Languages of Zambia
See language map.[See also SIL publications on the languages of Zambia.]
Republic of Zambia. Formerly Northern Rhodesia and Mozambique. 11,478,000. National or official languages: English, regional languages: Mbukushu, Nyanja. Literacy rate: 25%–76%. Immigrant languages: Hindi, Mandarin Chinese (20,000), Ndebele (5,800), Nyemba, Portuguese (2,000), Serbian (2,000), Urdu. Also includes languages of Europe (30,000), Asia (8,000), Angola, and Mozambique. Information mainly from M. Brenzinger 1997; J. Holm 1989; S. Ohannessian and M. Kashoki 1978; A. Vitale 1980. Blind population: 38,000 (1982 WCE). Deaf institutions: 5. The number of individual languages listed for Zambia is 45. Of those, 43 are living languages and 2 are second languages without mother-tongue speakers.
| Afrikaans | [afr]
41,000 in Zambia (2006).
Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, Low Saxon-Low Franconian, Low Franconian
|
| Aushi | [auh]
95,200 in Zambia (2000). North, Luapula Province. Also in Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Alternate names: Avaushi, Ushi, Usi, Uzhil, Vouaousi.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, M, Bemba (M.40)
|
| Bemba | [bem]
3,300,000 in Zambia (Johnstone and Mandryk 2001), decreasing. 741,114 Bemba, 32,022 Luunda, 5,190 Shila, 26,429 Tabwa, 16,833 Cishinga, 28,172 Kabende, 6,706 Mukulu, 42,298 Ng’umbo, 14,040 Twa-Unga (1969 census). Population total all countries: 3,602,000. North, Copperbelt, and Luapula provinces. Also in Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi.
Alternate names: Chibemba, Chiwemba, Ichibemba, Wemba.
Dialects: Lembue, Lomotua (Lomotwa), Ngoma, Nwesi, Town Bemba, Luunda (Luapula), Chishinga, Kabende, Mukulu, Ng’umbo, Twa of Bangweulu, Unga. Town Bemba has a Bemba base with heavy code mixing with English and neighboring Bantu languages.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, M, Bemba (M.40)
|
| Bwile | [bwc]
12,400 in Zambia (1969 census). Population total all countries: 24,800. Luapula Province. Also in Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Dialects: Not closely related to other languages.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, L, Bwile (L.10)
|
| Chokwe | [cjk]
44,200 in Zambia (1986). Northwestern Province, east of Mbunda [mck].
Alternate names: Ciokwe, Cokwe, Djok, Shioko, Tschiokwe, Tshokwe.
Dialects: Minungo.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, K, Chokwe-Luchazi (K.20)
|
| English | [eng]
110,000 in Zambia (Crystal 2005).
Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, English
|
| Fanagalo | [fng]
5,100 in Zambia (2006). Towns and mining areas.
Alternate names: Basic Zulu, “Fanakalo” , “Fanekolo” , “Isikula” , Isilololo, Isipiki, Lololo, Pidgin Bantu, Piki.
Dialects: Cikabanga.
Classification: Pidgin, Zulu based
|
| Gujarati | [guj]
12,000 in Zambia (1985 IEM).
Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Central zone, Gujarati
|
| Ila | [ilb]
71,200 (2006). Central and Southern provinces, Kafue River west bend, west of Sala [shq]. With Tonga [toi] it predominates south.
Alternate names: Chiila, Shukulumbwe, Sukulumbwe.
Dialects: Lundwe, Lumbu, Ila.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, M, Lenje-Tonga (M.60), Tonga
|
| Kaonde | [kqn]
207,000 in Zambia (2006). Population total all countries: 243,000. Northwest of Mumbwa, Northwestern and Central provinces. Also in Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Alternate names: Chikahonde, Chikaonde, Kawonde, Luba Kaonde.
