Kalendjin
The Kalendjin , Kalenjin or Kalendschin (so spoken) are a group of related peoples who live in and around the Rift Valley in western Kenya . They speak South Nilotic languages .
The Kalendjin are Nilots and immigrated from South Sudan to central Kenya more than 2000 years ago , where they mixed with the local Cushites . They are traditionally divided into several ethnic groups :
It was only in the 20th century that they developed a sense of community and adopted this name due to linguistic similarities and political pressure against the other major ethnic groups. The Nilotic Kalendjin ("I tell you!") Was a radio broadcast specifically aimed at these small, dispersed peoples. So whoever heard Kalendjin was a Kalendjin.
Most long distance runners from Kenya are Kalendjin. The best-known Kalendjin are ex-president Daniel arap Moi and Paul Tergat , 5-time cross-country champions (both Tugen ).
Web links
- http://www.kalenjin.net
- Language Museum: Kalenjin (text sample)
literature
- Kibny'aanko Seroney: Samburtaab Ng'aleekaab Kaleenchin. Kalenjin Dictionary , Mvule Africa Publishers, Kenya, 608 pp., ISBN 978-9-966769732 (kalenjin-English).