Oshiwambo

KUA

wider communication

Alternate Names: Cuanhama, Humba, Kuanjama, Kwancama, Kwanjama, Kwanyama, Ochikwanyama, Oshikuanjama, Oshikwanyama, Oshiwambo Ndonga, Ovambo, Oxikuanyama, Wambo

Dialects: None known. Intelligible with Ndonga , and Kwambi ,.

Status Notes: De facto language of national identity.Its use as an LWC has its origin in its status as the language of the powerful Kwanyama kingdom, influential in what is now southern Angola and northern Namibia throughout the colonial period up to the year 1917. Used in the eastern half of Cunene Province in church, market, business, and media domains.

Genealogy:

Niger-Congo
Atlantic-Congo
Volta-Congo
Benue-Congo
Bantoid
Southern
Narrow Bantu
Central
R
Wambo (R.21)

Demographics: 421,000 in Angola (Johnstone 1993). Population total all countries: 668,000. L2 users: 40,000 in Angola (2013 SIL).

Language Use: Used as L2 by !O!ung [oun], Nkumbi [khu].

Language Development: Dictionary. Bible: 1974.

Spoken In: Angola, Namibia

Writing System: Braille, Latin

Nation of Origin: Angola