Sabaot

SPY

developing

Alternate Names: “Mt. Elgon Maasai” (pej.), Sebei

Dialects: Bong’omeek (Bong’om, Pong’om), Book (Bok, Pok), Koony (Kony), Mosoop, Sabiiny, Soomeek. Related to Kupsapiiny , of Uganda. A member of macrolanguage Kalenjin ,.

Genealogy:

Nilo-Saharan
Eastern Sudanic
Nilotic
Southern
Kalenjin
Elgon

Demographics: 241,000 (2009 census), increasing.

Language Use: Vigorous. Home, social gatherings, religion. All ages. Positive attitudes. Also use English [eng], Lubukusu [bxk], Swahili [swh].

Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: Over 30%. Literacy rate in L2: 50%. Taught in primary schools. Poetry. Radio programs. Films. Videos. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 2012.

Writing System: Latin

Nation of Origin: Kenya

Other Comments: Example of language revitalization. Christian, traditional religion.