Amba

A language of Uganda

Baamba, Bulebule, Hamba, Humu, Kihumu, Ku-Amba, Kuamba, Lubulebule, Lwamba, Ruwenzori Kibira, Rwamba

Kwamba

42,600 in Uganda (2014 census), decreasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. Total users in all countries: 47,100.

Bundibugyo and Ntoroko districts: Ruwenzori mountains, Democratic Republic of the Congo border area south of Lake Albert.

Language Maps

Northern Democratic Republic of Congo

Uganda

Language Status

6b (Threatened).

Classification

Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, D, Lega-Holoholo (D.22)

Dialects

Kyanzi (Kihyanzi), Suwa (Kusuwa). Lexical similarity: 70% with Bira [brf], 57%–59% with Kaeku [kkq], Komo [kmw], and Bhele [bhy], 25% with Nande [nnb], 34% with Talinga-Bwisi [tlj].

Typology

7 vowels, 24 consonants; tonal.

Language Use

Due to intermarriage, most Amba children grow up speaking Lubwisi [tlj]. Home. Some young people, all adults. Positive attitudes. All also use Talinga-Bwisi [tlj]. All also use Tooro [ttj]. Many also use English [eng]. Used as L2 by Mvuba [mxh].

Language Development

Literacy campaign in progress. Radio. Texts. Bible portions: 2004–2014.

Language Resources

OLAC resources in and about Amba

Writing

Latin script [Latn], used since 2009, in development.

Other Comments

Traditional religion, Christian.