Alternate Names: Orutoro, Rutooro, Rutoro, Toro
Dialects: Rutuku, Tuku. Hema , (Nyoro-Toro) in Democratic Republic of the Congo is slightly different. Tuku dialect is most likely a separate language. Lexical similarity: 78%–93% with Nyoro ,.
Status Notes: De facto language of provincial identity in Kabarole and Kabale districts.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 488,000 (1991 census), increasing. 20,500 Tuku (2002 census).
Language Use: Vigorous. Home, market, work. All ages. Positive attitudes. Used as L2 by Nyoro [nyo], Talinga-Bwisi [tlj].
Language Development: Taught in primary schools. Taught in secondary schools, as a subject. Poetry. Radio programs. Films. Dictionary. Bible: 1912.
Writing System: Latin
Nation of Origin: Uganda
Other Comments: Standardized form of the western languages (Nyankore-Chiga and Nyoro-Tooro) is called Runyakitara, and is taught at the University and used in internet browsing, but is a hybrid language. Christian, Muslim, traditional religion.