Tanzania
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Aasáx
[aas] Manyara region: Komolo, Lemelepo, Lendenai, Lolbeni, Naajuu, and Tilil settlements. Users: No known L1 speakers (Petrollino and Mous 2010). A few elderly rememberers (Petrollino and Mous 2010). The last fluent speaker most likely survived into the first decade of the 2000s. Status: 9 (Dormant). Alternate Names: Aasá, Aramanik, Asak, Asax, Assa, Asá, Laramanik, “Dorobo” (pej.), “Ndorobo” (pej.). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Cushitic, South.
Akie
[oki] Manyara, Simiyu, and Tanga regions. Users: 250 in Tanzania (2016 K. Legere). Another 250 semi-speakers. Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Akiek, Okiek, “Il-Torobo” (pej.), “Kindorobo” (pej.). Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Southern, Kalenjin, Okiek.
Alagwa
[wbj] Dodoma region: Kondoa district. Users: 53,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Alaagwa’isa, Alagwase, Alawa, Asi, Chasi, Hhagiree, Kialagwa, Kichase, Uassi, Waasi, Wasi. Autonym: Alagwaisa. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Cushitic, South.
Arabic, Omani Spoken
[acx] Unguja North, Unguja South regions, Unguja Urban-West regions. Users: No known L1 speakers in Tanzania. Ethnic population: 195,000 (Johnstone 1993). Status: 9 (Dormant). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Semitic, Central, South, Arabic.
Arabic, Standard
[arb] Scattered. Users: No known L1 speakers in Tanzania. Ethnic population: No ethnic community. Status: 9 (Second language only). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Semitic, Central, South, Arabic.
Asu
[asa] Kilimanjaro region: Pare mountains, Mwanga and Same districts; Manyara and Tanga regions. Users: 530,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). 25,000 monolinguals. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ashu, Athu, Casu, Chasu, Chiasu, Kiathu, Kipare, Pare, Pare-Asu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Shambala (G.22).
Bembe
[bmb] Kigoma region: Kigoma Vijinini district, Lake Tanganyika shore, Kigoma town north to Gombe National Park. Users: 22,000 in Tanzania (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Beembe, Ebembe, Ibembe, Kibembe. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, D, Bembe-Buyi (D.54).
Bena
[bez] Njombe region: Njombe district; southwest Iringa, southwest Morogoro and north Ruvuma regions. Users: 592,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: EkiBene, Ikibena, Kibena, ekiBena. Autonym: Ekibena. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Bena-Kinga (G.63).
Benamanga
[egm] Morogoro region: Kilombero district, Mlimba; Ulanga district. Users: 60,000 (2021 R. Bigwa). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bena Manga, Kibenamanga. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Bena-Kinga (G.63).
Bende
[bdp] Katavi region: Mpanda district, Kabungu, Karema, and Mwese divisions; Rukwa region. Users: 41,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Babende, Bhabhēnde, Kibende, Si’bende. Autonym: Sibhēnde. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, F, Tongwe-Bende (F.12).
Bondei
[bou] Tanga region: Usambara mountains, inland from Tanga. Users: 122,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Bonde, Boondei, Kibondei. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Shambala (G.24).
Bungu
[wun] Mbeya region: Chunya district: Mamba, Makongorosi, Matundasi, and Mkola wards; Songwe region: Songwe district. Users: 30,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Echiungu, Iciwungu, Kibungu, Ungu, Wungu. Autonym: Chɨwʉngʉ. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, F, Sukuma-Nyamwezi (F.25).
Burunge
[bds] Dodoma region: Kondoa district, Chambalo, Goima, and Mirambu villages; Manyara region. Users: 28,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Ethnic population: 30,000 (Dimmendaal and Voeltz 2007). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bulunge, Burunga Iso, Burungee, Burungi, Kiburunge, Mbulungi, Mbulungwe. Autonym: Burungaisoo. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Cushitic, South.
Chingoni
[xnj] Iringa and Morogoro regions; Ruvuma region: Songea area. Users: 258,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Angoni, Kingoni, Kisutu, Ngoni, Sutu, Tanzanian Ngoni. Autonym: Chingoni. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, N, Manda (N.12).
Cutchi-Swahili
[ccl] Arusha, Dodoma, Manyara, and Pwani regions, scattered. Users: 45,000 (Maho and Sands 2002). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Asian Swahili. Classification: Creole, Swahili based.
Datooga
[tcc] Dodoma, Manyara, Singida, and Tabora regions; Mara region: Bunda and Serengeti districts. Mainly north volcanic highlands near Mount Hanang (Barabaig dialect). Users: 161,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Includes 23,000 Taturu. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Datog, Datoga, Tatog, Tatoga, Taturu, “Mangati” (pej.). Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Southern, Tatoga.
