West Kilimanjaro language

West Kilimanjaro, or West Chaga, is a Bantu language of Tanzania spoken by the Chaga people.

Dialects

There are several dialects:

• Rwa (Rwo, Meru, Kirwo), or Meru, from Mount Meru
• Mashami (Kimashame), or "Hai" (Kihai)
• Siha
• Kiwoso (Kibosho including Kindi, Kombo, Mweka)
• Masama
• Ng’uni

Phonology

Vowels

Consonants

• may also be heard as uvular in free variation.
• can also be realized as [ʋ] or [w] among some speakers.
• is found in loanwords.
• rarely occurs.

References