Umbundu

A language of Angola

Kimbari, M’bundo, Mbali, Mbari, Mbundu, Mbundu Benguella, Nano, Olumbali, Ovimbundu, South Mbundu, Umbundo

Umbundu

6,980,000 (2018).

Scattered in the west central area, mostly Huambo, Kuanza Sul, and Benguela provinces; also Bié, Huíla, Namibe, and Bengo provinces.

Language Status

3 (Wider communication). Trade language, particularly for slave and ivory trade, between Ovimbundu people and Portuguese settlers in 1700’s. Beginning in 1874 used as church language with arrival of catholic missionaries. Spoken by one-third of the population of Angola.

Classification

Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, R, Umbundu (R.11)

Dialects

Mbalundu, Hele (Sele).

Language Development

Taught at teacher training colleges in the provinces of Huambo, Bié, and Benguela. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1963.

Language Resources

OLAC resources in and about Umbundu

Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Christian, traditional religion.