A phylogenetic classification of Luyia language varieties

This paper presents the results of a comparative study of the Luyia cluster of Bantu
languages spoken in western Kenya and eastern Uganda. We propose a new
classification of Luyia and neighboring languages using phylogenetic methods. Our study
is based on a 200-item wordlist of basic vocabulary, representing 33 language
varieties from the Luyia cluster and its closest neighbors, including Ganda, Gwere,
and Soga to the west, and Gusii and Kuria to the south. Our results are broadly
consistent with past classifications by Mould (1976, 1981) and Williams (1973), but
refine our understanding of the relatedness of the target languages by employing
more extensive data from more languages within the Luyia cluster and others in
the region.