Mambwe-Lungu

A language of Zambia

Mambe-Lungu, Mambwe-Rungu

Autonym

ichiMambwe

User Population

207,000 in Zambia (2010 census). 64,500 Lungu, 142,000 Mambwe (2010 census). Total users in all countries: 213,680.

Location

Northern province: south of Lake Tanganyika.

Language Maps

5* (Developing).

Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, M, Fipa-Mambwe (M.14)

Dialects

Mambwe (Cimambwe, Ichimambwe, Kimambwe), Lungu (Adong, Ichirungu, Rungu), Fipa-Mambwe (Kifipa cha Kimambwe). Uncertain intelligibility between Fipa-Mambwe [fip] (Tanzania) and other dialects. Minor dialect differences between Mambwe and Lungu.

Language Use

Home, community, market. Positive attitudes.

Language Development

Dictionary. Bible: 2013.

Language Resources

OLAC resources in and about Mambwe-Lungu

Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Also spoken in:

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Tanzania

Language NameMambwe-Lungu

User Population

6,680 in Tanzania (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009). 5,050 Mambwe and 1,630 Lungu (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009).

Location

Rukwa region: Sumbawanga rural, Sumbawanga urban, and far south Nkansi districts, Matanga village south to Zambia border, Lake Tanganyika west to Tunko village east.

Alternate Names

Mambwe-Rungu

Dialects

Mambwe (Cimambwe, Ichimambwe, Icimambwe, Kimambwe), Lungu (Cilungu, Icilungu, Icirungu, Kilungu, Kirungu, Rungu), Fipa-Mambwe (Kifipa cha Kimambwe).

Language Status

6a (Vigorous).

Language Use

Swahili [swh] used in primary schools. English [eng] used in secondary schools. All domains except education and official government business. Used by all. Also use Fipa [fip].

Other Comments

Traditional religion, Christian.

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Mambwe-Lungu

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A language of Zambia

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