Definition

Proper noun A Bantu language spoken by the Luba people, primarily in the southeastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It is one of the major national languages of the DRC.

Usage

• Tshiluba is used as the name of the language itself.
• It functions as a proper noun and is typically capitalized.

Examples

• The researcher is documenting folk tales in Tshiluba.
• Tshiluba has several dialects, including Luba-Kasai and Luba-Lulua.
• Learning Tshiluba can provide deep insight into the culture of the Luba people.

Advanced Usage

• In linguistic contexts, Tshiluba is classified under the Niger-Congo language family, specifically within the Bantu group.
• The term may be used in contrast to other Congolese national languages like Lingala, Kikongo, and Swahili.

Variants and Related Words

• Luba-Kasai: A common name for the language, specifying the Kasai region.
• Cilubà: An alternate orthography or spelling sometimes used.
• Luba-Lulua: Refers to a dialect of Tshiluba.

Synonyms

• Luba (Note: This can be ambiguous as it may also refer to the ethnic group or related languages).

Noun

1. a Bantu language spoken in southeastern Congo