Chokwe

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A language of Angola

ISO 639-3
cjk
Alternate Names
Ciokwe, Djok, Kioko, Quioco, Shioko, Tchokwé, Tschiokloe, Tshokwe, Ucokwe
Autonym
Cokwe
User Population

1,970,000 in Angola (2018). Total users in all countries: 2,491,700.

Location

Widespread. East Bié, Cunene, central Kuando Kubango, Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, Malanje, and west Moxico provinces.

Language Maps
Language Status

3 (Wider communication). De facto language of national identity.

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, K, Ciokwe-Luchazi (K.11)
Dialects

Minungo, Ulanda, Ukhongo.

Language Use

Home, church, commerce. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Many also use Portuguese [por].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: Below 30%. Taught as subject in primary schools in grades 1–6 in the eastern provinces. Literature. Radio. Videos. Dictionary. Grammar. Texts. Bible: 1970–1990.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Chokwe
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Christian, traditional religion.

Also spoken in:

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