Yao

A language of Malawi

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

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Mozambique

Language NameYao

User Population

298,000 in Mozambique (2017).

Location

Cabo Delgado province: Ruvumu river near Negomano; Nampula province: west; Niassa province: south and east of Lake Malawi; Zambezia province: Gurue district, northwest border.

Alternate Names

Achawa, Adsawa, Adsoa, Ajawa, Ayawa, Ayo, Chiyao, Ciyao, Ciyawo, Djao, Haiao, Hiao, Hyao, Jao, Veiao, Wajao, Yawo

Dialects

Makale (Cimakale), Massaninga (Cimassaninga), Machinga, Mangochi, Tunduru Yao, Chikonono (Cikonono).

Language Status

5* (Developing).

Other Comments

Muslim, Christian.

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Tanzania

Language NameYao

User Population

630,000 in Tanzania (2016).

Location

Lindi region; Ruvuma region: Tunduru district, east of Lake Malawi; possibly Mtwara region; Mozambique border area.

Alternate Names

Achawa, Adsawa, Ajawa, Ayawa, Ayo, Chiyao, Ciyao, Djao, Haiao, Hajao, Hiao, Hyao, Jao, Kihiau, Kihyao, Kiyao, Veiao, Wajao

Language Status

5 (Developing).

Language Use

Used by all.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. Swahili-based orthography different from Malawi and Mozambique. Muslim, Christian.

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Zambia

Language NameYao

User Population

200 families or more in the 1970s (F. Banda).

Location

Eastern province: Chipata district, Kapata township; Katete district.

Alternate Names

Achawa, Adsawa, Adsoa, Ajawa, Ayawa, Ayo, Chichawa, Chiyao, Ciyao, Djao, Haiao, Hiao, Hyao, Jao, Veiao, Wajao

Dialects

Makale (Cimakale), Massaninga (Cimassaninga).

Language Status

6b* (Threatened).

Language Use

Positive attitudes. Also use Chichewa [nya].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. Muslim.

View other languages of Zambia

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A language of Malawi

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