Dhaiso
[dhs] Tanga region: Muheza district, Bwiti and Magati villages, east Usambara mountains. Users: 5,000 (1999). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Daiso, Daisu, Kidhaiso, Kisegeju, Segeju, Sengeju. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, E, Kikuyu-Kamba (E.56).
Digo
[dig] Tanga area. Users: 166,000 in Tanzania (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Chidigo, Kidigo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, E, Nyika-Taita (E.73).
Doe
[doe] Pwani region: Bagamoyo and Chalinze districts, Gongo, Mkoko, and Masugulu. Users: 10,000 (2017 K. Legère). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Dohe, Dowe, Kidoe. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Zigula-Zaramo (G.301).
English
[eng] Widespread. Users: 2,609,600 in Tanzania, all users. L1 users: 9,600 in Tanzania (2021 Joshua Project). L2 users: 2,600,000 (2019). Status: 3 (Wider communication). De facto national working language. Alternate Names: Kiingereza. Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, English.
Fipa
[fip] Rukwa region: Nkansi and Sumbawanga urban districts, between Tanganyika and Rukwa lakes. Users: 713,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Cifipa, Fiba, Icifipa, Kifipa. Autonym: Ichifipa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, M, Fipa-Mambwe (M.13).
Gogo
[gog] Dodoma, Iringa, and Manyara regions; Singida region: Manyoni district. Users: 1,080,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009), increasing. Includes 60,000 Nyambwa. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Chigogo, Cigogo, Kigogo. Autonym: Wagogo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Gogo-Kagulu (G.11).
Gorowa
[gow] Dodoma region: Kondoa district, near Babati, Mount Ufiome area; Manyara region: Mbulu district. Users: 113,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Fiome, Goroa, Gorwaa, Ufiomi. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Cushitic, South.
Gujarati
[guj] Dar es Salaam, Pemba North, Pemba South, and Unguja Urban-West regions; Dar es Salaam and other cities. Users: 250,000 in Tanzania (Johnstone 1993). Status: 5 (Dispersed). Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Intermediate Divisions, Western, Gujarati.
Gusii
[guz] Mara region: Serengeti district, Kyambahi ward. Users: 1,470 in Tanzania (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Ekegusii, Guzii, Kisii, Kosova. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Logooli-Kuria (E.42).
Gweno
[gwe] Kilimanjaro region: north Pare hills. Users: Ethnic population: 2,500. Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Ghonu, Kighonu, Kigweno. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, E, Chaga (E.65).
Ha
[haq] Kigoma region: near Burundi border; Kagera and Shinyanga regions. Users: 1,230,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Many monolinguals. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Giha, Igiha, Ikiha, Kiha, Ruha, Ruhaa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Ruanda-Rundi (D.66).
Hadza
[hts] Manyara region: Iramba and Mbulu districts; Simiyu region: Maswa district; Singida region: southeast of Lake Eyasi, south and northwest. Users: 1,000 (2017 K. Miller), decreasing. Ethnic population: 1,200 (2017 K. Miller). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Hadzabi, Hadzane, Hadzape, Hadzapi, Hatsa, Kangeju, Kindega, Kindiga, Kitindiga, Tindiga, Watindiga. Classification: Language isolate.
Hangaza
[han] Kagera region: Ngara district north of Shubi [suj], southwest of Kimisi Game Reserve and Burigi Game Reserve. Users: 155,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kihangaza. Autonym: Igihangaza. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Ruanda-Rundi (D.65).
Haya
[hay] Kagera region: Bukoba urban and Bukoba rural districts. Users: 1,940,000 (2016). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: EkiHaya, Ekihaya, Ekihâya, Kihaya, OluHaya, Oluhaya, Oluhâya, Ruhaya, olu-Haya. Autonym: Luhaya, Oruhaya. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Haya-Jita (E.22).
Hehe
[heh] Iringa region: south of Gogo area; Dodoma, Mbeya, and Morogoro regions. Users: 1,210,000 (2016), decreasing. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Ehe, Ekiehe, KiHehe, Wahehe. Autonym: Kihehe. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Bena-Kinga (G.62).
Ikizu
[ikz] Mara region: Bunda district, Chamriho division; Musoma district, south of Zanaki; southeast of Lake Victoria. Users: 52,900 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Includes 4,000 Shashi. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ikiikiizu, Ikikizo, Ikikizu, Kiikizu, Kizu. Autonym: Ikiikiizʉ. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Logooli-Kuria (E.402).
Ikoma-Nata-Isenye
[ntk] Mara region: Serengeti district, Gurumeti division. Users: 34,700 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). 19,400 Ikoma, 7,100 Nata, 8,200 Isenye (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6b (Threatened). Autonym: Eghiikoma. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Logooli-Kuria (E.45).
