Kipfokomo | Ethnologue

A language of Kenya

ISO 639: pkb
Alternate Names: Kipokomo, Lower Pokomo, Malachini, Pfokomo, Pokomo, Upper Pokomo
Autonym: Kipfokomo
Population: 112,000 (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity.
Location:: Garissa, Lamu, and Tana River counties: upper and lower Tana river between Tulu and Masabubu.
Language Status: 5 (Developing).
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, E, Nyika-Taita (E.71)
Dialects: Malalulu, Zubaki, Ndura, Kinakomba, Gwano, Ndera, Mwina, Buu I, Buu II, Buu III, Kulesa, Ngatana, Dzunza, Kalindi. Lexical similarity: 63% with Mvita [swh], 61% with Amu [swh], 60% with Mrima [swh], 59% with Kigiryama [nyf], 58% with Chidigo [dig], 57% with Bajun [swh].
Language Use: Home, social gatherings, church. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Also use English [eng]. Also use Kigiryama [nyf]. Also use Swahili [swh], about 75% somewhat bilingually. Used as L2 by Kigiryama [nyf], Kiwilwana [mlk], Waata [ssn].
Language Development: Literacy rate in L2: 15%–25%. Advocacy to introduce L1 for lower primary school. Taught in primary schools for nursery classes. Literature. Videos. NT: 2003–2004.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Kipfokomo
Writing: Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments: Muslim, Christian, traditional religion.

Location: Garissa, Lamu, and Tana River counties: upper and lower Tana river between Tulu and Masabubu.