Kamba

KAM

developing

Alternate Names: Kekamba, Kikamba

Dialects: Masaku, Mumoni, North Kitui, South Kitui. Lexical similarity: 67% with Gikuyu ,, 66% with Embu ,, 63% with Chuka ,, 57%–59% with Kimîîru ,.

Genealogy:

Niger-Congo
Atlantic-Congo
Volta-Congo
Benue-Congo
Bantoid
Southern
Narrow Bantu
Central
E
Kikuyu-Kamba (E.55)

Demographics: 3,893,000 (2009 census), increasing. L2 users: 600,000.

Language Use: Home, community. All ages. Positive attitudes. Also use English [eng], Swahili [swh]. Used as L2 by Gichuka [cuh].

Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: More than 10% (2007 BTL). Literacy rate in L2: 25%–60% (2007 BTL). Taught in primary schools. Radio programs. Films. Videos. Bible: 1956.

Writing System: Latin

Nation of Origin: Kenya

Other Comments: Ethnic autonym: Akamba; the place: Ukambani. Christian, traditional religion.