chilomwe

Chilomwe is a name used in some academic and regional contexts to refer to a Bantu-speaking community and its language associated with the Lomwe peoples of southern Africa. The term is variably applied and can denote either the ethnic group, the language, or both, depending on the source. It is closely linked to the Lomwe family, one of several closely related ethnic-linguistic groups in the region.

Geographically, Chilomwe communities are principally found in southeastern Africa, with the most substantial populations in Mozambique and neighbouring Malawi. Population numbers for Chilomwe-specific identities are often conflated with those of the broader Lomwe group in census data and ethnographic surveys.

The Chilomwe language is part of the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo language family. It shares core features with related Lomwe varieties, including noun class systems and agglutinative verb morphology. Dialects exist, and language use varies by locality, age, and degree of urbanization, with some communities bilingual in regional linguae francae.

Culturally, Chilomwe communities have predominantly agricultural livelihoods, growing maize, cassava, and other crops, alongside livestock keeping and small-scale trade. Social organization often centers on extended family networks and customary practices, with religious life reflecting a blend of Christianity and indigenous beliefs in many areas.

Historically, Chilomwe communities have been shaped by migrations, trade routes, and colonial contact, notably during the Portuguese colonial period in Mozambique and related interactions with neighboring states. Today, they participate in broader regional economies while maintaining distinct cultural and linguistic identities.

See also: Lomwe people, Lomwe language, Mozambique, Malawi.