Tongwe

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A language of Tanzania

ISO 639-3
tny
Alternate Names
Kitongwe, Sitongwe
User Population

37,700 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009).

Location

Kigoma region: Kigoma district; Kigoma and Rukwa regions east, small groups (20%–30% of the population) in Nguruka and Uvinza villages; Lake Tanganyika west shore.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b (Threatened).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, F, Tongwe-Bende (F.11)
Dialects

Tongwe and Bende [bdp] are probably dialects of 1 language. Lexical similarity: 83%–91% with Bende [bdp] (with different varieties).

Language Use

In the mountains, vigorous use by all ages; in Kalya and Kashagulu, some Swahili [swh]; in other areas, speakers are over 40. Use Tongwe when speaking with Bende [bdp]. Home. Some of all ages. Positive attitudes. Also use Swahili [swh].

Language Development

Dictionary.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Tongwe
Writing

Unwritten [Qaax].

Other Comments

Traditional religion.