Runyankore/Rukiga-English Picture Dictionary

Runyankore is a Bantu language spoken by people in South West Uganda. Rukiga language is a similar and partially mutually intelligible with the Runyankore language. It is spoken by the people in Kigezi region. Some people argue that because the two languages are so similar, they consider them dialects of the same language, hence the term Runyankore-Rukiga.

Whilst a very old language, the written literature is still not common place. There are very few (illustrated) children’s books for young ones to learn the language. That is why I have created this simple picture dictionary. The book aims to help one pick up vocabulary and has some simple sentences that can be used in commonly encountered scenarios in daily living. This can help one to make comfortable introductions and simple conversations.
Children learn in a playful manner. Included are some beautiful childhood songs, rhymes and games. I hope this book will stimulate parents to introduce the language to their children early in life when learning languages is easiest.


Scan this QR code to join in for the songs and rhymes in this book.