Yao

YAO

developing

Alternate Names: Achawa, Adsawa, Adsoa, Ajawa, Ayao, Ayawa, Ayo, Chiyao, Ciyao, Djao, Haiao, Hiao, Hyao, Jao, Veiao, Wajao, Yawo

Dialects: Mangoche.

Genealogy:

Niger-Congo
Atlantic-Congo
Volta-Congo
Benue-Congo
Bantoid
Southern
Narrow Bantu
Central
P
Yao (P.21)

Demographics: 2,200,000 in Malawi. Population total all countries: 3,116,000.

Language Use: Also use Chichewa [nya], Standard Arabic [arb].

Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: 5%. Literacy rate in L2: 60% Chichewa [nya], 30% Arabic [arb]. Poetry. Radio programs. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1920.

Writing System: Latin

Nation of Origin: Malawi

Other Comments: Yao in Tanzania use a different orthography from Malawi; Mozambique Yao also has some differences. Muslim.