Iraqw

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A language of Tanzania

ISO 639-3
irk
Alternate Names
Erokh, Iraku, Iraqu, Kiiraqw, Mbulu, Mbulunge
Autonym
Kángw Iraqw
User Population

603,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009).

Location

Manyara region: Mbulu district, highlands southwest of Arusha in the north; Singida region near Manyara border; small areas in Arusha and Dodoma regions.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Afro-Asiatic, Cushitic, South
Dialects

Asa. Asa dialect may be a separate language.

Typology

SOV; noun head initial; gender: 2 (masculine, feminine); number: 2 (singular, plural); passives; aspect; causative suffix; 33 consonants, 10 vowels (5 short, 5 long); tonal (2 tones: high, low).

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains, except government and education. Used by all. Most also use Swahili [swh] (Mous 2007). Used as L2 by Datooga [tcc], Gorowa [gow].

Language Development

Dictionary. Grammar. Texts. Bible: 2011.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Iraqw
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Traditional religion, Christian.