Page Type: languageKenye | Ethnologue

LKE ISO 639-3

Kenye

A language of Uganda

ISO 639
lke
Alternate Names
Bakenyi, Kenyi, Lukenhe, Lukenye, Lukenyi
Population
99,900 (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation.
Location:
Buyende, Kaliro, Kibuku, Mayuge, Pallisa, and Serere districts: Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga basin; some in Bugiri, Busia, Kaberamaido, Kamuli, Kayunga, and Namayingo districts.
Language Status
6a (Vigorous).
Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (E.16)
Dialects
Lukenye-Ludebede, Lukenye-Lukooli. Kenye, Lamogi [xog], Siginyi [xog], and Gwere [gwr] are mutually intelligible. Lexical similarity: 81% with Soga [xog], 71%–86% with Ganda [lug], 64% with Gwere [gwr], 58% with Saamia [lsm].
Language Use
Prefer to use surrounding languages outside the home; seldom identify themselves as BaKenye. They shy away from their true identity for fear of being marginalized and discriminated against (Abdallah 2004). Mostly home. Used by all. Mixed attitudes. Many also use English [eng]. Many also use Ganda [lug]. Many also use Gwere [gwr]. Many also use Soga [xog]. Some also use Ateso [teo]. Some also use Saamya-Gwe [lsm].
Language Development
Radio.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Kenye
Writing
Unwritten [Qaax].
Other Comments
Politically distinct from Ganda [lug]. Some Kenye people claim to be a displaced people of Ganda origin.

Also Spoken in

Map

Location: Buyende, Kaliro, Kibuku, Mayuge, Pallisa, and Serere districts: Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga basin; some in Bugiri, Busia, Kaberamaido, Kamuli, Kayunga, and Namayingo districts.