Iraqw
[irk] Manyara region: Mbulu district, highlands southwest of Arusha in the north; Singida region near Manyara border; small areas in Arusha and Dodoma regions. Users: 603,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Erokh, Iraku, Iraqu, Kiiraqw, Mbulu, Mbulunge. Autonym: Kángw Iraqw. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Cushitic, South.
Isanzu
[isn] Singida region: Iramba district. Users: 26,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Ihaanzu, Issansu, Kiisanzu, Kinyihanzu, Kinyisanzu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, F, Nilamba-Rangi (F.31).
Jita
[jit] Mara region: Bunda and Musoma rural districts; possibly Mwanza region. Users: 365,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009), increasing. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ecijiita, Ecijita, Kijita. Autonym: Echijita. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Haya-Jita (E.25).
Kabwa
[cwa] Mara region: Musoma rural district, Makongoro division, Bukabwa ward. Users: 14,000 (2011 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ekikabwa, Kikabwa. Autonym: Ekikabhwa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Logooli-Kuria (E.405).
Kacchi
[kfr] Widespread. Users: Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Cutchi, Kachchi, Kachi, Katchi. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Outer Languages, Northwestern, Sindhi.
Kagulu
[kki] Dodoma region: Kilosa district; Manyara, Morogoro, and Tanga regions. Users: 337,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Cikagulu, Kaguru, Kigaguru, Kikagulu, Kiningo, Megi, Northern Sagara, Solwa. Autonym: Chikagulu, Chimegi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Gogo-Kagulu (G.12).
Kahe
[hka] Kilimanjaro region: southeast of Moshi. Users: 9,130 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Kikahe. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, E, Chaga (E.64).
Kamba
[kam] Kilimanjaro region: Moshi Rural and Rombo districts; Manyara region: Kiteto district; Morogoro region: Kilosa district; Tanga region: Korogwe, Lushoto, Mkinga, and Muheza districts. Users: Ethnic population: 11,800 (2017 K. Legere). Status: 5* (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Akamba, Kĩĩkamba, Kiikamba, Kikamba. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, E, Kikuyu-Kamba (E.55).
Kami
[kcu] Morogoro region: Kilosa and Morogoro rural districts, north and northeast of Morogoro; Pwani region. Users: 5,520 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009), decreasing. Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Kikami, Wakami. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Zigula-Zaramo (G.36).
Kara
[reg] Lake Victoria southeast shore, Ukara and Ukerewe islands; A few in Mwanza region. Users: 115,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009), decreasing. Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Kikara, Kilegi, Kiregi, Regi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Haya-Jita (E.252).
Kerewe
[ked] Mara and Mwanza regions; Lake Victoria area, Maisome island and southeast Ukerewe island. Users: 241,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Ecikerebe, Ekikerebe, Ikikerebe, Kerebe, Kikerebe, Kikerewe, Kikwere, Urukerebe. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Haya-Jita (E.24).
Kimbu
[kiv] Mbeya region: Chunya district, Kipembawe ward; Singida region: Manyoni district; Tabora region: Sikonge district. Users: 62,700 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009), decreasing. Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Ikibungu, Kikimbu, Yanzi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, F, Sukuma-Nyamwezi (F.24).
Kinga
[zga] Mbeya region; Njombe region: Makete district, Kipengere mountain range. Users: 217,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bakinga, Ekikinga, Kikinga. Autonym: Kɨkɨnga. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Bena-Kinga (G.65).
Kisankasa
[kqh] Arusha region. Users: 4,670 (1987). Status: 7 (Shifting). Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Southern, Kalenjin, Nandi-Markweta, Nandi.
Kisi
[kiz] Njombe region: Ludewa district, Mwambao division, Lupingu and Makonde wards, Lifuma, Lupingu, Makonde, and Nindi are main villages; Lake Nyasa northwest shore. Users: 11,000 (2012 SIL). Ethnic population: 15,000 (2012 SIL). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Kese, Kikisi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Bena-Kinga (G.67).
Konongo
[kcz] Katavi region: Mpanda district, southwest of Ugalla river; possibly Tabora region. Users: 51,000 (1987). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Kikonongo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, F, Sukuma-Nyamwezi (F.22).
Kuria
[kuj] Mara region: Musoma rural and Tarime districts, near Kenya border; some in north Serengeti. Users: 424,000 in Tanzania (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Total users in all countries: 738,000. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Egikuria, Ekikuria, Ikikuria, Kikuria, Kikuria cha Mashariki, Kikuria cha juu, Koria, Kulia, Kurya, Kurye. Autonym: Igikuria. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Logooli-Kuria (E.43).
Kutu
[kdc] Morogoro region: Kilosa and Morogoro rural districts; Pwani region: west of Dar es Salaam. Users: 27,500 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Khutu, Kikutu, Kixutu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Zigula-Zaramo (G.37).
