Nyamwezi

Print

Primary tabs

A language of Tanzania

ISO 639-3
nym
Alternate Names
Kinyamuesi, Kinyamwesi, Kinyamwezi, Manjamuesi, Mwezi, Namwezi, Nyamwesi, Nyawezi
Population

1,470,000 (2016). 73% are in the traditional area.

Location

Kigoma and Rukwa regions; Tabora region: between Lake Victoria and Lake Rukwa.

Language Maps
Language Status

6a (Vigorous).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, F, Sukuma-Nyamwezi (F.22)
Dialects

Nyanyembe, Takama (Garaganza), Mweri (Kiya, Konongo, Sumbwa), Galaganza, Nangwila, Ilwana (Kilwana), Uyui, Rambo, Ndaala (Ndala), Nyambiu. Lexical similarity: 84% with Sukuma [suk], 61% with Sumbwa [suw], 56% with Nilamba [nim]. Dialect Continuum with Sukuma.

Language Use

Vigorous in some areas. Swahili [swh] used increasingly in other areas. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Used as L2 by Kimbu [kiv].

Language Development

Literature. Dictionary. Grammar. Texts. NT: 1909–1951.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Nyamwezi
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Smaller groups (Konongo, Galla, Sumbwa) were part of Unyamwezi Kingdom and are still often considered part of the Nyamwezi people group by the Nyamwezi. Christian, Muslim, traditional religion.

Page Views Left: