Kamuku

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A language of Nigeria

ISO 639-3
cdr
Alternate Names
’Yara, Cinda-Regi-Tiyal, Tiyal, Tiyar, Tu’yara, Tucipu
User Population

45,000 (2010 Z. Yoder et al.).

Location

Kaduna state: Birnin Gwari LGA; Niger state: Chanchaga, Mariga, and Rafi LGAs.

Language Maps
Language Status

6a (Vigorous).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kamuku
Dialects

Cinda (Jinda, Majinda, Makangara, Tegina, Tucindә, Ucinda), Regi (Turegi), Kuki (Tiyar, TuKuki), Kwacika (Tukwacika), Rogo (Rɔgɔ, TɔRɔgɔ, Ucanja Kamuku). Cinda, Regi, and Kuki mutually intelligible, also by Rogo [rod]. Kwacika dialect is now extinct (Blench 2019). Lexical similarity: 82%–97% among the 5 dialects, 47%–63% with Eastern Acipa [acp], 59%–70% with Shama-Sambuga [sqa], 65%–75% with Rogo [rod].

Language Use

Hausa [hau] and English [eng] used in schools. Home. Used by all. Positive attitudes. All also use Hausa [hau], except some elderly women. Also use English [eng].

Language Development

Adult transition literacy classes. Taught as subject in a few primary schools. Literature. Bible portions: 2017.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Kamuku
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Clans are Uregi, Urogo, Tiyar (Kuki), Ucinda (Jinda), and Ushana. Laka, or Kamuku Laka, are Hausa-speaking ethnic Kamuku. Traditional religion, Muslim.