Konzo | Ethnologue

A language of Uganda

ISO 639: koo
Alternate Names: Bakonzo, Bayira, Konjo, Olukonjo, Olukonzo, Rukonjo, oluKonzo
Autonym: Lhukonzo
Population: 893,000 in Uganda (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. Includes 16,000 Banyabindi, 10,000 Banyabutumbi and 16,000 Basongora (2014 census).
Location:: Bundibugyo, Kabarole, Kasese, and Ntoroko districts in Ruwenzori mountains; Bundibugyo district (Olhughendera dialect).
Language Status: 4 (Educational).
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Konzo-Ndandi (D.41)
Dialects: Sanza (Ekisanza), Rukonzo (Rukonjo), Rusongora (Lusongora), Olhughendera, Runyabindi, Rugabo, Runyabutumbi (Rukingwe). Nande [nnb] (Kinande) in Democratic Republic of the Congo and Konzo [koo] (Lukonzo) in Uganda are 2 varieties of the same language. Nande [nnb] is influenced by French [fra] and Swahili [swh]; Konzo [koo] by Tooro [ttj]. Lexical similarity: 77% with Nande [nnb].
Language Use: Home, market. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Most also use English [eng]. Most also use Tooro [ttj].
Language Development: Taught in primary schools. Literature. Radio. Dictionary. Texts. Bible portions: 1914. Agency: Kikinzo Language and Culture Office.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Konzo
Writing: Latin script [Latn], used since 1914.
Other Comments: Konzo (Bakonzo) in Uganda and Nande (Banande) in Democratic Republic of the Congo both feel very much one people, ethnic autonym: Bayira. They believe they originated from the Ruwenzori Mountains; the mountains belong to them and they to the mountains. This plays a very important role in their traditions and identity. Lusongora is the most important dialect. Traditional religion, Christian.