Luo Languages

The Nilotic Luo languages, or Lwoian, are a dozen languages spoken by the Luo peoples in an area ranging from southern Sudan via Uganda to southern Kenya, with Dholuo extending into northern Tanzania and Alur into the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They form one of the two branches of Western Nilotic, the other being Dinka–Nuer. The Southern Luo varieties are mutually intelligible, as is Mabaan–Burun, and apart from ethnic identity these might be considered single languages.

The time depth of the division of the Luo languages is moderately deep, perhaps close to two millennia. The division within the Southern Luo dialect cluster is considerably less deep, perhaps about five to eight centuries (reflecting migrations due to the impact of the Islamization of Sudan).

SIL's Ethnologue distinguishes 24 individual Luo languages, grouped as follows:

  • Northern Luo, mostly languages of South Sudan
    • Anuak, South Sudan, Ethiopia
    • Belanda Bor, South Sudan
    • Luwo (Jur), South Sudan
    • Mabaan–Burun
      • Burun, Sudan
      • Mabaan languages, South Sudan, Sudan
        • Mabaan, Sudan – South Sudan border
        • Mabang languages of Sudan and Chad: Maba (Maba, Marfa), Masalit (Masalit, Massalat, Surbakhal), Runga-Kibet (Runga, Kibet), Kendeje
        • Jumjum, South Sudan
        • Karanga, Chad
        • Mabaan, Upper Nile (South Sudan) and Blue Nile (Sudan) provinces
    • Shilluk, South Sudan
    • Thuri, South Sudan
  • Päri (classification unsure) (South Sudan)
  • Southern Luo (Kenya, Uganda and neighboring countries)
    • Adhola, Uganda
    • Kumam, Uganda
    • Luo-Acholi
      • Alur-Acholi
        • Alur, Democratic Republic of the Congo
        • Lango-Acholi (Acholi, Lango), Uganda
      • Luo (Dholuo, "Luo proper"), Kenya

Famous quotes containing the word languages:

    “People in places many of us never heard of, whose names we can’t pronounce or even spell, are speaking up for themselves. They speak in languages we once classified as “exotic” but whose mastery is now essential for our diplomats and businessmen. But what they say is very much the same the world over. They want a decent standard of living. They want human dignity and a voice in their own futures. They want their children to grow up strong and healthy and free.”
    —Hubert H. Humphrey (1911–1978)