Makonde

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A language of Tanzania

ISO 639-3
kde
Alternate Names
Chinimakonde, Kimakonde, Konde, Mekwengo, Shimakonde, Simakonde, Símákòòndè
Autonym
Chimakonde
User Population

1,470,000 in Tanzania (2016). Total users in all countries: 1,995,000.

Location

Mtwara region: Mtwara rural, Mtwara urban, Newala, and Tandahomba districts; north into Lindi region.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Yao (P.23)
Dialects

Maviha (Chimaviha, Cimabiha, Kimawiha, Mabiha, Mawia), Matambwe (Matambe, Tambwe). Matambwe dialect may be more similar to Yao [yao] than Makonde, and may even be a separate language.

Language Use

Vigorous. Used by all. Also use Swahili [swh].

Language Development

Dictionary. Grammar. Texts. NT: 2013.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Makonde
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Makonde are known for wood carving skills. Many wood carvers will say they are Makonde even if they are not. Muslim, Christian.

Also spoken in:

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