Yao

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A language of Malawi

ISO 639-3
yao
Alternate Names
Achawa, Adsawa, Adsoa, Ajawa, Ayao, Ayawa, Ayo, Chiyao, Chiyawo, Ciyaawo, Ciyao, Djao, Haiao, Hiao, Hyao, Jao, Veiao, Wajao, Yawo, chiYao, ciYao, waYao
Autonym
Ciyawo
User Population

2,800,000 in Malawi (2020 World Factbook), based on ethnicity. Total users in all countries: 3,728,000.

Location

Balaka, Machinga, Mangochi, and Zomba districts: bordering Mozambique, between southeast tip of Lake Kilwa and Lake Malawi; Chiradzulu district: small area.

Language Maps
Language Status

5* (Developing).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Yao (P.21)
Dialects

Mangoche.

Language Use

Also use Chichewa [nya]. Also use Standard Arabic [arb].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 5%. Literacy rate in L2: 60% Chichewa [nya], 30% Arabic [arb]. Literature. Radio. Dictionary. Grammar. Texts. Bible: 2014.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Yao
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Yao in Tanzania use a different orthography from Malawi; Mozambique Yao also has some differences. Muslim.

Also spoken in:

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