Kw’adza
[wka] Manyara region: Mbulu district. Users: No known L1 speakers. The last speakers probably died in the 1980s (Sommer 1992). Status: 10 (Extinct). Alternate Names: Kwadza, Ng’omvia, Ngomvya, Qwadza. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Cushitic, South.
Kwaya
[kya] Mara region: Musoma rural district, Nyanja division, and Musoma urban district. Users: 100,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Includes 26,000 Ruri. Ethnic population: 115,000. 70,000 Kwaya and 45,000 Ruri. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kikwaya. Autonym: Ekikwaya. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Haya-Jita (E.251).
Kwere
[cwe] Morogoro region; Pwani region: Bagamoyo district. Users: 152,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Kakwere, Kikwere, Kinghwele, Kwele, Ng’were, Ngh’wele, Ngwele, Nhwele, Nwele, Tsinghwele. Autonym: Nghwele. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Zigula-Zaramo (G.32).
Lambya
[lai] Songwe region: Ileje district, south Ulambya division, on Malawi border. Users: 30,400 in Tanzania (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: ChiLambya, Ichilambya, Icilambya, Icirambia, Iramba, Lambia, Lambwa, Rambia, iLyamba. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, M, Nyiha-Safwa (M.201).
Langi
[lag] Dodoma region: Kondoa district; Manyara region: some south. Urban groups in Arusha, Babati, Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Morogoro, Mwanza, Singida, and Tanga regions. Users: 371,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009), increasing. 38,000 monolinguals. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Irangi, Kelangi, Kilaangi, Kilangi, Kirangi, Rangi, Valaangi. Autonym: Kɨlaangi, Langi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, F, Nilamba-Rangi (F.33).
Logooli
[rag] Mara region: Serengeti district, Kyambahi ward. Users: 300 in Tanzania (2005 SIL). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Maragoli. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Logooli-Kuria (E.41).
Luguru
[ruf] Morogoro region: Kilosa and Morogoro districts; Pwani region: Bagamoyo district, Luguru mountains, and Dar es Salaam; central Zanzibar. Users: 404,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Cilugulu, Guru, Ikiruguru, Kiluguru, Kiruguru, Lughuru, Lugulu, Ruguru. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Zigula-Zaramo (G.35).
Luo
[luo] Mara region: Tarime district, Girango, Luo Imbo, Nyancha, and Suba divisions. Users: 185,000 in Tanzania (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Dholuo, Doluo, Kidjaluo, “Kavirondo” (pej.). Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Western, Luo, Southern, Luo-Acholi, Luo.
Maasai
[mas] Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Manyara, and Tanga regions: Kenya border, east of Serengeti National Park; Dodoma and Mara regions: Baraguyu from Indian Ocean nearly to Malawi. Users: 682,000 in Tanzania (2016). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kimaasai, Lumbwa, Maa, Masai, Massai, ɔl Maa. Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Eastern, Lotuxo-Teso, Lotuxo-Maa, Ongamo-Maa.
Machame
[jmc] Arusha, Kilimanjaro, and Manyara regions: Chaga area. Users: 195,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009), increasing. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Ki-Mashami, Kimachame, Macame, Machambe, Madjame, Mashami. Autonym: Kimashami. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, E, Chaga (E.621).
Machinga
[mvw] Lindi region: Kilwa and Lindi districts, along the coast. Users: 36,000 (1987). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Yao (P.23).
Magoma
[gmx] Mbeya region; Njombe region: Makete district, near Kitulo plateau. Users: 9,000 (2003 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kimagoma. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Bena-Kinga (G.651).
Makhuwa-Meetto
[mgh] Mtwara region: Masasi district; some in Ruvuma region. Users: 577,000 in Tanzania (2016). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Chimakua, Emakhua, Emakhuwa, Imakua, Kimakua, Macua, Makhua, Makoa, Makua, Makuwa, Maquoua, Mato. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Makhuwa (P.31).
Makonde
[kde] Mtwara region: Mtwara rural, Mtwara urban, Newala, and Tandahomba districts; north into Lindi region. Users: 1,470,000 in Tanzania (2016). Total users in all countries: 1,995,000. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Chinimakonde, Kimakonde, Konde, Mekwengo, Shimakonde, Simakonde, Símákòòndè. Autonym: Chimakonde. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Yao (P.23).
Malila
[mgq] Mbeya region: Mbeya Rural district, 40 km southwest of Mbeya town. Users: 78,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Bamalila, Ishimalilia, Kimalila, Malilia, Shimalilia. Autonym: Shɨmalɨla. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, M, Nyiha-Safwa (M.24).
Mambwe-Lungu
[mgr] Rukwa region: Sumbawanga rural, Sumbawanga urban, and far south Nkansi districts, Matanga village south to Zambia border, Lake Tanganyika west to Tunko village east. Users: 6,680 in Tanzania (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). 5,050 Mambwe and 1,630 Lungu (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Mambwe-Rungu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, M, Fipa-Mambwe (M.14).
