Sabaot | Ethnologue

A language of Kenya

ISO 639: spy
Alternate Names: Sebei, “Mount Elgon Maasai” (pej.)
Autonym: Sābāwōōt
Population: 296,000 (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity.
Location:: Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties: Mount Elgon southeastern slopes.
Language Status: 5 (Developing).
Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Southern, Kalenjin, Elgon
Dialects: Bong’omeek (Bong’om, Pong’om), Koony (Kony), Book (Bok, Pok), Soomeek, Mosoop, Sabiiny. Related to Kupsapiiny [kpz] of Uganda. A member of macrolanguage Kalenjin [kln].
Language Use: Vigorous. Home, social gatherings, religion. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Also use Bukusu [bxk]. Also use English [eng]. Also use Swahili [swh].
Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: Over 30%. Literacy rate in L2: 50%. Elaborate mother-tongue education program. Taught in primary schools. Radio. Videos. Dictionary. Grammar. Texts. Bible: 2012.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Sabaot
Writing: Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments: Example of language revitalization. Christian, traditional religion.

Location: Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties: Mount Elgon southeastern slopes.