"Pojulu" is a word from the Bantu languages spoken in South Sudan. It is pronounced /pɔdʒʊlu/ (paw-ju-lu). The spelling follows the conventions of English and represents the sounds of the word in phonetic transcription. The "p" is pronounced with a puff of air, the "o" is a short vowel sound like in "hot", the "j" is pronounced like "y", and the "u" is pronounced like "oo". The stress is on the second syllable, which is pronounced with a "d" sound followed by a "zh" sound like in "treasure".
Pojulu refers to an ethnic group predominantly inhabiting Central Equatoria in South Sudan. It is also the name of the language spoken by this community. The term "pojulu" can be used to describe both the people and their language.
As an ethnic group, the Pojulu are part of the larger Bari ethnic group. They are primarily found in and around Juba, the capital city of South Sudan, as well as in the surrounding areas. With a population estimated in the tens of thousands, the Pojulu have a distinct cultural identity and various unique traditional practices.
The Pojulu language, also known as Bari-Pojulu, belongs to the Eastern Nilotic branch of the Nilo-Saharan language family. It is characterized by its complex structure and tonal system, featuring several distinctive tonemes. Pojulu is primarily a spoken language, although there have been efforts to develop a writing system to preserve and document its vocabulary and grammar.
The Pojulu language is crucial for communication and cultural preservation within the community, allowing members to express their thoughts, traditions, and history. It serves as an essential means of passing down oral traditions, folktales, and cultural practices, enhancing intergenerational connections.
In summary, the term "pojulu" refers to both the ethnic group inhabiting Central Equatoria in South Sudan and the language they speak. The Pojulu language plays a significant role in preserving the cultural heritage and facilitating communication among community members.