Ateso

Ateso is a dialect or language spoken by the Iteso people, primarily in Uganda and Kenya. It belongs to the Eastern Nilotic branch of the Nilo-Saharan language family. The Iteso are traditionally pastoralists and agriculturalists. Ateso speakers are found in districts such as Soroti, Kumi, Amuria, Katakwi, and Kaberamaido in eastern Uganda, as well as in parts of western Kenya.

There are regional variations within Ateso, sometimes leading to minor differences in pronunciation and vocabulary, though these are generally mutually intelligible. Efforts have been made to standardize the language for educational and media purposes. Ateso is written using the Latin alphabet, with a standard orthography that includes specific diacritics to represent certain sounds.

The culture of the Iteso people is closely intertwined with their language. Traditional songs, proverbs, and oral histories are significant aspects of Ateso culture, passed down through generations. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness and emphasis on preserving and promoting Ateso, as with many indigenous languages, through education, media, and cultural initiatives. The language plays a vital role in the identity and social cohesion of the Iteso community.