Alternate Names: Kinyamwesi, Kinyamwezi, Namwezi, Nyamwesi
Dialects: Galaganza, Mweri (Kiya, Konongo, Sumbwa), Nyanyembe, Takama (Garaganza). Lexical similarity: 84% with Sukuma ,, 61% with Sumbwa ,, 56% with Nilamba ,. Dialect Continuum with Sukuma.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 980,000 (2006). 73% are in the traditional area.
Language Use: Vigorous in some areas. Swahili [swh] used increasingly in other areas. All ages. Positive attitudes. Used as L2 by Kimbu [kiv].
Language Development: Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1909–1951.
Writing System: Latin
Nation of Origin: Tanzania
Other Comments: Smaller groups (Konongo, Galla, Sumbwa) were part of Unyamwezi Kingdom and are still often considered part of the Nyamwezi people group by the Nyamwezi. Christian, Muslim, traditional religion.