Manda
[mgs] Njombe region: Ludewa district; Ruvuma region: Mbinga district; east shore of Lake Nyasa. Users: 43,100 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kimanda, Kinyasa, Manda-Matumba, Nyasa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, N, Manda (N.11).
Maraba
[ymk] Lindi and Mtwara regions. Users: 97,700 in Tanzania (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Chimaraba, Kimakwe, Makwe, Palma. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Swahili (G.402).
Matengo
[mgv] Ruvuma region: southwest and east of Lake Malawi. Users: 271,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Chimatengo, Kimatengo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, N, Manda (N.13).
Matumbi
[mgw] Lindi and Pwani regions. Users: 227,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kimatumbi, Kimatuumbi, Matuumbi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Matuumbi (P.13).
Mbugu
[mhd] Tanga region: Lushoto district, Usambara mountains. Users: 7,000 (1997). Ethnic population: 32,000. Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Kibwayo, Kibwyo, Kimaa, Kimbugu, Ma’a, Mbougou, Wa Maathi, Wa-Ma’a, Wama’a. Classification: Mixed language, Bantu-Cushitic.
Mbugwe
[mgz] Manyara region: Babati district. Users: 37,200 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Buwe, Kemboowɛ, Kimbugwe, Kiumbugwe, Mbuwe. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, F, Nilamba-Rangi (F.34).
Mbunga
[mgy] Iringa and Morogoro regions. Users: 11,600 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Bunga, Kimbunga. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Matuumbi (P.15).
Mochi
[old] Kilimanjaro and Manyara regions: Chaga area. Users: 362,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Includes 40,000 Uru dialect. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Chaga, Chagga, Kimochi, Kimoshi, Moshi, Mosi, Old Moshi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, E, Chaga (E.622).
Mpoto
[mpa] Ruvuma region: Mbinga district, southwest, Lake Nyasa northeast shore. Users: 72,800 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: ChiNyasa, Cimpoto, Kimpoto, Kinyasa, Nyasa. Autonym: Chimpoto. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, N, Manda (N.14).
Mwera
[mwe] Lindi region: Nachingwea, Ruangwa, and Lindi urban and rural districts, north of Makonde; Mtwara region. Users: 385,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Chimwera, Cimwela, Cimwera, Kimwera, Mwela. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Yao (P.22).
Mwera
[mjh] Ruvuma region: Mbinga district, Mbamba bay, Lake Nyasa shore. Users: 6,000 (2004). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Kimwera, Kinyasa, Nyanza, Nyasa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, N, Tumbuka (N.201).
Ndali
[ndh] Songwe region: Ileje district, between Lambya and Nyakyusa. Users: 193,000 in Tanzania (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009), increasing. Total users in all countries: 263,000. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Cindali, Ici-Ndali, Icindali, Kindali, Ndari. Autonym: Chindali. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, M, Nyakyusa-Ngonde (M.301).
Ndamba
[ndj] Iringa and Morogoro regions: northeast of Bena. Users: 196,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Kindamba. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Pogolo-Ndamba (G.52).
Ndendeule
[dne] Ruvuma region: inland south of 10th parallel, and beyond Selous Game Reserve. Users: 136,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kindendeule, Kindendeuli, Ndendeuli. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, N, Manda (N.101).
Ndengereko
[ndg] Morogoro region; Pwani region: east Songea district, central coast. Users: 72,000 (Ström 2013). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Kindengereko, Kingengereko, Ndengeleko. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Matuumbi (P.11).
Ndonde Hamba
[njd] Lindi region: Nachingwea district, Kilimarondo division. Users: 2,460 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Chindonde, Chindonde Hamba, Ishiwanda, Kidonde, Kimawanda, Kindonde Hamba, Mawanda, Ndomde, Ndonde, Wanda. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Yao (P.24).
Ndwewe
[nww] Morogoro region: Malinyi and Ulanga districts. Users: 4,360 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Ethnic population: 30,000 (2021 R.S. Bigwa). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Kindwewe. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, N, Manda (N.101).
Ngasa
[nsg] Kilimanjaro region: Rombo district, Useri division, Ubetu-Kahe sub-division, Ubetu. Users: No known L1 speakers. 15 semi-speakers in 2003 (Legère 2012). Status: 10 (Extinct). Alternate Names: Kingasa, Kingassa, Ongamo, Shaka. Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Eastern, Lotuxo-Teso, Lotuxo-Maa, Ongamo-Maa.
Ngindo
[nnq] Lindi and Morogoro regions. Users: 171,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Cingindo, Gindo, Kingindo, Magingo, Njindo, Njinjo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Matuumbi (P.14).
