Zimba

A language of Democratic Republic of the Congo

ISO 639: zmb
Alternate Names: Nyangwe
Population: 120,000 (1994 census).
Location:: Maniema province: Kasongo territory, Maringa and Mulu collectivités; small area in Sud-Kivu province.
Language Status: 6a* (Vigorous).
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, D, Lega-Holoholo (D.26)
Dialects: South Binja, Binja (Soe, Sole), Semulu (Kisembombo, Nyembombo, Semolo), Semalinga, Kwange, Mamba (Kyenyemamba). Kwange and Mamba dialects may be separate languages. Lexical similarity: 57% with Enya [gey], 55% with Bembe [bmb]; 53% with Hemba [hem]; 52% with Zula [zla] and Bangubangu [bnx]; 50% with Lega-Mwenga [lgm], Lega-Shabunda [lea], Buyu [byi], and Mituku [zmq]; 46% with Songe [sop]; 40% with Nyanga [nyj]; 32% with Komo [kmw].
Language Use: Most speak Binja dialect. Semulu dialect is spoken in the northeast, Semalinga in the west. Also use Congo Swahili [swc].
Other Comments: Christian, Muslim, traditional religion.

Location: Maniema province: Kasongo territory, Maringa and Mulu collectivités; small area in Sud-Kivu province.