Together with the neighbouring Iraqw, Gorowa, and Burunge language communities, the Alagwa represent the Southern Cushitic language family in Tanzania. The Cushitic people are believed by historians to have originated in the Middle East. They entered Africa through Somalia or Ethiopia, and migrated southward into eastern Africa.
The Alagwa language is closely related to Burunge. Originally, in fact, the Alagwa and Burunge used to be one people and occupied the land together. When the Rangi people arrived, they made themselves a wedge dividing the group into two parts, Alagwa to the northwest and Burunge to the southeast.
Very few Alagwa ever leave their home village, for any reason. Most who do only move within the Alagwa area. The young take an active role in all aspects of Alagwa life. During times of drought, the Alagwa have special ceremonies meant to call down the rain. They congregate under a tree, and special leaves are rubbed together. A black sheep is slaughtered, and its blood is sprinkled beneath the tree.
Most Alagwa speakers today identify as practicing Islam. Christianity arrived in 1951, and has established two local churches. The Pentecostal church came in 1952, but have no Alagwa members. The Lutherans were once in the area, but left due to a lack of receptivity.