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Language

There are about 3 million speakers of Luyia in the Lake Victoria area of Kenya. The word Luhya actually refers to the people, whereas Luyia refers to the language. Not all Luhya speak the same language; some of the various languages spoken are Bukusu, Nyore, Hanga, Saamia, and Ragooli. Whether or not there is a definitive Luhya language is debatable. The most common languages used among the different sub-tribes are Swahili and English. 




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Clothing

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Lifestyle and Cultural Practices

Luhyas practiced polygamy, and a man got more respect depending on the number of wives he had. This is because only a wealthy man could afford to pay dowry for several wives. Dowry was paid in form of cattle, sheep or goats. Today, polygamy is no longer practiced, but dowry payment is still revered in some luhya communities. Instead of giving cattle, sheep or goats as bride price, one may pay dowry inform of money. Bull fighting is a cultural practice by the luhya community in Western Kenya. Bull fighting is considered as a form of sport by the luhya and is usually performed to honor visitors considered as being important or during special occasions. The number of bulls generally varies depending on importance of the ceremony. These ceremonies attract thousands of people and are characterized by beating of the isukuti drums, intense dancing by the crowd and taunting of the bulls so as to give them morale.
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Crafts, Hobbies and Economic Activities

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