Ngoreme
[ngq] Mara region: Serengeti district, Ikorongo and Ngoreme divisions. Users: 52,400 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Dengurume, Ekengoreme, Ikingurimi, Kingereme, Kingoreme, Ngruimi, Ngurimi, Nguruimi. Autonym: Kengoreme. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Logooli-Kuria (E.401).
Ngulu
[ngp] Dodoma region; Manyara region: 2 areas; Morogoro region: Morogoro rural district; Pwani region: northwest; Tanga region: Handeni district. Users: 215,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Geja, Kingulu, Kinguu, Nguru, Nguu, Wayomba. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Zigula-Zaramo (G.34).
Nilamba
[nim] Shinyanga, Singida, and Tabora regions. Users: 682,000 (2016). 50,000 Iambi. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ikinilamba, Ikiniramba, Ilamba, Ilinilamba, Iramba, Kinilamba, Kiniramba, Nilyamba, Niramba, Nyilamba, Nyiramba. Autonym: Kĩnilyamba. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, F, Nilamba-Rangi (F.31).
Nindi
[nxi] Ruvuma region: East Songea district, near Mozambique border. Users: 5,690 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Kinindi, Manundi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, N, Manda (N.102).
Nyakyusa-Ngonde
[nyy] Mbeya region: Kyela and Rungwe districts, Lake Malawi north end; Njombe region: Makete district. Users: 1,210,000 in Tanzania (2016), increasing. Total users in all countries: 1,359,000. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Ikingonde, Ikinyakyusa, Ikinyikiusa, Ikinyikyusa, Kinyakyusa, Kinyakyusa-Ngonde, Konde, Mombe, Ngonde, Nkonde, Nyakusa, Nyakyusa, Nyekyosa, Nyikyusa, kiNyakyʉsa. Autonym: Kɨnyakyʉsa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, M, Nyakyusa-Ngonde (M.31).
Nyambo
[now] Kagera region: Karagwe district, northwest corner, Uganda border, west of Lake Victoria. Users: 381,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ekinyambo, Karagwe, Kinyambo, Ragwe, Rukaragwe, Runyambo, Ururagwe. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Haya-Jita (E.21).
Nyamwanga
[mwn] Songwe region: Momba district southwest corner, Zambia border; Rukwa region: Sumbawanga district southeast corner; southwest of Lake Rukwa; Saisi valley northwest to forested plateau southeast. Users: 141,000 in Tanzania (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Chinamwanga, Chinyamwanga, Cinamwanga, Ichinamwanga, Inamwanga, Kinamwanga, Kinyamwanga, Mwanga, Namwanga. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, M, Nyiha-Safwa (M.22).
Nyamwezi
[nym] Kigoma and Rukwa regions; Tabora region: between Lake Victoria and Lake Rukwa. Users: 1,470,000 (2016). 73% are in the traditional area. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: KiNyamweezi, Kinyamuesi, Kinyamwesi, Manjamuesi, Mwezi, Namwezi, Nyamwesi, Nyawezi. Autonym: Kinyamwezi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, F, Sukuma-Nyamwezi (F.22).
Nyaturu
[rim] Dodoma, Manyara, and Tabora regions; Singida region: Iramba and Singida rural districts, north central, south of Singida, west of Wembere river. Users: 892,000 (2016). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Keremi, Kilimi, Kiremi, Kirimi, Limi, Remi, Rimi, Turu. Autonym: Kinyaturu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, F, Nilamba-Rangi (F.32).
Nyiha, Tanzania
[nih] Songwe region: Mbozi district, Lake Rukwa south and west. Users: 276,000 in Tanzania (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009), increasing. Total users in all countries: 632,000. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Isinyixa, Kinyiha, Nyiha, Nyika, Nyixa. Autonym: Ishinyiha, Shinyiha. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, M, Nyiha-Safwa (M.23).
Nyika, Tanzania
[nkt] Rukwa region: Sumbawanga rural district, mainly Sandulula ward; Mollo ward. Users: 25,000 (2007). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kinyiha, Kinyika. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, M, Nyiha-Safwa (M.23).
Pangwa
[pbr] Njombe region: Ludewa district; Livingstone mountains, Lake Nyasa east shore. Users: 95,100 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ekipangwa, Kipangwa. Autonym: Khipangwa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Bena-Kinga (G.64).
Pimbwe
[piw] Katavi region: Mpanda district; Rift valley to northwest of Lake Rukwa. Users: 64,600 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Cipimbwe, Ichipimbwe, Icipimbwe, Kipimbwe. Autonym: Chɨpɨmbwe, ƗChɨpɨmbwe. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, M, Fipa-Mambwe (M.11).
Pogolo
[poy] Iringa and Morogoro regions. Users: 201,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Chipogolo, Chipogoro, Cipogolo, Pogolu, Pogora, Pogoro, Shipogolu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Pogolo-Ndamba (G.51).
