Luyana language


Luyana, also known as Luyi, is a Bantu language spoken in Zambia and perhaps in small numbers in neighboring countries. It appears to be an divergent lineage of Bantu. It is spoken by the Luyana people, a subgroup of the Lozi people.
Ethnologue lists Kwandi, Mbowe, Mbume, and possibly Kwangwa as dialects. Maho classifies these as distinct languages; it is not clear if any of them are part of the divergent Luyana branch of Bantu, or if they are Kavango languages.
The writing system of the Luyana language was developed in 2011 and uses the Latin script.
The language is taught in primary schools and secondary schools.

Phonology

Vowels

Luyana has five simple vowels: a, e, i, o, and u. o is almost always open and is rarely closed. Wherever there may be hesitation between o and u, u should be used.
There are no diphthongs. When two vowels meet, they contract, or one is omitted.

Consonants

The Luyana consonant system has approximately 25 phonemes. The consonant inventory of the language is shown below.
BilabialDentalAlveolarPostalveolarPalatalVelar
Plosive
Nasal
Fricative
Approximant
Lateral approximant