Chitumbuka

Chitumbuka is a Bantu language spoken primarily in northern Malawi by the Tumbuka people. It is also spoken in parts of Zambia and Mozambique. It is one of the major languages of Malawi and is spoken by an estimated 2 million people. The language is part of the Niger-Congo language family. Chitumbuka has several dialects, with the most widely spoken being Northern Chitumbuka. The language is used in primary education and in some local media in Malawi. Historically, it played a significant role as a lingua franca in the region during the colonial era. The Tumbuka people are known for their rich cultural heritage, which includes music, dance, and storytelling, often expressed through the Chitumbuka language. Efforts have been made to standardize the language and promote its use through literature and broadcasting. While English is the official language of Malawi, Chitumbuka holds considerable cultural and social importance for its speakers.