# Makua languages

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For the Timorese language Makua, see [Makuv'a language](/source/Makuv'a_language).

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Makua Makhuwa Geographic distribution Mozambique Linguistic classification Niger–Congo? Atlantic–Congo Volta-Congo Benue–Congo Bantoid Southern Bantoid Bantu Makua Subdivisions Makhuwa Koti, Sakati Lomwe Cuabo–Maindo Moniga Language codes Glottolog maku1247

The **Makua** or **[Makhuwa](/source/Makhuwa_language)** languages are a branch of [Bantu languages](/source/Bantu_languages) spoken primarily in [Mozambique](/source/Mozambique).

## Name

The name *Makua (Macua)*, more precisely *Makhuwa*, is used on three levels. Some sources distinguish these with differences in spelling 'Makua' vs. 'Makhuwa', but they are not consistent.

1. Central Makhuwa, or "Makhuwa-Makhuwana", the [prestige dialect](/source/Prestige_dialect)

1. The [Makhuwa language](/source/Makhuwa_language), including various dialects which also go by the name *Makhuwa*; sometimes called 'core' or 'nuclear' Makua, but this is not consistent

1. Closely related languages which often have their own names, such as [Lomwe](/source/Lomwe_language) (also known as Western Makua)

## Classification

Makhuwa is assigned to Zone P of the [Guthrie classification of Bantu languages](/source/Guthrie_classification_of_Bantu_languages). With the classification of the other Zone-P languages as [Rufiji–Ruvuma](/source/Rufiji%E2%80%93Ruvuma_languages), Makhuwa becomes essentially synonymous with Zone P. However, the zones are geographic rather than genealogical clades. The closest relatives of the Makhuwa branch are not clear, but some classifications place them with the [Nyasa](/source/Nyasa_languages) and [Southern Bantu languages](/source/Southern_Bantu_languages).

- [Makhuwa](/source/Makhuwa_language) (Core Makhuwa, including dialects Makhuwa-Meetto, Makhuwa-Shirima, Makhuwa-Marrevone, etc.)

- [Koti](/source/Koti_language)

- [Sakati](/source/Sakati_language)

- [Lomwe](/source/Lomwe_language) (including Ngulu dialect)

- [Chuwabu](/source/Chuwabu_language)

- [Moniga](/source/Moniga_language)

The core languages, and beyond, have minimal [mutual intelligibility](/source/Mutual_intelligibility).

## References

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