Yao also known as Chiyao or Ciyao or Achawa or Adsawa or Ayao or Ayo or Ayawa or Ajawa or Hyao or Djao or Hiao or Jao or Waja is a language spoken in Mtwara Region in Tanzania, Niassa Province in Mozambique and the Southern Region of Malawi near Lake Malawi by the Wayao people.
Yao language has approximately 3,499,997 native speakers.
A person who speaks Yao is known as myao.
The language has 3 dialects; Mangochi, Makale and Massaninga.
Join 1,000+ speakers preserving different African languages for future generations
Every day, new words shape our world - from artificial intelligence to blockchain, from climate change to social media.
While languages like English grow and adapt, what about Yao?
How do we explain quantum computing in Yao?
What's the word for 'cryptocurrency'?
Without action today, how will future generations express tomorrow's ideas in Yao?
If not you, who will keep Yao alive?
If not now, when will we start?
If not here, where will it happen?
This is our language. This is our responsibility.
We're building a living bridge between tradition and innovation - documenting and growing African languages for the digital age. Every word you contribute helps preserve our cultural heritage while preparing it for the future.
Choose how you'd like to help preserve Yao
Whether you want to become a sponsor, provide recordings, share written materials, or suggest improvements, we'd love to hear from you.
Contact us at: Ongeanasi