Dinka, Northeastern
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A language of South Sudan
923,000 (2017).
Jonglei state: Canal/Pigi and Fangak counties; Unity state: Pariang county; Upper Nile state: Baliet, Melut, and Renk counties.
5 (Developing). Recognized language (2011, Transitional Constitution, Article 6(1)), primary education, literacy efforts.
Abiliang (Akoon, Bawom, Bowom, Dinka Ibrahim), Dongjol, Luac (Luaic), Ngok-Sobat (Jok, Ngork), Ageer (Abuya, Ageir, Ager, Beer, Niel, Nyel, Paloc, Paloic), Rut, Thoi. Lexical similarity: 92% with Northwestern Dinka [diw], 88% with Southwestern Dinka [dik] and Southeastern Dinka [dks], 86% with South Central Dinka [dib]. A member of macrolanguage Dinka [din].
All domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes.
Some literacy materials produced. Taught as subject in some primary schools through grade 3. The Ministry of Education, supported by donors, has started a pilot project to develop materials for teaching Dinka (all 4 varieties together) as a subject and asclanguage of instruction up to grade 3 in some schools. Literature. Dictionary. Grammar. Texts. NT: 1952.