Angola
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Chokwe
[cjk] Widespread. East Bié, Cunene, central Kuando Kubango, Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, Malanje, and west Moxico provinces. Users: 1,970,000 in Angola (2018). Total users in all countries: 2,491,700. Status: 3 (Wider communication). De facto language of national identity. Alternate Names: Ciokwe, Djok, Kioko, Quioco, Shioko, Tchokwé, Tschiokloe, Tshokwe, Ucokwe. Autonym: Cokwe. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, K, Ciokwe-Luchazi (K.11).
Dhimba
[dhm] Coastal Benguela and Namibe provinces: as far as Equimina; Cunene and Huíla provinces: near Namibia border. Users: 18,000 in Angola (2011). Total users in all countries: 25,000. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Chimba, Dimba, Oluthimba, Oluzimba, Otjidhimba, Ovazimba, Simba, Tjimba, Zemba. Autonym: Oludhimba. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, R, Herero (R.311).
Gciriku
[diu] Kuando Kubango province: Diriku municipality; southeast border with Namibia. Users: 24,000 in Angola. Status: 5* (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Dciriku, Dirico, Diriko, Diriku, Manyo, Mbogedo, Rugciriku, Rumanyo, Shimbogedu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, K, Luyana (K.332).
Himba
[her] Cunene province: Cahama and Curoca municipalities; Namibe province: Tombua municipality. Users: 20,000 in Angola (2018 L. Jordan). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Herero, Otjihimba. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, R, Herero (R.30).
Holu
[hol] Northwest Lunda Norte and northeast Malanje provinces: Kwango river area. Users: 23,100 in Angola (2000). Total users in all countries: 28,200. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Holo, Hongu, Kiholo, Kiholu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, L, Pende (L.12).
Hungu
[hng] Bengo province, east; Cuanza Sul province, north; Uige province, south. Users: 500,000 (2018 L. Jordan). Ethnic population: 800,000 (2018 L. Jordan). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Bahungu, Dihungu, Kihungu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, H, Yaka (H.32).
Kabuverdianu
[kea] Users: 65,000 in Angola (2015 Instituto de Apoio ao Emigrante). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Creole, Portuguese based.
Khongo
[lwa] Lunda Norte province: Cambulo municipality. Users: 20,000 in Angola (2018 L. Jordan). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Lwalu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, L, Songe (L.221).
Khwedam
[xuu] Kuando Kubango province: Huthembo, northeast of Likuwa; Lukanga, west of Rivungu. Users: 200 in Angola (Brenzinger 2013b). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: !Hukwe, Black Bushman, Cazama, Glanda-Khwe, Hukwe, Khwe, Kxoe, Kxoedam, Schekere, Vazama, Water Bushmen, Xu, Xuhwe, Xun, Zama, “Mbarakwena” (pej.), “Mbarakwengo” (pej.). Classification: Khoe-Kwadi, Khoe, Kalahari Khoe, Northwest.
Kibala
[blv] Kuanza Sul province: Libolo municipality southeast of Luanda. Users: 950,000 (2016 L. Jordan). Ethnic population: 1,030,000 (2016 L. Jordan). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ipala, Kibala-Ngoya, Kimbundu de Kwanza Sul, Ngoya, Pala, Quibala. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, H, Kimbundu (H.23).
Kikongo
[kng] Scattered. north Bengo and Malanje provinces; south Cabinda province; Kuanza Norte province: small border areas; Uíge and Zaire provinces: north, along Congo river. Cabinda (Kiyombe dialect); Angola proper (Kisikongo and San Salvador dialects). Users: 3,220,000 in Angola (2018). 2,490,000 Kikongo, 730,000 Fiote. Status: 3 (Wider communication). De facto language of national identity. Alternate Names: Congo, Kikoongo, Kongo, Koongo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, H, Kikongo (H.16).
Kilari
[ldi] Zaire province: northwest corner; possibly scattered communities. Users: Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Laadi, Laari, Ladi, Lari. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, H, Kikongo (H.16).
