Kamwe language facts for kids

Kamwe (also spelled Kamue) is a language spoken by the Kamwe people. It belongs to the Chadic language family. You can find people who speak Kamwe mainly in Adamawa State and Borno State in Nigeria. Some Kamwe speakers also live in northwestern Cameroon.

In Nigeria, most Kamwe speakers (about 80%) live in Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State. They also live in other areas of Adamawa State like Mubi North, Hong, Gombi, Song, and Madagali. In Borno State, Kamwe speakers are found in Askira/Uba and Gwoza areas. A language expert named Blench (2019) says that the Mukta language, spoken in Mukta village, is also part of the Kamwe language group.

What Does Kamwe Mean?

The word "Kamwe" comes from two words: "Ka" and "Mwe." Together, they mean "people of." So, Kamwe refers to people who are related or connected like a family. It means a group of relatives who are bound together.

The "Mwe" Ornament

The name "Kamwe" comes from a special native ornament called "Mwe." Close relatives of someone who passed away would wear this ornament. It was a sign of their identity and sadness. Kamwe elders say that the "Mwe" is a true sign of family in Kamweland. In the past, if someone who wasn't a relative wore the "Mwe," it could cause problems. Only close family members were allowed to wear it. This ornament helped to strengthen the bond between relatives. When people wearing the "Mwe" hugged, they would say "Tselie ra na," which means "You are my relative."

Other Meanings of Kamwe

Some elders also believe that "Kamwe" means "people of the heavens" or "people on the hills and mountains." This is because many Kamwe people live in hilly areas.

Why "Higgi" is Not Used

In the past, the Kamwe people and their language were sometimes called "Higgi." However, Kamwe elders say that "Higgi" is an insulting word. It came from the word "hagyi," which means "grasshopper." Their neighbors, the Margi, used this word to make fun of the Kamwe. In Kamwe culture, a grasshopper is seen as a weak insect that lizards and frogs eat. Most Kamwe people dislike the word "Higgi." The Margi first used this word in 1937.

Kamwe Motto

The Kamwe people have a motto: Dabeghi Nji Denama. This means "There is strength in unity."

Kamwe Language Dialects

A language can have different ways of being spoken, called dialects. The Kamwe language has twenty-four active dialects.

Main Kamwe Dialects

Some of the active Kamwe language dialects include Nkafa, Dakwa, Krghea (also called Higgi Fali), Fwea, Humsi, Modi, Sina, and Tilyi. Another expert, Blench (2006), also considers Psikye to be a Kamwe dialect. The Nkafa dialect is the most widely understood and spoken. It is also the main language used for official business and trade. Many books and writings are in the Nkafa dialect.

The Kamwe People

Kamwe cultural dancers.

Most Kamwe people feel a strong connection to Mwe-ci-ka, which is also known as Michika. This place is considered the original home of all Kamwe people.

Origin of Michika

The name Mwecika (Michika) comes from the Nkafa dialect. It means "creeping in silently to hunt." This name describes how a warrior named Kwada Kwakaa moved quietly on the Michika hills while hunting.

Kamwe Beliefs

The Kamwe people believe in a heavenly God called 'Hyalatamwe'. They respect and fear Hyalatamwe very much. In Kamwe culture, people do not communicate directly with Hyalatamwe. Instead, they use special people called "Da melie" or "Tchehye shwa" to speak to God for them.

Kamwe Social Groups

In Kamwe culture, people are divided into two main groups: 'Melie' and 'Ka-Ligyi'.

The Founder of Michika

Kwada Kwakaa is said to be the founder of Michika. He was a prince from Kuli in Nkafamiya, a place on the Michika hills. Kwada Kwakaa was a very brave hunter who could hunt dangerous animals like lions and leopards by himself. When his father, who was the King, learned how brave Kwada was, he made Kwada the ruler of what is now Michika.

Naming Children in Kamwe Culture

The Kamwe people have a special way of naming their children based on the order they are born.

• The first boy born is named Tizhe.
• The first girl born is named Kuve.
• The second boy is Zira, and the second girl is Masi.
• The third boy is Tumba, and the third girl is Kwarramba.
• The fourth boy is Vandi, and the fourth girl is Kwanye.
• The fifth child, whether a boy or a girl, is named Kwaji.
• The sixth boy is Tari, and the sixth girl is Kwata.
• The seventh boy is Sini, and the seventh girl is Kwasini.
• The eighth child, boy or girl, is named Kwada.
• The ninth child, boy or girl, is named Drambi.
• The tenth child, boy or girl, is named Kwatri.

If a child is born when the mother is older, the name will have "hale" added to the end. For example, Kuve-hale or Zira-hale.

Twins and Multiple Births

Twins and other multiple births are a reason for celebration in Kamwe culture. Twins have special names depending on their gender and who was born first.

• The first boy twin is called Thakma, and the second boy twin is Pembi.
• The first girl twin is called Thakma, and the second girl twin is Kwalgha.

Old Legal System

Before Western laws came to Africa, the Kamwe people had their own organized legal system. The King, called "Mbege," was the main judge. Judging cases in the Kamwe language is called "Kita."

Kamwe Cultural Festival

To help keep their rich culture alive, the Kamwe people hold an annual cultural festival. It's called the "Kamwe People Annual Cultural Festival of Art and Culture." This festival takes place in Michika, Adamawa State, Nigeria, on the first Saturday of April each year. It started in 2017. The festival aims to bring back the rich traditions of the Kamwe people and attracts visitors from many places.

During the first festival in 2017, a book was presented to the public. It was titled The Kamwe People of Northern Nigeria: Origin, History and Culture.