Alternate Names: Nkole, Nyankole, Olunyankole, Runyankole, Ulunyankole, Ulunyankore
Dialects: Hima, Hororo. Hima dialect may be a separate language similar to Tuku , and Hema , in Democratic Republic of Congo. Lexical similarity: 78%–96% between Nyankore, Nyoro ,, and their dialects; 84%–94% with Chiga ,, 75%–86% with Tooro (Nyoro) ,, 81% with Zinza ,, 78% with Nyambo ,, 74% with Haya ,, 68% with Kerewe ,.
Status Notes: De facto language of provincial identity in Bushenyi, Mbarara, Ntungamo districts.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 2,330,000 (2002 census), increasing.
Language Use: Vigorous. All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes. Also use Chiga [cgg], English [eng]. Used as L2 by Chiga [cgg].
Language Development: Taught in primary schools. Taught in secondary schools, as a subject. Poetry. Magazines. Newspapers. Radio programs. Films. TV. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1964–1989.
Writing System: Latin
Nation of Origin: Uganda
Other Comments: Standardized form of the western languages (Nyankore-Chiga and Nyoro-Tooro) is called Runyakitara taught at the University and used in internet browsing, but is a hybrid language. Ethnic groups: Bahima, Bairu. Christian.