Kwaya

KYA

vigorous

Alternate Names: Kikwaya

Dialects: Ruri (Ciruri, Eciruri, Eciruuri, Kirori, Kiruri, Kishyola, Luri, Rori). Lexical similarity: 89% with Ruri dialect; 83% with Jita ,, 80% with Kara ,.

Genealogy:

Niger-Congo
Atlantic-Congo
Volta-Congo
Benue-Congo
Bantoid
Southern
Narrow Bantu
Central
J
Haya-Jita (E.251)

Demographics: 115,000 (2005 SIL). Ethnic population: 115,000. 70,000 Kwaya and 45,000 Ruri.

Language Use: People moving to the area learn Kwaya. Most domains. All ages. Positive attitudes.

Language Development: Bible portions: 2009–2013.

Typology: SVO; 5-vowel system contrasted long and short vowels, H-L Lexical tone on verbs and nouns, H-L grammatical tone.

Writing System: Latin

Nation of Origin: Tanzania

Other Comments: Christian, traditional religion.