Lega-Mwenga

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A language of Democratic Republic of the Congo

ISO 639-3
lgm
Alternate Names
Ileka Ishile, Ishile, Isile, Kilega, Kirega, Lega-Ntara, Leka-Shile, Leka-Sile, Mwenga Lega, Rega, Shile
User Population

44,900 (2000).

Location

Sud-Kivu province: Mwenga territory.

Language Maps
Language Status

6a* (Vigorous).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, D, Lega-Holoholo (D.25)
Dialects

Iyoko, Ibanda, Isopo, Lusenge, Bilembo-Mango, Mizulo. Speakers say Lega-Shabunda [lea] and Bembe [bmb] are difficult to understand. Lexical similarity: 96%–88% among dialects; 76%–84% with Bembe [bmb]; 67%–81% with Lega-Shabunda [lea]; 60% with Buyu [byi]; 50% with Zimba [zmb], Enya [gey], and Mituku [zmq]; 45% with Nyanga [nyj].

Language Use

Also use Congo Swahili [swc], as the language of instruction in school.

Language Development

NT: 1957.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Lega-Mwenga
Writing

Latin script [Latn], limited usage.