Masaaba

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A language of Uganda

ISO 639-3
myx
Alternate Names
Bagisu, Gisu, Kisu, Lugisu, Masaba
Autonym
Lumasaaba, Masaaba
User Population

1,650,000 (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation.

Location

Bududa, Bulambuli, Manafwa, Mbale, and Sironko districts; Mount Elgon area.

Language Maps
Language Status

4 (Educational).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Masaba-Luhya (E.31)
Dialects

Ludadiri (Dadiri), Lubuuya (Buuya, Buya), Luwalasi, Luyobo, Luteza, Lufumbo. Intelligibility of Dadiri and Buuya 83%. Central and Southern varieties of Buuya 93%. Lexical similarity: 62% with Saamia [lsm], 52% with Isukha [ida], 50% with Logooli [rag].

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Most also use English [eng]. Many also use Ganda [lug]. Many also use Swahili [swh]. Used as L2 by Bukusu [bxk].

Language Development

Orthography guide published but inadequate for dialectal variants. Taught in primary schools through grade 3. Literature. Radio. Dictionary. Texts. Bible: 2016. Agency: Lumasaaba Language Academy.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Masaaba
Writing

Latin script [Latn], used since 1977.

Other Comments

Ludadiri is the main Northern variety; Lubuuya is the main Central or Southern variety. Christian.