West Kilimanjaro language
West Kilimanjaro, or West Chaga, is a Bantu language of Tanzania spoken by the Chaga people.
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
- /ɣ/ may also be heard as uvular [ʁ] in free variation.
- /β/ can also be realized as [ʋ] or [w] among some speakers.
- [ɟ] is found in loanwords.
- /h/ only rarely occurs.