Makhuwa languages
| Makua | |
|---|---|
| Makhuwa | |
| Geographic distribution |
mostly Mozambique |
| Linguistic classification | Niger–Congo |
| Subdivisions |
|
| Glottolog | maku1247 |
The Makua or Makhuwa languages are a branch of Bantu languages spoken primarily in Mozambique.
The name Makua (Macua), more precisely Makhuwa, is used on three levels. Some sources distinguish these with differences in spelling 'Makua' vs. 'Makhuwa', but they are not consistent.
Makhuwa is assigned to Zone P of the Guthrie classification of Bantu languages. With the classification of the other Zone-P languages as Rufiji–Ruvuma, Makhuwa becomes essentially synonymous with Zone P. However, the zones are geographic rather than genealogical clades. The closest relatives of the Makhuwa branch are not clear, but some classifications place them with the Nyasa and Southern Bantu languages.
The core languages, and beyond, have minimal intelligibility, meaning that speakers can communicate but not have meaningful conversation.
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