Luhya language


Luhya is a Bantu language of western Kenya.

Dialects

The various Luhya tribes speak several related languages and dialects, though some of them are no closer to each other than they are to neighboring non-Luhya languages. For example, the Bukusu people are ethnically Luhya, but the Bukusu dialect is a variety of Masaba. However, there is a core of mutually intelligible dialects that comprise Luhya proper:
  1. Banyala
  2. Bukusu
  3. Gisu people
  4. Idakho
  5. Isukha
  6. Kabras
  7. Khayo
  8. Kisa tribe
  9. Marachi
  10. Maragoli
  11. Marama
  12. Masaaba
  13. Nyole
  14. Samia
  15. Tachoni
  16. Tiriki
  17. Tsotso
  18. Wanga

    Comparison

A comparison between two dialects of Luhya proper, and to two other Bantu languages spoken by the Luhya:
EnglishKisaLogoliNyoleWanga
I eshienzi/ inzeiseesie
wordsamakhuwamakuvaamang'ana, amakhuwaamakhuwa
chaireshifumbiindeve/ endeveindebeeshisala
headomurwemutwiomurweom'rwe
moneyamapesamang'ondoamang'ondo, am'mondo, etsilupiaamapesa, irupia

Comparison to Bantu

Phonology

The following is the phonology of the Luwanga dialect:

Vowels

Consonants