Maasai

Dialects: Arusa (Arusha), Damat, Iloodokilani, Kaputiei, Keekonyokie, Kisonko, Kore, Laitokitok, Loitai, Matapo, Moitanik (Wuasinkishu), Parakuyo (Baraguyu, Kwavi), Purko, Siria. Arusha is distinct from Bantu Chaga-related variety. Reportedly Arusha, who are pastoralists, dress like Maasai and speak a Maasai-related variety; whereas, agriculturalists intermarry with the Chaga. Other sources say the Arusha originally spoke a Bantu language. Lexical similarity: 82%–86% between Kenya and Tanzania dialects. Purko has 91%–96% lexical similarity with other Kenya dialects, 82% with Baraguyu, 86% with Arusa, 77%–89% with Samburu ,, 82%–89% with Chamus ,, 60% with Ngasa , (Ongamo).

Demographics: 842,000 in Kenya (2009 census), increasing. Population total all countries: 1,297,000.

Language Use: The Kore dialect now speak Somali [som] as L1. Home, community. All ages. Positive attitudes. Also use English [eng], Swahili [swh]. Used as L2 by Omotik [omt].

Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: 10%. Literacy rate in L2: 30%. Taught in primary schools. Radio programs. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1991.

Typology: VSO.

Writing System: Latin

Nation of Origin: Kenya

Other Comments: Seminomadic. Purko is the largest dialect in Kenya and centrally located. Traditional religion, Christian.