Alternate Names: Gekoyo, Gigikuyu, Kikuyu
Dialects: Gichugu (Northern Kirinyaga), Mathira (Karatina), Ndia (Southern Kirinyaga), Northern Gikuyu (Northern Murang’a, Nyeri), Southern Gikuyu (Kiambu, Southern Murang’a). Lexical similarity: 73% with Kiembu ,, 70% with Gichuka ,, 67% with Kikamba ,, 63% with Kimîîru ,.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 6,623,000 (2009 census), increasing.
Language Use: Vigorous. Home, social gatherings, business. All ages. Positive attitudes. Also use English [eng], Swahili [swh]. Used as L2 by Gichuka [cuh], Kiembu [ebu], Kitharaka [thk].
Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: 30%–60%. Literacy rate in L2: 75%–100%. 95% of the children are in school. Taught in primary schools. Poetry. Magazines. Newspapers. New media. Radio programs. Films. TV. Videos. Grammar. Bible: 1951–1965.
Writing System: Latin
Nation of Origin: Kenya
Other Comments: Christian, traditional religion.