Lugbara

A language of Uganda

High Lugbara, Logbara, Lubarati, Lugbarati, Western Lugbara

Lʉgbara tɨ

1,100,000 in Uganda (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. Total users in all countries: 1,940,000.

Location

Arua, Koboko, Nyadri and Yumbe districts.

Language Maps

Northern Democratic Republic of Congo

Uganda

Language Status

4 (Educational).

Classification

Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Satellites, Central Sudanic, East, Moru-Madi, Central

Dialects

Arua (Ayivu, Standard Lugbara), Maracha, Terego (Omugo). Lexical similarity: 93% with Maracha and Terego dialects, 87% with Arua and Terego dialects, 80% with Arua dialect and Ogoko Southern Madi [snm], 76% with Arua dialect and Okollo Southern Madi [snm] (1992 SIL).

Language Use

Vigorous. Home, work, markets. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Most also use English [eng]. Some also use Swahili [swh]. Also use Nubi [kcn] (Nakao 2018). Used as L2 by Alur [alz], Aringa [luc], Kakwa [keo], Kuku [ukv], Southern Ma’di [snm].

Language Development

Taught in primary schools through grade 3. Taught as subject in some secondary schools. Literature. Radio. Videos. Dictionary. Texts. Bible: 1966.

Language Resources

OLAC resources in and about Lugbara

Writing

Latin script [Latn], used since 1922, revised in 2010.

Other Comments

Christian, Muslim.