Page Type: languageKalanga | Ethnologue

KCK ISO 639-3

Kalanga

Tjikalanga Autonym

A language of Zimbabwe

ISO 639
kck
Alternate Names
Bakaa, Chikalanga, Ikalanga, Kalana, Kanana, Makalaka, Sekalaña, Wakalanga, Western Shona
Autonym
Tjikalanga
Population
196,000 in Zimbabwe (2012). Total users in all countries: 367,000.
Location:
Matabeleland South province: Bulilimamangwe and Matobo districts; Matabeleland North province: Tsholotsho district.
Language Status
5* (Developing). Recognized language (2013, Constitution, Article 6(1)).
Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, S, Shona (S.16)
Dialects
Lilima (Humbe, Limima, Peri), Rozvi (Abanyai, Banyai, Nyai, Wanyai), Talahundra, Romwe, Lemba (Remba), Lembethu (Rembethu), Twamamba (Xwamamba), Pfumbi, Jawunda. Talahundra has no remaining speakers. Peri are an ethnic group of Birwa and Tswapong assimilated into Kalanga and speak the Lilima dialect. Humbe are ethnically different from the Lilima but now share the same language. Similar to Nambya [nmq] and the Karanga, Zezuru, and Shangwe dialects of Shona [sna].
Language Use
Rapidly being absorbed by Ndebele [nde], though most rural members speak Kalanga. All also use Ndebele [nde] (Hachipola 1998). Also use Shona [sna]. Used as L2 by Setswana [tsn], Tsoa [hio].
Language Development
Dictionary. Grammar. Texts. Bible: 2018.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Kalanga
Writing
Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments
Most Kalanga are in Zimbabwe; most Lilima are in Botswana.

Also Spoken in

Language Name
Kalanga
User Population
171,000 in Botswana (2020).
Location
Central district: east third; North East district: widespread; North West district: southeast.
Dialects
Nyai (Nyayi, Rozvi), Ikalanga, Talahundra, Lilima (Humbe), Peri.
Language Status
5 (Developing)
Other Comments
Different from Holoholo [hoo] of Democratic Republic of the Congo.
View other languages of Botswana

Map

Location: Matabeleland South province: Bulilimamangwe and Matobo districts; Matabeleland North province: Tsholotsho district.