Tooro

Print

Primary tabs

A language of Uganda

ISO 639-3
ttj
Alternate Names
Orutoro, Rutoro, Toro
Autonym
Rutooro
User Population

846,000 (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. 811,000 Tooro, 35,000 Tuku (2014 census).

Location

Bundibugyo, Kabarole, Kamwenge, Kasese, Kibaale, Kyegegwa, Kyenjojo, and Ntoroko districts; West, south and southeast of Lake Albert.

Language Maps
Language Status

4 (Educational). De facto language of provincial identity in Kabarole and Kabale districts.

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (E.12)
Dialects

Tuku, Rutuku. Hema [nix] (Nyoro-Toro) in Democratic Republic of the Congo is slightly different. Tuku dialect is most likely a separate language. Lexical similarity: 78%–93% with Nyoro [nyo].

Language Use

Vigorous. Home, market, work. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Most also use English [eng]. Most also use Nyoro [nyo]. Used as L2 by Amba [rwm], Konzo [koo], Nyoro [nyo], Talinga-Bwisi [tlj].

Language Development

Taught in primary schools through grade 3. Taught as subject in some secondary schools, as Runyakitaara, sharing materials with Chiga [cgg], Nyankore [nyn], and Nyoro [nyo]. Literature. Radio. Videos. Dictionary. Texts. Bible: 1912.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Tooro
Writing

Latin script [Latn], used since 1978.

Other Comments

Standardized form of the western languages (Nyankore-Chiga and Nyoro-Tooro) is called Runyakitara, and is taught at the University and used in internet browsing, but is a hybrid language. Christian, Muslim, traditional religion.