Konzo

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A language of Uganda

ISO 639-3
koo
Alternate Names
Bakonzo, Bayira, Konjo, Olukonjo, Olukonzo, Rukonjo, oluKonzo
Autonym
Lhukonzo
User Population

893,000 in Uganda (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. Includes 16,000 Banyabindi, 10,000 Banyabutumbi and 16,000 Basongora (2014 census).

Location

Bundibugyo, Kabarole, Kasese, and Ntoroko districts in Ruwenzori mountains; Bundibugyo district (Olhughendera dialect).

Language Maps
Language Status

4 (Educational).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Konzo-Ndandi (D.41)
Dialects

Sanza (Ekisanza), Rukonzo (Rukonjo), Rusongora (Lusongora), Olhughendera, Runyabindi, Rugabo, Runyabutumbi (Rukingwe). Nande [nnb] (Kinande) in Democratic Republic of the Congo and Konzo [koo] (Lukonzo) in Uganda are 2 varieties of the same language. Nande [nnb] is influenced by French [fra] and Swahili [swh]; Konzo [koo] by Tooro [ttj]. Lexical similarity: 77% with Nande [nnb].

Language Use

Home, market. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Most also use English [eng]. Most also use Tooro [ttj].

Language Development

Taught in primary schools through grade 3. Literature. Radio. Dictionary. Bible portions: 1914. Agency: Kikinzo Language and Culture Office.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Konzo
Writing

Latin script [Latn], used since 1914.

Other Comments

Konzo (Bakonzo) in Uganda and Nande (Banande) in Democratic Republic of the Congo both feel very much one people, ethnic autonym: Bayira. They believe they originated from the Ruwenzori Mountains; the mountains belong to them and they to the mountains. This plays a very important role in their traditions and identity. Lusongora is the most important dialect. Traditional religion, Christian.

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