Chewa Translator

About Chewa

Chewa, also known as Chichewa or Nyanja, is a Bantu language spoken by approximately 12 million people across southeastern Africa, primarily in Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. It has served as a lingua franca in the region for centuries, facilitating trade and cultural exchange among diverse communities.

Chewa uses the Latin alphabet, introduced by missionaries in the 19th century, and is the national language of Malawi. The language features the noun class system typical of Bantu languages and has a rich tradition of oral literature including proverbs, riddles, and folktales. An interesting fact about Chewa is that it is associated with the Nyau secret society and its elaborate masked dances, which were recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.