Acoli

Acoli is a Nilotic language spoken in northeastern Uganda and northwestern Kenya by the Acholi people. It is related to other languages in the Luo family, such as Dholuo, Alur, and Adhola. The Acholi people have a rich oral tradition, and many Acoli proverbs and folktales are still known today. The Acoli alphabet was developed in the early 1900s by Catholic missionaries, and it is now used in schools and churches. Acoli is a tonal language, which means that the meaning of a word can change depending on the pitch of the speaker's voice. For example, the word for "house" can mean either "house" or "hut" depending on the tone of the speaker's voice. The Acoli people are known for their traditional music, which often features drumming and singing. Traditional instruments include the adungu (a stringed instrument) and the amadinda (a xylophone). The Acoli language is endangered, as more and more Acholi people are speaking Luo or English instead. However, there are efforts underway to revitalize the language, including Acoli-language radio programs and a dictionary project.