilotic, Southern, Kalenjin, Elgon
Dialects

Bong’omeek (Bong’om, Pong’om), Book (Bok, Pok), Koony (Kony), Mosoop, Sabiiny, Soomeek. Related to Kupsapiiny [kpz] of Uganda.

Language Use

Vigorous. Home, social gatherings, religion. All ages. Positive attitudes. Also use Lubukusu [bxk], Kiswahili [swh], or English [eng].

Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: Over 30%. Literacy rate in L2: 50%. Taught in primary schools. Poetry. Radio programs. Films. Videos. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 2012.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Sabaot
Writing
Latin script.
Other Comments

Example of language revitalization. Christian, traditional religion.