Dialects: Not closely related to other languages.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, L, Kaonde (L.40)
|
| Khwe | [xuu]
300 in Zambia (2006). West, east of Zambesi River, Luzu village area, 6 villages; East of Luzu; Sakulinda village; 250 km northwest, southeast Senaga District, 3 remote settlements: Kashesha ki liwanika, Namafumbwana, and Sanze.
Alternate names: !Hukwe, Black Bushman, Cazama, Glanda-Khwe, Hukwe, Kxoe, Mbara Kwengo, Mbarakwena, Schekere, Vazama, Water Bushmen, Xu, Xuhwe, Xun, Zama.
Dialects: ||Xo-Kxoe.
Classification: Khoisan, Southern Africa, Central, Tshu-Khwe, Northwest
|
| Kuhane | [sbs]
5,490 in Zambia (1969 census). Western Province, southeast corner.
Alternate names: Chikuahane, Chikwahane, Echisubia, Subia, Subiya, Supia.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, K, Subia (K.50)
|
| Kunda | [kdn]
43,800 in Zambia (2000). Southeast Central Province.
Alternate names: Chikunda.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, N, Senga-Sena (N.40), Sena
|
| Lala-Bisa | [leb]
580,000 in Zambia (2006). Lala 200,000 (1991 UBS). North, Central, and Eastern provinces; east along Luangwa River (Bisa), southwest (Lala). Also in Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Alternate names: Biza-Lala.
Dialects: Ambo, Luano, Swaka, Bisa (Ichibisa, Biisa, Wisa, Wiza), Lala (Ichilala).
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, M, Bisa-Lamba (M.50), Bisa
|
| Lamba | [lam]
219,000 in Zambia (2006). Copperbelt, Central, and southeast Northwestern provinces. Also in Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Alternate names: Chilamba, Ichilamba.
Dialects: Lamba, Lima.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, M, Bisa-Lamba (M.50), Lamba
|
| Lambya | [lai]
2,000 in Zambia. Isoka District, Northern Province.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, M, Nyika-Safwa (M.20)
|
| Lenje | [leh]
156,000 (2006). Central Province, Lukanga Swamp area.
Alternate names: Chilenje, Chinamukuni, Ciina, Lengi, Lenji, Mukuni.
Dialects: Twa (Lukanga), Lenje.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, M, Lenje-Tonga (M.60), Lenje
|
| Lozi | [loz]
610,000 in Zambia (2006). Population total all countries: 722,600. Barotseland, Western Province, and Southern Province near Livingstone. Also in Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe.
Alternate names: Kololo, Rotse, Rozi, Rutse, Silozi, Tozvi.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, S, Sotho-Tswana (S.30)
|
| Luchazi | [lch]
54,400 in Zambia (1986). West central Northwestern Province.
Alternate names: Chiluchazi, Cujazi, Lucazi, Lujash, Lujasi, Lutshase, Luxage, Ponda.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, K, Chokwe-Luchazi (K.20)
|
| Lunda | [lun]
450,000 in Zambia (Johnstone and Mandryk 2001). Population total all countries: 628,000. Northwestern Province, Copperbelt. Also in Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Alternate names: Chilunda.
Dialects: Kosa (Koosa), Ndembu, Humbu, Kawiku. Similar to Ruund [rnd] of Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, K, Salampasu-Ndembo (K.30)
|
| Luvale | [lue]
168,000 in Zambia (2006). Population total all countries: 632,000. Northwestern and Western provinces. Also in Angola.
Alternate names: Chiluvale, Lovale, Lubale, Luena, Lwena.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, K, Chokwe-Luchazi (K.20)
|
| Luyana | [lyn]
222,000 in Zambia (2006). 12,114 Kwandi, 29,333 Kwanga, 2,692 Mbowe (1969 census). Population total all countries: 442,000. Western Province, east Lozi-Luyana area. Also in Angola, Botswana, Namibia.
Alternate names: Esiluyana, Louyi, Lui, Luyi, Rouyi.
