Reconstruction:Proto-Bantu/jàmbé

This Proto-Bantu entry contains reconstructed terms and roots. As such, the term(s) in this entry are not directly attested, but are hypothesized to have existed based on comparative evidence.

Proto-Bantu

Etymology

Possible cognates outside Bantu include Akan Nyame (“God”).

Noun

*jàmbé class 1

1. God

Descendants

• Fang (Bantu) (A75): Nzame
• Ewondo (A72): Zamba
• Kongo (H16): Nzambi
• Nzadi (B865): Ndzàám
• Lunda (L52): Nzambi
• Kimbundu (H21): Nzambi
• Lingala (C30B): Nzámbe
• Ngungwel (B72): Ndsyàá
• Bushoong (C83): Chembe
• From Nyàmbé:

• Bangala (C30A): Nyambe
• Duala (A24): Ńambe
• Punu (B43): Nyambye
• Mbukushu (K333): Nyambi
• Northeast Bantu:
  • Great Lakes Bantu
    • Luganda (J15): Nambi (“daughter of God”)
    • Haya (J22): Nyakalembe (“Goddess of Agriculture”)
• Thagiicu

Kikuyu (E51): Mumbi (“Goddess”)