Nyamwezi

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A language of Tanzania

ISO 639-3
nym
Alternate Names
KiNyamweezi, Kinyamuesi, Kinyamwesi, Manjamuesi, Mwezi, Namwezi, Nyamwesi, Nyawezi
Autonym
Kinyamwezi
User Population

1,470,000 (2016). 73% are in the traditional area.

Location

Kigoma and Rukwa regions; Tabora region: between Lake Victoria and Lake Rukwa.

Language Maps
Language Status

6a (Vigorous).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, F, Sukuma-Nyamwezi (F.22)
Dialects

Nyanyembe, Takama (Garaganza), Mweri (Kiya, Konongo, Sumbwa), Galaganza, Nangwila, Ilwana (Kilwana), Uyui, Rambo, Ndaala (Ndala), Nyambiu. Lexical similarity: 84% with Sukuma [suk], 61% with Sumbwa [suw], 56% with Nilamba [nim]. Dialect Continuum with Sukuma.

Language Use

Vigorous in some areas. Swahili [swh] used increasingly in other areas. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Used as L2 by Kimbu [kiv], Ruwila [rwl].

Language Development

Literature. Dictionary. Grammar. Texts. NT: 1909–2005.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Nyamwezi
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Smaller groups (Konongo, Galla, Sumbwa) were part of Unyamwezi Kingdom and are still often considered part of the Nyamwezi people group by the Nyamwezi. Christian, Muslim, traditional religion.