Difference

1. Joluo change the letter N with D in kendo, Y with J in pwuonjo, end word with R e.g dwa with an R.

2) Dholuo and Acholi languages are both Nilotic languages spoken in Kenya and Uganda / parts of South Sudan respectively. They are part of the larger Luo family of languages, which includes several languages spoken across East Africa. Despite their similarities and shared heritage, there are distinct differences between Joluo and Acholi. Here are some key distinctions:

Geographical Distribution:

• Luo: Dholuo language is primarily spoken by Joluo people living around Lake Victoria in Kenya and  in Mara region in Northern part of Tanzania.
• Acholi: Acholi is spoken by the Acholi people in the Acholi sub-region, encompassing districts like Gulu, Kitgum, Pader, and Lamwo.

Linguistic Differences: While both languages are mutually intelligible to a degree, due to their shared Luo roots, there are notable differences in vocabulary, pronunciation, and sometimes grammar. These differences can be attributed to historical migrations, interactions with neighboring communities, and internal developments within each language.

Cultural and Social Context: Language in Africa often carries with it elements of cultural identity and social organization. Joluo and Acholi people, while sharing some cultural practices and historical backgrounds, have distinct cultural identities, dances, rituals, and social structures. These cultural differences are reflected in their languages, from proverbs and idioms to the ways in which social relationships and hierarchies are expressed.

Literature and Writing: The development of literature and written materials in both languages has followed different trajectories, influenced by missionary activities, educational policies, and local initiatives. This has led to variations in the availability of written materials, such as books, educational resources, and religious texts, in Dholuo and Acholi.

Influence from Other Languages: Both Joluo and Acholi have been influenced by other languages, including English, Swahili, and other local languages. However, the extent and nature of these influences might differ due to varying historical contacts, trade relationships, and education systems in their respective regions.

Despite these differences, Dholuo and Acholi speakers often find it relatively easy to understand each other due to the shared linguistic heritage and mutual intelligibility of their languages. This common ground facilitates communication and cultural exchange between the Joluo and Acholi people.

3) Dholuo and Alur languages, which belong to the Luo language group within the Nilotic language family, are spoken in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania by the Joluo and Alur peoples respectively. While Joluo people, who predominantly inhabit Kenya, have also spread to neighboring Tanzania, similarly, the Alur people, primarily found in northwestern Uganda, have extended into northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Despite their common linguistic heritage, Dholuo and Alur languages exhibit distinct differences attributable to their unique cultural, historical, and geographical backgrounds. 

Geographical Distribution:

• Dholuo: Predominantly spoken in the Nyanza region in Kenya and the Mara region in North of Tanzania,
• Alur: Mainly spoken by the Alur people in the West Nile sub-region of Uganda, particularly in districts like Nebbi, Zombo, and Arua. It is also spoken in the northeastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Linguistic Characteristics:

• While both languages share the Luo family's typical features, such as tonality and vowel harmony, there are differences in vocabulary, pronunciation, and some aspects of grammar. These differences can sometimes make mutual understanding challenging without prior exposure to the other language.

Cultural and Historical Background:

• Each language reflects the unique history and culture of its speakers. Joluo and Alur peoples have distinct traditions, social structures, and historical narratives, which are expressed through their languages, including in oral literature, music, and dance.

Influence from Other Languages:

• Both languages have absorbed influences from neighboring languages and colonial languages (English in Kenya and French in the DRC for Alur speakers). However, the nature and extent of these influences differ due to the distinct historical contacts and trading relationships of the Acholi and Alur communities.

Literature and Writing:

• The development of written literature in both languages has been influenced by missionary activities, educational policies, and local initiatives. However, the availability of written materials, educational resources, and literature in Dholuo and Alur may vary, reflecting the different educational and cultural promotion efforts within their respective communities.

Despite these differences, Dholuo and Alur share a common linguistic heritage that connects them with other Luo languages across East Africa. This shared background facilitates cultural exchanges and understanding among the Luo-speaking communities, even as each language and its speakers maintain their distinct identity.