Kimbundu
[kmb] Widespread northwest, mainly Bengo, Kuanza Norte, and Malanje provinces; adjacent areas in Kuanza Sul, Luanda, and Uíge provinces. Users: 1,700,000 in Angola (2015 L. Jordan). Ethnic population: 6,000,000 (2015 L. Jordan). Total users in all countries: 1,700,160. Status: 3 (Wider communication). Established 15th century. Spread in northwestern Angola under Portuguese colonialism (16th century) and Methodist missionary influence (1880s). Alternate Names: Kimbundo, Loanda Mbundu, Loande, Luanda, Lunda, Mbundu, N’bundo, Nbundu, North Mbundu. Autonym: Kimbundu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, H, Kimbundu (H.21).
Kung-Ekoka
[knw] Cunene, Huíla, and Kuando Kubango provinces. Users: 5,500 in Angola (2016 L. Jordan). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: !Hu, !Khung, !Ku, !Kung, !Xu, !Xun, !Xung, Ekoko-!Xû, Qxû. Classification: Kx’a, !Kung.
Kuvale
[olu] Benguela and Namibe provinces: Atlantic coast to Huila province border east, from Dombe Grande north to Tombua south. Users: 70,000 (2015 L. Jordan). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Mucubal. Autonym: Kuvale, Olukuvale. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, R, Umbundu (R.101).
Kwadi
[kwz] Namibe province: southwest corner, Coroca river area south of Namibe town. Users: No known L1 speakers. Last known speakers survived into the late 1970s (Winter 1981). Status: 10 (Extinct). Alternate Names: Bakoroka, Cuanhoca, Cuepe, Curoca, Koroka, Makoroko, Mucoroca. Classification: Khoe-Kwadi, Kwadi.
Kwandu
[xdo] Namibe province: Kumucuio municipality, on the Serra das Neves plateau, near Mamué. Users: 6,000 (2016 L. Jordan). Ethnic population: 6,000 (2016 L. Jordan). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Kwando, Ovakwandu. Autonym: Kwandu, Olukwandu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, R, Umbundu (R.13).
Kwangali
[kwn] Kuando Kubango province: Diriku and Kalai municipalities. Users: 22,000 in Angola (2017 K. Legère). Status: 5* (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Cuangar, Kwangare, Kwangari, Rukwangari, Rukwángali, Sikwangali, Vakwángali. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, K, Luyana (K.33).
Luba-Kasai
[lua] Lunda Norte province: Cambulo, Chitato, Cuilo, and Lucapa municipalities. Users: 60,000 in Angola (2018 L. Jordan). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, L, Luba (L.31).
Luchazi
[lch] Kuando Kubango province: Kuito Kuanavale to Mavinga; southwest Moxico province: Lucazi municipality; adjacent areas. Users: 400,000 in Angola (2011 S. Floor). Total users in all countries: 431,000. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Lucazi, Lujash, Lujazi, Lutchaz, Lutshase, Luxage, Ponda, chi-Luchazi. Autonym: Chiluchazi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, K, Ciokwe-Luchazi (K.13).
Luimbi
[lum] North Bié and south Malanje provinces: Kuanza river watershed area. Users: 43,900 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Chiluimbi, Luimbe, Lwimbe, Lwimbi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, K, Ciokwe-Luchazi (K.12).
Lunda
[lun] Lunda Norte province: Caungula municipality; Lunda Sul and Moxico provinces: contiguous border area with Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia. Users: 178,000 in Angola (Johnstone and Mandryk 2001). Status: 5* (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Ruund, chiLunda. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, L, Lunda (L.52).
Luvale
[lue] Moxico and southeast provinces. Users: 304,000 in Angola (2018). Status: 5* (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Balovale, Chiluvale, Lovale, Lubale, Luena, Lwena. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, K, Ciokwe-Luchazi (K.14).
