Makonde

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A language of Tanzania

ISO 639-3
kde
Alternate Names
Chimakonde, Chinimakonde, Kimakonde, Konde, Matambe, Matambwe, Mekwengo
Population

980,000 in Tanzania (2006). Population total all countries: 1,340,000.

Location

Mtwara Region, primarily Mtwara Urban, Mtwara Rural, Tandahomba, and Newala districts. Also in Mozambique.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Yao (P.23)
Dialects

Matambwe, Maviha. Matambwe dialect may be more similar to Yao [yao] than Makonde, and may even be a separate language or dialect of Mwera [mwe].

Language Use

Vigorous. Also use some Swahili [swh].

Language Development
Grammar. Bible portions: 2008.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Makonde
Writing
Latin script.
Other Comments

Makonde are known for wood carving skills. Many wood carvers will say they are Makonde even if they are not. Muslim, Christian, traditional religion.

Also spoken in:

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