Dialects: Kwandi, Kwanga, Mbowe (Esimbowe), Mbumi. The Mbowe dialect may be a separate language.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, K, Kwangwa (K.40)
|
| Mambwe-Lungu | [mgr]
379,000 in Zambia (2006). Population total all countries: 674,000. Northeast Northern Province south of Lake Tanganyika. Also in Tanzania.
Dialects: Mambwe (Ichimambwe, Kimambwe), Lungu (Rungu, Ichirungu, Adong), Fipa-Mambwe (Kifipa cha kimambwe). Uncertain intelligibility between the Fipa-Mambwe [fip] (in Tanzania) and other dialects. Minor dialect differences between Mambwe and Lungu.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, F, Tongwe (F.10)
|
| Mashi | [mho]
20,800 in Zambia (1969 census). Population total all countries: 23,630. Southwest Western Province. Also in Angola, Namibia.
Alternate names: Masi.
Dialects: North Kwandu, South Kwandu, Mashi. A dalect subgroup.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, K, Kwangwa (K.40)
|
| Mbowe | [mxo]
2,690 (1969 census). North central Western Province.
Alternate names: Esimbowe.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, K, Kwangwa (K.40)
|
| Mbukushu | [mhw]
5,000 in Zambia (2006). Western Province, southwest, Kwando River area.
Alternate names: Gova, Kusso, Mambukush, Mampukush, Mbukuhu, Mbukushi, Thimukushu.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, K, Kwangwa (K.40)
|
| Mbunda | [mck]
156,000 in Zambia (2006). Population total all countries: 291,000. West Northwestern Province, north Barotseland. Also in Angola.
Alternate names: Chimbunda, Gimbunda, Kimbunda, Mbuunda.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, K, Chokwe-Luchazi (K.20)
|
| Nkoya | [nka]
146,000 (2006). Western and Southern provinces, Mankoya area.
Alternate names: Shinkoya.
Dialects: Nkoya, Mbowela (Mbwela, Mbwera, Shimbwera), Lushangi, Shasha, Lukolwe, Mashasha.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, L, Nkoya (L.50)
|
| Nsenga | [nse]
544,000 in Zambia (2006). Population total all countries: 752,100. Eastern and Central provinces, Petauke District. Also in Mozambique, Zimbabwe.
Alternate names: Chinsenga, Senga.
Dialects: Nsenga, Ngoni (Mpezeni).
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, N, Senga-Sena (N.40), Senga
|
| Nyamwanga | [mwn]
174,000 in Zambia (Johnstone 1993). 14,698 Iwa and 7,171 Tambo (1969 census). Population total all countries: 261,000. East Northern Province to Lake Rukwa. Also in Tanzania.
Alternate names: Ichinamwanga, Inamwanga, Mwanga, Namwanga.
Dialects: Iwa, Tambo (Tembo).
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, M, Nyika-Safwa (M.20)
|
| Nyanja | [nya]
803,000 in Zambia (Johnstone and Mandryk 2001). 196,640 Chewa, 256,588 Ngoni, 8,032 Kunda (1969 census). Eastern and Central provinces.
Alternate names: Chinyanja.
Dialects: Chewa (Cewa), Peta (Cipeta, Chipeta, Malawi, Maravi, Marave), Chingoni (Ngoni), Manganja (Waganga), Nyasa, Kunda.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, N, Nyanja (N.30)
|
| Nyiha | [nih]
356,000 in Zambia (Johnstone 1993). Northeast Northern Province near Malawi border, Isoka and Chama districts.
Alternate names: Ishinyiha, Nyika, Nyixa.
Dialects: Wandya.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, M, Nyika-Safwa (M.20)
|
| Nyika | [nkv]
5,000 in Zambia (2007). Northern Province, Isoka District, Mulekatembo village area.
Alternate names: Chinyika, Kinyika.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, M, Nyika-Safwa (M.20)
|
| Sala | [shq]
20,400 (1986). South central Central Province.
