Executive Summary - Centre for Language Studies

3.1.5 Languages of MchinjiAccording to survey results, there are two main languages in Mchinji and these areChichewa and Cinsenga 1 . This was also confirmed by both FGDs and KIIs results. In TANyoka, both Chichewa and Cinsenga are spoken in many areas. Results from the KIIsalso indicated that in TA Nyoka, Ciyawo is spoken in Mtchutchu village. Chichewa andCinsenga are also both spoken in TA Mlonyeni. TA Mavwele is exclusively Chichewaspeaking while TA Mkanda is dominated by Chichewa with pockets of Ciyawo in thetrading centres.3.1.6 Languages of NkhotakotaData collected from the survey indicated that people in Nkhotakota speak Chichewa andCitonga. Chichewa is spoken in all TAs i.e. TAs Mwansambo, Mwadzama,Malengachanzi, Kanyenda, Mphonde and Kafuzira. In addition to Chichewa, surveyresults also indicated that Citonga is spoken in Nkhotakota north, TA Kanyenda (startingfrom Nkhunga trading centre going northwards) and TA Kafuzira. Citumbuka is spokenin areas bordering Mzimba in areas such as Heta in TA Kafuzira. Ciyawo is spoken in anarea under Principal Village Headman Msamala in TA Mwadzama.3.1.7 Languages of NtcheuIn Ntcheu, data collected shows that Chichewa as the dominant language and is spoken inall TAs in the district. These TAs are Champiti, Mpando, Kwataine, Gomani andChakhumbira. It should be noted that in Ntcheu, Chichewa is commonly known asCingoni because most of the people are of Ngoni ethnic origin.3.1.8 Languages of NtchisiSurvey results indicate that Ntchisi is exclusively monolingual because all areas in all theTAs speak Chichewa. These TAs are Kalumo, Kasakula, Mchonjo, Chakhadza, Nthondoand Chilowoko. However, FGDs and KIIs results indicate that Ciyawo is spoken at1This is also referred to as Cisenga27