Page Type: languageKitharaka | Ethnologue

THK ISO 639-3

Kitharaka

Kîîtharaka Autonym

A language of Kenya

ISO 639
thk
Alternate Names
Atharaka, Saraka, Sharoka, Tharaka
Autonym
Kîîtharaka
Population
220,000 (2019 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity. 61,600 monolinguals.
Location:
Embu, Meru, and Tharaka-Nithi counties.
Language Status
5 (Developing).
Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, E, Kikuyu-Kamba (E.54)
Dialects
Gatue (North Tharaka), Ntugi (Central Tharaka), Igoki, Thagicu. Thagicu dialect has extensive Kamba [kam] borrowings. Gatue is influential. Difficult intelligibility of northern Kimîîru [mer] dialects. Some Meru words have offensive meanings in Kitharaka. Lexical similarity: with Chuka [cuh].
Language Use
Older people’s dialect more prestigious due to lack of borrowings. Many now use written materials. Home, social gatherings. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Also use English [eng], in schools and offices. Also use Gikuyu [kik]. Also use Kimîîru [mer]. Also use Swahili [swh], especially in churches, schools, jobs, and sometimes in the home.
Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: Below 15%. Literacy rate in L2: 45% in Kiswahili [swh] or English [eng]. L1 books in schools since 2003. Thriving mother-tongue education in schools. Taught in primary schools. Literature. Radio. Videos. Bible: 2018.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Kitharaka
Writing
Latin script [Latn], in development.
Other Comments
Attitudes changing. People now view their language as important. Christian, traditional religion.

Also Spoken in

Map

Location: Embu, Meru, and Tharaka-Nithi counties.