Dialects: Intelligible with Tonga [toi] and possibly Ila [ilb].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, M, Lenje-Tonga (M.60), Tonga
|
| Settla | [sta]
Alternate names: Kisetla, Kisettla.
Classification: Pidgin, Swahili based
|
| Shona | [sna]
30,200 in Zambia (2000). Several thousand Shona in Mumbwe. Mumbwa, Central Province, Gova near Zimbabwe border.
Alternate names: Chishona.
Dialects: Korekore (Korikori, Makorekore, Wakorikori, Northern Shona, Goba, Gova, Gowa).
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, S, Shona (S.10)
|
| Simaa | [sie]
162,000 (1986). 8,000 in Makoma (Voegelin and Voegelin 1977). Western Province, Western Lozi-Luyana area.
Dialects: Simaa, Mulonga, Imilangu, Mwenyi, Nyengo, Makoma, Liyuwa. Imigangu may be a dialect of Luyana [lyn].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, K, Kwangwa (K.40)
|
| Soli | [sby]
54,400 (1986). Central Province, east of Lusaka.
Alternate names: Chisoli.
Dialects: A more distinct language or dialect of the Tonga group.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, M, Lenje-Tonga (M.60), Tonga
|
| Taabwa | [tap]
132,000 in Zambia (2006). Northwest Northern Province.
Alternate names: Ichitaabwa, Rungu, Tabwa.
Dialects: Shila.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, M, Bemba (M.40)
|
| Tonga | [toi]
990,000 in Zambia (Johnstone and Mandryk 2001), increasing. 427,031 Tonga, 11,994 Toka, 7,874 Leya. Population total all countries: 1,127,000. Southern and Western provinces. With Ila [ilb] it predominates south. Also in Zimbabwe.
Alternate names: Chitonga, Plateau Tonga, Zambezi.
Dialects: Chitonga, Leya, Toka (Southern Tonga), We (Valley Tonga), Shanjo (Sanjo), Twa of Kafwe, Mala. Related to Ila [ilb].
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, M, Lenje-Tonga (M.60), Tonga
|
| Totela | [ttl]
14,000 in Zambia (Welmers 1971). Population total all countries: 14,100. Southeast Western Province, north of Subia. Also in Namibia.
Alternate names: Echitotela.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, K, Subia (K.50)
|
| Tumbuka | [tum]
480,000 in Zambia (Johnstone and Mandryk 2001). Northeast Eastern Province.
Alternate names: Chitumbuka, Tambuka, Tew, Timbuka, Tombucas, Tumboka.
Dialects: Chitumbuka, Chikamanga (Kamanga, Henga), Kandawire, Chipoka, Yombe, Senga, Fungwe, Wenya, Nenya, Ngoni (Magodi), Fililwa (Filirwa), Hewe (Hewa), Nthali.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, N, Tumbuka (N.20)
|
| Yao | [yao]
200 families or more in the 1970s (F. Banda). Eastern Province, Chipata District, Kapata Township; Katete District.
Alternate names: Achawa, Adsawa, Adsoa, Ajawa, Ayawa, Ayo, Chichawa, Chiyao, Ciyao, Djao, Haiao, Hiao, Hyao, Jao, Veiao, Wajao.
Dialects: Makale (Cimakale), Massaninga (Cimassaninga).
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Yao (P.20)
|
| Yauma | [yax]
5,100 in Zambia (2006). Southwest corner, Kwando River area.
Classification: Unclassified
|
| Zambian Sign Language | [zsl]
Classification: Deaf sign language
|
Ethnologue: Web |
Ethnologue: Print |
Bibliography |
Publications Catalog |
Software |
Email Updates
Who we are |
Shopping cart |
Site search |
Site map |
Home
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | External links
Copyright © 2012 SIL International (formerly known as the Summer Institute of Linguistics)
