Sena

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A language of Mozambique

ISO 639-3
seh
Alternate Names
Chisena
Autonym
Cisena
User Population

2,030,000 (2017).

Location

Manica, Sofala, Tete, and Zambezia provinces: lower Zambezi river region.

Language Maps
Language Status

5* (Developing).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, N, Senga-Sena (N.44)
Dialects

Caia (Care, North Sena, Sare), Bangwe (South Sena), Gombe, Sangwe, Podzo (Chipodzo, Cipodzo, Phodzo, Puthsu, Shiputhsu), Gorongosa. Reportedly similar to Nyungwe [nyu], Nyanja [nya], Phimbi [phm], and Kunda [kdn] of Zambia. Sena Central is the prestige dialect. Lexical similarity: 92% between the Podzo and Sena-Sare dialects.

Language Use

Also use Chichewa [nya], in Tâte. Also use Ndau [ndc], in church and communication with outsiders in Beira region, but with limited comprehension. Also use Portuguese [por], with speakers of other languages. Also use Shona [sna], in Tâte.

Language Development

Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1983.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Sena
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Traditional religion, Christian.