Rombo
[rof] Kilimanjaro region: Chaga area. Users: 202,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kirombo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, E, Chaga (E.623).
Rufiji
[rui] Lindi region; central coast; Pwani region: Rufiji district. Users: 6,450 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Fiji, Kiruihi, Ruihi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Matuumbi (P.12).
Rundi
[run] Kagera region: Ngara district, Burundi border. Users: 246,000 in Tanzania (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Ruanda-Rundi (D.62).
Rungwa
[rnw] Katavi region: Mpanda district, north Lake Rukwa plains. Users: 18,000 (1987). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Ichirungwa, Icilungwa, Kirungwa, Lungwa, Nyalungwa, Runga. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, M, Fipa-Mambwe (M.12).
Ruwila
[rwl] Katavi region: Mlele district, Nsimbo and Urwila wards. Users: 5,600 (2012 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kiruwila, Luwila, Luwira, Lwila, Lwira, Rwila, Waruwila. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, F.
Rwa
[rwk] Arusha region: Mount Meru area. Users: 90,000 (1987). 50,000 Kihai. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kimeru, Kirwa, Kirwo, Mero, Meru, Rwo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, E, Chaga (E.621).
Safwa
[sbk] Mbeya region: Chunya, Mbeya rural, and Mbeya urban, and Mbozi districts, Mbeya and Poroto mountain ranges; Iringa region border area, north of Lake Malawi. Users: 322,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009), increasing. Includes 22,000 Songwe. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Cisafwa, Ishisafwa, Kisafwa. Autonym: Shisafwa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, M, Nyiha-Safwa (M.25).
Sagala
[sbm] Dodoma region: Mpwapwa district; Iringa region; Morogoro region: Kilosa and Ulanga districts. Users: 111,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Includes 4,000 Kwiva. Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Kisagala, Kisagara, Sagalla, Sagara, Saghala, Southern Kisagala. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Zigula-Zaramo (G.39).
Sandawe
[sad] Dodoma region: Kondoa district, between Bubu and Mponde rivers; Singida region. Users: 60,000 (Brenzinger 2013b). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Kisandawe, Kissandaui, Sandaui, Sandaweeki, Sandawi, Sandawso, Sandwe. Autonym: Sandawegki. Classification: Language isolate.
Sangu
[sbp] Iringa region: west central; Mbeya region: Mbarale district, Usangu plains. Users: 119,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009), decreasing. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Ishisango, Ishisangu, Kisangu, Lori, Rori, Sangi, Sango, Shisango. Autonym: Shisangu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Bena-Kinga (G.61).
Segeju
[seg] Tanga region: Muheza district, narrow strip of northeast coast between Tanga and Kenya border. Users: 23,200 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009), decreasing. Ethnic population: 15,000. Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Kisegeju, Sageju, Sengeju. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, E, Nyika-Taita (E.731).
Shambala
[ksb] Tanga region: Lushoto district, Usambara mountains; Kilimanjaro and Manyara regions. Users: 565,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kisambaa, Kishambala, Sambaa, Sambala, Sambara, Schambala, Shambaa. Autonym: Kishambaa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Shambala (G.23).
Shubi
[suj] Kagera region: Ngara district, south of Hangaza [han] language area. Users: 92,400 (2016 SIL). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Kishubi, Shuwi, Sinja, Sinya, Urushubi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Ruanda-Rundi (D.64).
Suba-Simbiti
[ssc] Mara region: Tarime district, Kisumwa, Komuge, Kyang’ombe, Nyahongo, Nyamagaro, Nyamtinga, and Nyamunga wards; Musoma rural district, Nyankanga ward; Musoma urban district, Bweri ward. Users: 113,000 (2011). Spoken by 6 ethnic groups in Tarime District: Hacha (4,200), Kine (14,500), Surwa (4,200), Sweta (12,800) and Simbiti (33,000), and Kiroba (30,000). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kisimbiti, Kisuba, Simbiti. Autonym: Ikisimbëtë. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Logooli-Kuria (E.431).
Subi
[xsj] Kagera region: Biharamulo district. Users: 105,000 (2016 SIL). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Kisubi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Haya-Jita (E.20).
Sukuma
[suk] Geita, Kagera, Mwanza, Shinyanga, Simiyu, Singida, and Tabora regions; some in Kigoma and Mara regions; between Lake Victoria and Lake Rukwa, to Serengeti plain, Gwe and Kiya; few in cities, 88% in the traditional area. Users: 8,130,000 (2016), increasing. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Kesukuma. Autonym: Kisukuma. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, F, Sukuma-Nyamwezi (F.21).
Sumbwa
[suw] Geita region: Bukombe district; Kagera and Mwanza regions; small area in Tabora region. Users: 361,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kisumbwa, Shisumbwa, Shumbwa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, F, Sukuma-Nyamwezi (F.23).
