Ikizu
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A language of Tanzania
Alternate Names
Ikiikiizu, Ikikizo, Ikikizu, Kiikizu, Kizu
Autonym
Ikiikiizʉ
User Population
52,900 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Includes 4,000 Shashi.
Location
Mara region: Bunda district, Chamriho division; Musoma district, south of Zanaki; southeast of Lake Victoria.
Language Maps
Language Status
6a (Vigorous).
Dialects
Ikizu, Shashi (Kishashi, Kisizaki, Sizaki). Lexical similarity: 95% with Sizaki dialect, 87% with Zanaki [zak].
Typology
7 vowel system.
Language Use
Many shifting to Swahili [swh]. Home, field work, local gatherings (L1 is choice when only Ikizu speakers present). Used by all.
Language Development
Dictionary. Bible portions: 2009–2021.
Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim.