# Nkore language > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Nkore_language > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Nkore_language.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nkore_language > Source revision: 1344997112 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Bantu language spoken by the Nkore and Hema peoples of Southwestern Uganda See also: [Nkore-Kiga language](/source/Nkore-Kiga_language) Nkore Orunyankore Native to Uganda Region Ankole Ethnicity Banyankore Native speakers 3.4 million (2014 census)[1] Language family Niger–Congo? Atlantic–Congo Volta-Congo Benue–Congo Bantoid Southern Bantoid Bantu Northeast Bantu Great Lakes Bantu Nyoro–Ganda (E10) West Nyanza Rutara North Rutara Nkore-Kiga Nkore Standard forms Runyakitara Dialects Hima Hororo Orutagwenda Writing system Latin Language codes ISO 639-2 nyn ISO 639-3 nyn Glottolog nyan1307 Guthrie code JE.13[2] Glottopedia Runyankore[3] Person OmunyaNkore People AbanyaNkore Language OrunyaNkore Country Obugabe Bw'Ankole **Nkore** (also called **Nkole**, **Nyankore**, **Nyankole**, **Orunyankore**, **Orunyankole**, **Runyankore** and **Runyankole**) is a [Bantu](/source/Bantu_languages) language spoken by the [Nkore](/source/Nkole_people) ("Banyankore") of south-western [Uganda](/source/Uganda) in the former province of [Ankole](/source/Ankole), as well as in [Tanzania](/source/Tanzania), the [DR Congo](/source/DR_Congo), [Rwanda](/source/Rwanda) and [Burundi](/source/Burundi).[4] Runyankole is mainly spoken in the [Mbarara](/source/Mbarara_District), [Bushenyi](/source/Bushenyi_District), [Ntungamo](/source/Ntungamo_District), [Kiruhura](/source/Kiruhura_District), [Ibanda](/source/Ibanda_District), [Isingiro](/source/Isingiro_District), [Rukungiri](/source/Rukungiri_District), [Buhweju](/source/Buhweju_District), [Mitooma](/source/Mitooma_District), [Sheema](/source/Sheema_District), [Rubirizi](/source/Rubirizi_District) and parts of Kitagwenda districts. There is a brief description and teaching guide for this language, written by [Charles V. Taylor](/source/Charles_V._Taylor_(linguist)) in the 1950s, and an adequate dictionary in print. Whilst this language is spoken by almost all the Ugandans in the region, most also speak English, especially in the towns. (English is one of Uganda's two official languages, and the language taught in schools.) Nkore is so similar to Kiga (84–94 percent lexical similarity[5]) that some argue they are [dialects](/source/Dialects) of the same language, a language called [Nkore-Kiga](/source/Nkore-Kiga) by Taylor.[4] They use the same alphabet with minor orthographic differences (see Kiga). ## Phonology Runyankore has a five-vowel system:[4] Front Central Back Close i u Mid e o Open a - Sounds /i, u/ can be heard as [ɪ, ʊ] when short or lax. Consonants Labial Alveolar Post- alveolar Palatal Velar Glottal Nasal m n ɲ ŋ Plosive/ Affricate voiceless p t t͡ʃ k voiced b d d͡ʒ g Fricative voiceless f s ʃ h voiced v z ʒ Trill r Approximant j w ## Basic greetings This section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (May 2017) (Learn how and when to remove this message) The greeting *Agandi*, implying, "How are you?" but literally meaning "other news!", can be replied with *Ni marungi*, which literally means "good news!". The proper greetings are *Oraire ota?* or *Osiibire ota?*, literally translated "How was your night?" and "How was your day?". "Good night" is *Oraare gye* and "Good day" is *Osiibe gye*. Here are a few names one might use in a greeting: - Madam – *Nyabo* - Sir – *Sebo* - Child – *omwana* - Boy – *omwojo* - Girl – *omwishiki* ## Food This section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (May 2017) (Learn how and when to remove this message) - Matooke or Bananas - *Ebitookye* - Maize Meal or corn bread – *Obuhunga*’Ensano’ - Beans – *Ebihimba* - Meat – *Enyama* - Millet Bread – *Oburo* ## Other words and phrases This section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (May 2017) (Learn how and when to remove this message) - No: Ngaaha (ing-gah-ha) or Apaana (ah-pah-nah) - Yes: Yego (yegg-oh) - Thank you: Webare (We-ba-re) - Thank you very much: Webare munonga (We-ba-re mu-non-ga) - You're welcome (literally: Thank you for appreciating): Webare kusiima (We-ba-re koo-see-mah) - I like/love you: Ninkukunda (nin-koo-coon-dah) or ninkukunda munonga (nin-koo-coon-dah moo-non-gah) - My name is ____: Eizina ryangye niinye ______ (ey-zeen-ah riya-gye ni-inye___) or ndi _____ (in-dee ______) - I am from _____: Ninduga_____ (nin-doog-ah_____) - It's how much shillings/money? Ni shiringi zingahi? (Knee shi-rin-gee zin-gah-hee) or ni sente zingahi? - Good morning. How are you? Oraire ota (orei-rota) Replies: I'm fine Ndaire gye (ndei-re-jeh) or Ndyaho (indi-aho) - Good morning. Did you sleep well? Oraire gye? (orei-reh-jeh) Reply: Yes, yourself? Yego, shan’iwe - Good afternoon. How are you spending your day? Osiibire ota (o-see-bee-rota) Replies: Nsiibire gye (insi-bi-reje) - You are spending your day well? Osiibire gye (Osi birejge) Replies: Yes- Yego (yegg-oh) or nsiibire gye - Good afternoon. How has your day been? Waasiiba ota (wasib-wota) Reply: Fine, good, I've spent it well – Naasiiba gye (nasi-baje) - Good night: oraregye [6][7] ## See also - [Runyakitara language](/source/Runyakitara_language) - [Ebyevugo](/source/Ebyevugo), Runyankore poetry form ## References 1. **[^](#cite_ref-e22_1-0)** [Nkore](https://www.ethnologue.com/22/language/nyn) at *[Ethnologue](/source/Ethnologue)* (22nd ed., 2019) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-Guthrie_2-0)** Jouni Filip Maho, 2009. [New Updated Guthrie List Online](https://web.archive.org/web/20180203191542/http://goto.glocalnet.net/mahopapers/nuglonline.pdf) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-Glottopedia_3-0)** [Glottopedia article on Nkore language](http://www.glottopedia.org/index.php/Runyankore). 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Poletto_1998_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Poletto_1998_4-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Poletto_1998_4-2) Poletto, Robert E. (1998). [*Topics in Runyankore Phonology*](http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1487953567770606) (PhD dissertation). Columbus, Ohio: Ohio State University. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-599-09503-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-599-09503-8). [ProQuest](/source/ProQuest) [304452450](https://www.proquest.com/docview/304452450). Retrieved April 6, 2023. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-Lewis_2009_5-0)** Lewis, Paul M., ed. (2009). ["Ethnologue Report for Language Code: nyn"](http://www.ethnologue.com/show_language.asp?code=nyn). *Ethnologue: Languages of the World, Sixteenth edition*. Dallas, Texas, U.S.: SIL International. Retrieved 9 December 2009. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-Kashoboorozi_Y'_Orunyankore_Rukiga_Dictionary_6-0)** ["Kashoboorozi Y' Orunyankore Rukiga Dictionary"](http://www.fishpond.com.au/Books/Reference_Language/Languages/Polyglot_Dictionaries/9789970026227/). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Standard English–Runyankore/Rukiga Dictionary – Mwene Mushanga, Ph.D. Banyankore Cultural Foundation, Mbarara, Uganda, 2004 English to Runyankole Easy Reading Handbook, Vincent Busulwa, 2000 Staff of Bishop Stuart Core Primary Teachers' College, Mbarara, Uganda ***[Nkore language test](https://incubator.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wp/nyn)*** of [Wikipedia](/source/Wikipedia) at [Wikimedia Incubator](https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Incubator) v t e Languages of Uganda Official languages English Swahili Ugandan Sign Language Indigenous languages Bantu Amba Gungu Gwere Khayo Kiga Kinyarwanda Luganda Luhya Marachi Masaba Nkore Nkore-Kiga Nyole Nyoro Nyoro-Tooro Ruuli Samia Singa Soga Talinga Tooro Nilo-Saharan Acholi Adhola Alur Aringa Bari Elgon Ik Karamojong Kuku Lango Lugbara Nyang'i Pökoot Soo Southern Luo Teso Others Runyakitara Nubi Oropom ? v t e Narrow Bantu languages (Zones E–H) (by Guthrie classification) Zone E [J]E10 [J]E11 Nyoro [J]E12 Tooro [J]E13 Nyankore [J]E14 Ciga [J]E15 Ganda [J]E16 Soga [J]E17 Gwere [J]E18 Nyala [JE101 Gungu JE102 Talinga-Bwisi JE103 Ruli JE121 Hema [J]E20 [J]E21 Nyambo [J]E22 Ziba [J]E23 Dzindza [J]E24 Kerebe [J]E25 Jita [JE221 Rashi JE251 Kwaya JE252 Kara JE253 Ruri [J]E30 [J]E31a Gisu [J]E31b Kisu [J]E31c Bukusu [J]E32a Hanga [J]E32b Tsotso [J]E33 Nyore [J]E34 Saamia [J]E35 Nyuli [JE341 Xaayo JE342 Marachi JE343 Songa [J]E40 [J]E41 Logooli [J]E42 Gusii [J]E43 Koria [J]E44 Zanaki [J]E45 Nata E46 Sonjo [JE401 Nguruimi JE402 Ikizu JE403 Suba/Suba-Simbiti JE404 Shashi JE405 Kabwa JE406 Singa JE407 Ware JE411 Idaxo JE412 Isuxa JE413 Tiriki JE431 Simbiti JE432 Hacha JE433 Surwa JE434 Sweta E50 E51 Kikuyu E52 Embu E53 Meru E54 Saraka E55 Kamba E56 Daiso [E531 Mwimbi-Muthambi E541 Cuka E60 E61[621a] Rwo E62a[621b,622a] Hai E62b[622c] Wunjo E62c[623] Rombo E63 Rusa E64 Kahe E65 Gweno E70 E71 Pokomo E72a Gyriama E72b Kauma E72c Conyi E72d Duruma E72e Rabai E73 Digo E74a Dabida E74b[741] Sagala [E701 Elwana E731 Segeju E732 Degere E74 Taita Zone F F10 F11 Tongwe F12 Bende [J]F20 [J]F21 Sukuma [J]F22 Nyamwezi [J]F23 Sumbwa [J]F24 Kimbu [J]F25 Bungu F30 F31 Nilamba F32 Remi F33 Langi F34 Mbugwe Zone G G10 G11 Gogo G12 Kaguru G20 G21 Tubeta G22 Asu G23 Shambala G24 Bondei [G221 Mbugu G30 G31 Zigula G32 Ngwele G33 Zaramo G34 Ngulu G35 Ruguru G36 Kami G37 Kutu G38 Vidunda G39 Sagala [G301 Doe G311 Mushungulu G40 G41 Tikuu G42a Amu G42b Mvita G42c Mrima G42d Unguja G43a Phemba G43b Tumbatu G43c Hadimu G44a Ngazija G44b Njuani [G402 Makwe G403 Mwani G404 Sidi G411 Socotra Swahili G412 Mwiini G50 G51 Pogolo G52 Ndamba G60 G61 Sango G62 Hehe G63 Bena G64 Pangwa G65 Kinga G66 Wanji G67 Kisi [G651 Magoma Zone H H10 H11 Beembe H12 Vili H13 Kunyi H14 Ndingi H15 Mboka H16a South Kongo H16b Central Kongo H16c Yombe H16d Fiote H16e Bwende H16f Laadi H16g East Kongo H16h Southeast Kongo [H111 Hangala H112 Kamba-Doondo H131 Suundi H20 H21a Kimbundu H21b Mbamba H22 Sama H23 Bolo H24 Songo H30 H31 Yaka H32 Suku H33 [L12b] Hungu H34 Mbangala H35 Sinji [H321 Soonde H40 H41 Mbala H42 Hunganna Italics indicate extinct languages. Languages between parentheses are varieties of the language on their left. The Guthrie classification is geographic and its groupings do not imply a relationship between the languages within them. Narrow Bantu languages by Guthrie classification zone templates Template:Narrow Bantu languages (Zones A–B) Template:Narrow Bantu languages (Zones C–D) Template:Narrow Bantu languages (Zones E–H) Template:Narrow Bantu languages (Zones J–M) Template:Narrow Bantu languages (Zones N–S) v t e Narrow Bantu languages (Zones J–M) (by Guthrie classification) Zone J* [J]D40 [J]D41 Konzo [J]D42 Ndandi [J]D43 Nyanga [J]D50 [J]D51 Hunde [J]D52 Haavu [J]D53 Nyabungu [J]D54 Bembe [J]D55 Buyi [J]D56 Kabwari [JD501 Nyindu [J]JD502 Yaka [J]JD531 Tembo [J]D60 [J]D61 Ruanda [J]D62 Rundi [J]D63 Fuliiro [J]D64 Subi [J]D65 Hangaza [J]D66 Ha [J]D67 Vinza [JD631 Vira [J]E10 [J]E11 Nyoro [J]E12 Tooro [J]E13 Nyankore [J]E14 Ciga [J]E15 Ganda [J]E16 Soga [J]E17 Gwere [J]E18 Nyala [JE101 Gungu JE102 Talinga-Bwisi JE103 Ruli JE121 Hema [J]E20 [J]E21 Nyambo [J]E22 Ziba [J]E23 Dzindza [J]E24 Kerebe [J]E25 Jita [JE221 Rashi JE251 Kwaya JE252 Kara JE253 Ruri [J]E30 [J]E31a Gisu [J]E31b Kisu [J]E31c Bukusu [J]E32a Hanga [J]E32b Tsotso [J]E33 Nyore [J]E34 Saamia [J]E35 Nyuli [JE341 Xaayo JE342 Marachi JE343 Songa [J]E40 [J]E41 Logooli [J]E42 Gusii [J]E43 Koria [J]E44 Zanaki [J]E45 Nata E46 Sonjo [JE401 Nguruimi JE402 Ikizu JE403 Suba/Suba-Simbiti JE404 Shashi JE405 Kabwa JE406 Singa JE407 Ware JE411 Idaxo JE412 Isuxa JE413 Tiriki JE431 Simbiti JE432 Hacha JE433 Surwa JE434 Sweta [J]F20 [J]F21 Sukuma [J]F22 Nyamwezi [J]F23 Sumbwa [J]F24 Kimbu [J]F25 Bungu Zone K K10 K11 Chokwe K12a Luimbi K12b Nyemba K13 Lucazi K14 Lwena K15 Mbunda K16 Nyengo K17 Mbwela K18 Nkangala K20 K21 Lozi K30 K31 Luyana K32 Mbowe K33 Kwangali K34 Mashi K35 Simaa K36 Sanjo K37 Kwangwa [K321 Mbume K322 Liyuwa K332 Manyo K333 Mbukushu K334 Mbogedu K351 Mulonga K352 Mwenyi K353 Koma K354 Imilangu K371 Kwandi K40 K41 Totela K42 Subiya [K402 Fwe K411 Totela of Namibia Zone L L10 L11 Pende L12 Samba & Holu L13 Kwese [L101 Sonde L20 L21 Kete L22 Binji Mbagani L23 Songe L24 Luna [L201 Budya L202 Yazi L221 Lwalwa L231 Binji L30 L31a Luba-Kasai L31b Lulua L32 Kanyoka L33 Luba-Katanga L34 Hemba L35 Sanga [L301 Kebwe L331 Zeela L40 L41 Kaonde L50 L51 Salampasu L52 Lunda L53 Ruund [L511 Luntu L60 L61 Mbwera L62 Nkoya [L601 Kolwe L602 Lushangi L603 Shasha Zone M M10 M11 Pimbwe M12 Rungwa M13 Fipa M14 Rungu M15 Mambwe [M131 Kuulwe M20 M21 Wanda M22 Mwanga M23 Nyiha M24 Malila M25 Safwa M26 Iwa M27 Tambo [M201 Lambya M202 Sukwa M30 M31 Nyakyusa [M301 Ndali M302 Penja M40 M41 Taabwa M42 Bemba [M401 Bwile M402 Aushi M50 M51 Biisa M52 Lala M53 Swaka M54 Lamba M55 Seba [M521 Ambo M522 Luano M541 Lima M542 Temba M60 M61 Lenje M62 Soli M63 Ila M64 Tonga [M611 Lukanga Twa M631 Sala M632 Lundwe M633 Kafue Twa Italics indicate extinct languages. Languages between parentheses are varieties of the language on their left. The Guthrie classification is geographic and its groupings do not imply a relationship between the languages within them. Narrow Bantu languages by Guthrie classification zone templates Template:Narrow Bantu languages (Zones A–B) Template:Narrow Bantu languages (Zones C–D) Template:Narrow Bantu languages (Zones E–H) Template:Narrow Bantu languages (Zones J–M) Template:Narrow Bantu languages (Zones N–S) Authority control databases National France BnF data Other IdRef a banyankore are bantu speaking group of people from South western Uganda and they speak Runyankore with (ntu) (aba) like akantu, ekintu, omuntu, abantu. Akantu means thing in prural, ekintu means something big, omuntu means a person, abantu means people same as in Zulu language of South Africa --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Nkore language](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nkore_language) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nkore_language?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.