Makonde | Ethnologue

A language of Tanzania

ISO 639: kde
Alternate Names: Chinimakonde, Kimakonde, Konde, Mekwengo, Shimakonde, Simakonde, Símákòòndè
Autonym: Chimakonde
Population: 1,470,000 in Tanzania (2016). Total users in all countries: 1,995,000.
Location:: Mtwara region: Mtwara rural, Mtwara urban, Newala, and Tandahomba districts; north into Lindi region.
Language Status: 5 (Developing).
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, P, Yao (P.23)
Dialects: Maviha (Chimaviha, Cimabiha, Kimawiha, Mabiha, Mawia), Matambwe (Matambe, Tambwe). Matambwe dialect may be more similar to Yao [yao] than Makonde, and may even be a separate language or dialect of Mwera [mwe].
Language Use: Vigorous. Used by all. Also use Swahili [swh].
Language Development: Dictionary. Grammar. Texts. NT: 2013.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Makonde
Writing: Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments: Makonde are known for wood carving skills. Many wood carvers will say they are Makonde even if they are not. Muslim, Christian.

Mozambique

Location: Cabo Delgado province: Mueda (Maviha dialect).
Dialects: Vadonde (Donde, Ndonde), Vamwalu (Mwalu), Vamwambe (Mwambe), Vamakonde (Makonde), Maviha (Chimaviha, Kimawiha, Mabiha, Mavia, Mawia, Mawiha).
Language Status: 5 (Developing)
Other Comments: Reserved toward outsiders. Muslim, Christian, traditional religion.

Location: Mtwara region: Mtwara rural, Mtwara urban, Newala, and Tandahomba districts; north into Lindi region.