Page Type: languageTongwe | Ethnologue

TNY ISO 639-3

Tongwe

A language of Tanzania

ISO 639
tny
Alternate Names
Kitongwe, Sitongwe
Population
37,700 (Mradi wa Lugha za Tanzania 2009).
Location:
Kigoma region: Kigoma district; Kigoma and Rukwa regions east, small groups (20%–30% of the population) in Nguruka and Uvinza villages; Lake Tanganyika west shore.
Language Status
6b (Threatened).
Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, F, Tongwe-Bende (F.11)
Dialects
Tongwe and Bende [bdp] are probably dialects of 1 language. Lexical similarity: 83%–91% with Bende [bdp] (with different varieties).
Language Use
In the mountains, vigorous use by all ages; in Kalya and Kashagulu, some Swahili [swh]; in other areas, speakers are over 40. Use Tongwe when speaking with Bende [bdp]. Home. Some of all ages. Positive attitudes. Also use Swahili [swh].
Language Development
Dictionary.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Tongwe
Writing
Unwritten [Qaax].
Other Comments
Traditional religion.

Also Spoken in

Map

Location: Kigoma region: Kigoma district; Kigoma and Rukwa regions east, small groups (20%–30% of the population) in Nguruka and Uvinza villages; Lake Tanganyika west shore.