- Source: Lese language
Lese is a Central Sudanic language of northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as a name for the people who speak this language. The Lese people live in association with the Efé Pygmies and share their language, which is occasionally known as Lissi or Efe.
Although Efe is given a separate ISO code, Bahuchet (2006) notes that it is not even a distinct dialect, though there is dialectical variation in the language of the Lese (Dese, Karo).
Lese is spoken in Mambasa Territory, Watsa Territory, and Irumu Territory.
Phonology
= Consonants
=[q͡p] is an allophone of [q͡ɓ]. In the Demolin 1999, the meaning of /q͡ɓ/ is unclear, but /q͡ɓ/ seems to be a voiceless labial–uvular stop with significant lowering and a strong release. More research is needed to determine the true nature of this sound.
/r/ can also be heard as a tap sound [ɾ].
= Vowels
=In rare cases, /ɛ/ can be heard in phonological opposition as a rounded [œ].