Makoma
[sie] Moxico province: Bundas municipality; vicinity around Mussuma town east of Lumbala near the border of Zambia. Users: 3,000 in Angola (2018 L. Jordan). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Simaa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, K, Luyana (K.35).
Mashi
[mho] Kuando Kubango and Moxico provinces: Kuando river west bank. Users: 2,630 in Angola (2000). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Kamaxi, Masi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, K, Luyana (K.34).
Mbangala
[mxg] West Lunda Norte province; northeast Malanje province; Malanje province: Canhica area; northwest Lunda Sul and Uíge provinces: small areas east; Kahombo, Kela e Kambundi Katembu; community in Luanda. Users: 400,000 (2012). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Bangala, Cimbangala, Umbangala. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, H, Yaka (H.34).
Mbukushu
[mhw] Kuando Kubango province: Okavango river north bank. Users: 4,810 in Angola (2014 L. Jordan). Ethnic population: 7,210 (2014 L. Jordan). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Cusso, Gova, Kuso, Mambukush, Mampukush, Mbukuhu, Mbukushi, Thimbukushu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, K, Luyana (K.333).
Mbunda
[mck] Moxico province. Users: 135,000 in Angola (Johnstone and Mandryk 2001). Total users in all countries: 218,000. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Chimbunda, Ki-mbunda, Mbúùnda. Autonym: Chimbúùnda. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, K, Ciokwe-Luchazi (K.15).
Mbwela
[mfu] Kuando Kubango province: large central, southern area; Bié, Cunene, Huíla, and Moxico provinces. Users: 222,000 (Johnstone and Mandryk 2001). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ambuela, Ambuella, Mbuela, Mbwera, Shimbwera. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, K, Ciokwe-Luchazi (K.17).
Mpinda
[pnd] Kwanza Sul province: south of Porto Amboim town. Users: 18,000 (2018 L. Jordan). Ethnic population: 30,000 (2018 L. Jordan). Status: 6b (Threatened). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, H, Kimbundu (H.21).
Ndombe
[ndq] Benguela province: Ndombe area south and southeast of Benguela. Users: 22,300 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Dombe. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, R, Umbundu (R.12).
Ngendelengo
[nql] Namibe Province: north of Kamucuio town, just south of Mamué; also south of Kamucuio municipality. Users: 900 (2016 L. Jordan). Ethnic population: 1,000 (2016 L. Jordan). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Cuendelengo, Kwendelengo, N’Guendelengo, Olungendelengo, Ovangendelengo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, R, Umbundu (R.101).
Nkangala
[nkn] Kuando Kubango and Moxico provinces. Users: 22,300 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Cangala, Ngangala. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, K, Ciokwe-Luchazi (K.18).
Nkumbi
[khu] Cunene and Huíla provinces: Cunene river west bank. Users: 637,000 (2018). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Khumbi, Muhumbi, Ngumbi, Nkhumbi, Olungkhumbi, Otjingumbi. Autonym: Ocinkumbi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, R, Umbundu (R.14).
Northwestern !Kung
[vaj] Cunene province: border area, surrounded by Oshiwambo [kua] language area, at least 8 communities; Huambo province; Kuando Kubango province: 3 enclaves, one between Mbwela [mfu] and Kwangali [kwn] language areas, another northeast on Kuando river. Users: 9,200 in Angola (2015 L. Jordan). Ethnic population: 10,000 (2015 L. Jordan). Total users in all countries: 15,070. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: !’O!Xun, !O!kung, !O!ung, !Xun, Maligo, Northwestern !Xun, Sekela, Vasekela Bushman, Vasekele. Classification: Kx’a, !Kung.
Nyaneka
[nyk] Mainly Huíla and Namibe provinces; also Benguela and Cunene provinces. Users: 1,000,000 (2018). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Lunyaneka, Nhaneca, Nhaneka. Autonym: Olunyaneka. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, R, Umbundu (R.13).
