Language name

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Language name

Vincent Hiribae, Tue, 2023-01-10 02:20
Regarding: 
Writing
State
Closed
ISO 639-3: 
pkb

The language name written "Kipfokomo" is not the correct way of writing it. From the speakers' viewpoint this language is called "Kipfokomu" and the speakers of the language are called "Wapfokomu." Outsiders, especially English speakers, call them "Pokomo."

This proposed adjustment applies only to lower kipfokomu NOT upper. Upper pokomo (also known as "wantu wa dzuu") do in fact call themselves "Mpokomu" and their language "Kimpokomu," but that is not my focus here.

I would strongly suggest that the language name for lower pokomo (also known as "milanchini" or "wantu wa nsini") be written the way the speakers say it rather than following how outsiders say it. I am making this proposal as a speaker of the language and as someone who has worked in the language area for almost 30 years now. 

Thank you,

Vincent Hiribae

Editorial Action

We will change the name from Kipfokomo and update the language names for Kipfokomu [pkb] in Kenya, for inclusion in the next edition of the Ethnologue.

Comments

Chuck Fennig, Fri, 2023-01-20 10:42

Dear Vincent,

Thank you for this information on the language name for Kipfokomo (Kipfokomu / Kimpokomu) [pkb] in Kenya.

Ethnologue reports just one language with the [pkb] ISO code. So, the names for Upper Pokomo (Kimpokomu) and Lower Pokomo (Kipfokomu) will be mixed. Therefore, we will show 2 autonyms and other names that will belong to either Upper or Lower Pokomo.

Best regards,

Chuck Fennig
Managing Editor, Ethnologue

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