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Manyema

Manyema

9.9
A group of people who speak Bantu languages in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • proper noun
: Manyema
  • Most of the losses during this march were due to desertion and the spread of smallpox among the Manyema contingent, but food was occasionally also a problem.

Examples

  • Having acquired 430 Manyema porters from Tippu Tip, the rear column left Yambuya in mid-June 1888 and traveled slowly eastward.

    Academic text (2006)
  • 38 The Manyema porters hired in the eastern Congo experienced a casualty rate of at least 14 percent, though smallpox rather than hunger seems to have been the primary factor.

    Academic text (2006)
  • The Manyema people celebrate their rich cultural heritage with traditional dances and music.

  • During the expedition, several Manyema porters provided invaluable assistance to the explorers.

  • The Manyema community in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is known for their craftsmanship and artwork.

Surface Forms

Manyema main

Etymology

Manyema comes from a Bantu name where the prefix Ma- often means 'people' or 'group', so the name originally meant the 'people of' a place or ancestor. That's why Manyema is used today for a Bantu-speaking ethnic group from eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.