Makonde

KDE

developing

Alternate Names: Chimakonde, Chinimakonde, Kimakonde, Konde, Matambe, Matambwe, Mekwengo

Dialects: Matambwe, Maviha. Matambwe dialect may be more similar to Yao , than Makonde, and may even be a separate language or dialect of Mwera ,.

Genealogy:

Niger-Congo
Atlantic-Congo
Volta-Congo
Benue-Congo
Bantoid
Southern
Narrow Bantu
Central
P
Yao (P.23)

Demographics: 980,000 in Tanzania (2006). Population total all countries: 1,340,000.

Language Use: Vigorous. All ages. Also use Swahili [swh].

Language Development: Grammar. Bible portions: 2008.

Writing System: Latin

Nation of Origin: Tanzania

Other Comments: Makonde are known for wood carving skills. Many wood carvers will say they are Makonde even if they are not. Muslim, Christian.