WaYao

9 to 10 year old boys of the Yao tribe participating in circumcision and initiation rites (March 2005).

The waYao, or Yao, are a major nationality in both Malawi, located at the southern end of Lake Malawi, and Mozambique. The nationality's traditional homeland is between the Rovuma and Lugenda Rivers in northern Mozambique.

The Yao moved into what is now the southern region of Malawi around the 1830s, when they were active as slave traders for the Swahili Arab slave traders on the coast of Mozambique. Rich in culture, tradition and music, the Yao are primarily Muslim, and count among their famous progeny the former President of the Republic of Malawi, Bakili Muluzi.

They speak a Bantu language also known as Chiyao ("Yao language", chi meaning "language"), Achawa, Adsawa, Adsoa, Ajawa, Ayawa, Ayo, Ayao, Djao, Haiao, Hiao, Hyao, Jao, Veiao, or Wajao.

Other major languages of Malawi besides Chiyao are Chichewa and Chitimbuka. They also speak countries' offficial languages: their countries' official languages: English in Malawi and Portuguese in Mozambique.

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