Bukusu

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A language of Kenya

Lubukusu

User Population

1,190,000 in Kenya (2019 census), increasing, based on ethnicity. Total users in all countries: 1,227,100.

Bungoma, Kakamega, and Trans Nzoia counties: south of Kitale.

Language Maps

Language Status

4 (Educational).

Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Masaba-Luhya (E.31)

A member of macrolanguage Oluluyia [luy].

Growing. Home, community. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Some also use English [eng], especially children in school. Some also use Swahili [swh], especially children in school. Most adults also use neighboring languages. Used as L2 by Sabaot [spy].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 30% (2007 BTL). Literacy rate in L2: 65% in English [eng] (2007 BTL). Taught as subject in some primary schools. Literature. Radio. Dictionary. Bible: 2010.

Language Resources

OLAC resources in and about Bukusu

Latin script [Latn].

Christian, traditional religion.

Also spoken in:

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Uganda

Language NameBukusu

User Population

37,100 in Uganda (2014 census). Census based on tribal affiliation.

Location

Manafwa and Namisindwa districts. Majority of speakers live across the Kenyan border.

Alternate Names

Babukusu, Lubukusu

Language Status

6a* (Vigorous).

Language Use

Most also use English [eng]. Most also use Masaaba [myx]. Many also use Swahili [swh].

View other languages of Uganda