Nyemba
[nba] North Cunene, east Huíla, northwest Kuando Kubango provinces; some in Bié and Huambo provinces. Users: 941,000 in Angola (2018). Total users in all countries: 950,540. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Gangela, Ganguela, Ganguella, Ngangela, Nhemba. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, K, Ciokwe-Luchazi (K.12).
Nyengo
[nye] Kuando Kubango province. Users: 9,380 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Nhengo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, K, Ciokwe-Luchazi (K.16).
Oshiwambo
[kua] South central, Namibian border: Cunene and Kuando Kubango provinces. Users: 740,000 in Angola, all users. L1 users: 700,000 in Angola (2018). L2 users: 40,000 (2013 SIL). Total users in all countries: 1,348,000 (as L1: 1,308,000; as L2: 40,000). Status: 3 (Wider communication). De facto language of national identity. Original language of powerful Kwanyama kingdom of southern Angola and northern Namibia. Spread as language of conquest throughout colonial period up to year 1917. Currently used in eastern half of Kunene Province in church, market, business, and media domains. Alternate Names: Cuanhama, Humba, Kuanjama, Kwancama, Kwanjama, Kwanyama, Ochikwanyama, Oshikuanjama, Ovambo, Oxikuanyama, Wambo. Autonym: Oshikwanyama, Oshiwambo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, R, Wambo (R.21).
Portuguese
[por] Users: 18,100,000 in Angola, all users. L1 users: 12,100,000 in Angola (2018). Includes 60,000 foreign L1 users. In cities, Portuguese increasingly L1 of younger generation. 60% of Angolans use Portuguese, 40% as L1. High level of urbanization due to civil war led to increased use. L2 users: 6,000,000 (2018). Status: 1 (National). Statutory national language (2010, Constitution, Article 19(1)). Alternate Names: Português. Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Western, Gallo-Iberian, Ibero-Romance, West Iberian, Portuguese-Galician.
Ruund
[rnd] Northeast, north central Lunda Norte province: Luchibe river area. Users: 98,500 in Angola (2000). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Chilu Wunda, Luunda, Muatiamvua, Northern Lunda, Ruwund, Uruund. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, L, Lunda (L.53).
Songo
[nsx] North central, southeast of Luanda, Malanje, Kuanza Sul, Bié, and Lunda Norte provinces. Users: 50,000 (1978 UBS). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Nsongo, Sungu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, H, Kimbundu (H.24).
Suku
[sub] Lunda Norte province: Caungula and Cuango municipalities. Users: 30,000 in Angola (2018 L. Jordan). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, H, Yaka (H.32).
Umbundu
[umb] Scattered in the west central area, mostly Huambo, Kuanza Sul, and Benguela provinces; also Bié, Huíla, Namibe, and Bengo provinces. Users: 6,980,000 (2018). Status: 3 (Wider communication). Trade language, particularly for slave and ivory trade, between Ovimbundu people and Portuguese settlers in 1700’s. Beginning in 1874 used as church language with arrival of catholic missionaries. Spoken by one-third of the population of Angola. Alternate Names: Kimbari, M’bundo, Mbali, Mbari, Mbundu, Mbundu Benguella, Nano, Olumbali, Ovimbundu, South Mbundu, Umbundo. Autonym: Umbundu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, R, Umbundu (R.11).
Yaka
[yaf] North central corner, east of the Kwango river; Uíge province: Kimbele municipality; Malanje province northeast corner. Users: 200,000 in Angola (2000 SIL). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Iaca, Iaka, Iyaka, Kiyaka. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, H, Yaka (H.31).
Yauma
[yax] Southeast, isolated enclave in Luchazi [lch] language area, Moxico province; Kuando Kubango Province, Kuando river area. Users: 17,100 in Angola (2000). Total users in all countries: 29,100. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, K, Ciokwe-Luchazi (K.16).
Yombe
[yom] Cabinda. Users: 39,400 in Angola (2000). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Bayombe, Ibinda, Iombe, Kiombi, Kiyombe, Kiyoombi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, H, Kikongo (H.16).