Swahili
Swahili
[swh] Widespread. Unguja North and Unguja South regions: coastal areas. Users: 47,000,000 in Tanzania, all users. L1 users: 15,000,000 in Tanzania (2012), increasing. L2 users: 32,000,000 (2015 D. Nurse). Total users in all countries: 71,416,500 (as L1: 16,056,500; as L2: 55,360,000). Status: 1 (National). De facto national language. Alternate Names: Kisuaheli. Autonym: Kiswahili. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Swahili (G.42).
Tanzanian Sign Language
[tza] Scattered, mainly in urban areas. Users: 290,000 (2021 DBS/DOOR/SIL). Estimated 175,000–350,000 deaf signers, assuming 0.3%–0.6% of the total population. Another estimate: 278,000 deaf signers (2008 WFD). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: LAT, Lugha ya Alama ya Tanzania. Classification: Sign language, Deaf community sign language.
Temi
[soz] Arusha region: Ngorongoro district, north central near Kenya border, Maasai area. 7 villages: Digodigo, Kisangiro, Mdito, Mugholo, Oldonyo Sambu, Sale, and Samunga. Users: 24,600 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Ethnic population: 30,000. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Batem, Kisonjo, Kitemi, Sonjo, Sonyo, Wasonjo, Watemi. Autonym: GiTemi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, E, Temi (E.46).
Tongwe
[tny] Kigoma region: Kigoma district; Kigoma and Rukwa regions east, small groups (20%–30% of the population) in Nguruka and Uvinza villages; Lake Tanganyika west shore. Users: 37,700 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Kitongwe, Sitongwe. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, F, Tongwe-Bende (F.11).
Vidunda
[vid] Morogoro region: south of Mikumi town, Vidunda mountains west, north of Great Ruaha and Udzungwa mountains. Users: 12,000 (2016 P. Mkwan’hembo). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Kividunda, Ndunda. Autonym: Chividunda. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Zigula-Zaramo (G.38).
Vinza
[vin] Kigoma region: Kigoma rural district, Uvinza town area west; Rukwa and Tabora regions. Users: 10,000 (1987). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kivinza. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Ruanda-Rundi (D.67).
Vunjo
[vun] Kilimanjaro region: Chaga area. Users: 14,200 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009), increasing. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kivunjo-Chaga, Kiwunjo, Wunjo. Autonym: Kivunjo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, E, Chaga (E.622).
Vwanji
[wbi] Njombe region: Makete district, Kipengere mountain range. Users: 41,800 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Bavwanji, Kivwanji, Kiwanji, Wanji. Autonym: Kɨvwanji. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Bena-Kinga (G.66).
Wanda
[wbh] Songwe region: Mbozi district; Rukwa region: Sumbawanga rural district. Users: 180 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Ichiwanda, Iciwanda, Kiwanda, Vanda, Wandia. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, M, Nyiha-Safwa (M.21).
Yao
[yao] Lindi region; Ruvuma region: Tunduru district, east of Lake Malawi; possibly Mtwara region; Mozambique border area. Users: 630,000 in Tanzania (2016). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Achawa, Adsawa, Ajawa, Ayawa, Ayo, Chiyao, Ciyao, Djao, Haiao, Hajao, Hiao, Hyao, Jao, Kihiau, Kihyao, Kiyao, Veiao, Wajao. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Yao (P.21).
Zanaki
[zak] Mara region: Musoma rural district, Makongoro division. Users: 97,400 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ikizanaki, Ilizanaki, Kizanaki. Autonym: Ekizanaki. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Logooli-Kuria (E.44).
Zaramo
[zaj] Morogoro region; Pwani region: Bagamoyo and Kisarawe districts, between Bagamoyo and Dar es Salaam. Users: 293,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Includes 33,000 Nyagatwa. Ethnic population: 657,000 (2000). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Dzalamo, Myagatwa, Saramo, Zalamo, Zaramu. Autonym: Kizaramo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Zigula-Zaramo (G.33).
Zigula
[ziw] Manyara region: west central; Pwani region: Bagamoyo district; Tanga region: northeast; Maasai steppe. Users: 442,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Chizigula, Kizigua, Kizigula, Msegua, Seguha, Wayombo, Wazegua, Zeguha, Zegura, Zigoua, Zigua, Zigwa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Zigula-Zaramo (G.31).
Zinza
[zin] Geita, Kagera, and Mwanza regions: Lake Victoria southwest shore; area islands. Users: 205,000 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009), decreasing. Includes 18,000 Longo. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Abazinza, Binza, Dzinda, Dzindza, Echidzindza, Echijinja, Echizinza, Ecijinja, Ecizinza, Ekizinza, Jinja, Kizinza, Omuchizinza, Zinja. Autonym: Echiziinza, Zinza. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Haya-Jita (E.23).