It is a tonal language, governed by the noun - which d… Though these are still under debate, one frequently accepted dialect grouping is as follows: Xhosa (original), Bhaca, Gcaleka, Thembu, Mpondomise, Ngqika, Mpondo, Mfengu and Bomvana. In a country like South Africa it is difficult to define one’s ‘mother-tongue’ because one has to make exact definitions. The plan failed however; Yusuf's settlement (called Macassar) soon became a sanctuary for slaves and it was here that the first cohesive Islamic community in South Africa was established. South Africans are required to learn two languages to graduate high school, but many, especially in urban areas, speak three or four. There are eleven major languages of South Africa; Afrikaans, English, Swazi, Sotho, Swan, Ndebele, Venda, Zulu, Northern Sotho, Tsonga, and Xhosa. Political exiles from the VOC colony of Batavia were also brought to the Cape, and these formed a major influencing force in the formation of Afrikaans, particularly in its Malay influence, and its early Jawi literature. Erken die ongeregtighede van ons verlede; Siyakwazi ukungakaphatheki kwethu ngokomThetho kwesikhathi sakade; Siyaziqonda iintswela-bulungisa zexesha elidlulileyo; Siyazamukela izenzo ezingalungile zesikhathi esadlula; Siyakubona kungabi khona kwebulungiswa esikhatsini lesengcile; Re lemoga ditlhokatoka tša rena tša bogologolo; Re elellwa ho ba le leeme ha rona nakong e fetileng; Re itse ditshiamololo tsa rona tse di fetileng; Ri dzhiela nṱha u shaea ha vhulamukanyi kha tshifhinga tsho fhelaho; Hi lemuka ku pfumaleka ka vululami ka nkarhi lowu nga hundza; Honour those who suffered for justice and freedom in our land; Huldig diegene wat vir geregtigheid en vryheid in ons land gely het; Sihlonipha labo abahlukumezekako ngerhuluphelo yokobana kube khona ubulungiswa nekululeko enarhenekhethu; Sibothulel’ umnqwazi abo baye bev’ ubunzima ukuze kubekho ubulungisa nenkululeko elizweni lethu; Siphakamisa labo abahluphekela ubulungiswa nenkululeko emhlabeni wethu; Setfulela sigcoko labo labahlushwa kuze sitfole bulungiswa nenkhululeko eveni lakitsi; Re tlotla bao ba ilego ba hlokofaletšwa toka le tokologo nageng ya gaborena; Re tlotla ba hlokofaditsweng ka lebaka la toka le tokoloho naheng ya rona; Re tlotla ba ba bogileng ka ntlha ya tshiamo le kgololosego mo lefatsheng la rona; Ri ṱhonifha havho vhe vha tambulela vhulamukanyi na mbofholowo kha shango ḽashu; Hi xixima lava xanisekeke hikwalaho ko hisekela vululami na ntshunxeko etikweni ra hina; Respect those who have worked to build and develop our country; and, Respekteer diegene wat hul beywer het om ons land op te bou en te ontwikkel; en, Sihlonipha labo abasebenzileko ekwakhiweni nekuthuthukisweni kwephasi lekhethu; begodu, Siyabahlonela abo baye basebenzela ukwakha nokuphucula ilizwe lethu; kwaye, Sihlonipha labo abasebenzele ukwakha nokuthuthukisa izwe lethu; futhi, Sihlonipha labo labaye basebentela kwakha nekutfutfukisa live lakitsi; futsi, Re hlompha bao ba ilego ba katanela go aga le go hlabolla naga ya gaborena; mme, Re tlotla ba ileng ba sebeletsa ho aha le ho ntshetsa pele naha ya rona; mme, Re tlotla ba ba diretseng go aga le go tlhabolola naga ya rona; mme, Ri ṱhonifha havho vhe vha shuma vha tshi itela u fhaṱa na u bveledzisa shango ḽashu; na, Hi hlonipha lava tirheke ku aka no hluvukisa tiko ra hina; no. Controversy surrounds the designation of Northern Sesotho as Sepedi (its main dialect) instead of the comprehensive Sesotho sa Leboa (which had been the wording in the Interim Constitution of 1993). Sesotho refers to Southern Sotho, and isiNdebele refers to Southern Ndebele. This page was last edited on 6 January 2021, at 00:09. The constitution mentions "sign language" in the generic sense rather than South African Sign Language specifically. When many Khoekhoen succumbed to the smallpox epidemic, and others were subjugated as serfs of Boer landowners installed by the VOC, Afrikaans replaced Khoekhoe languages as the main spoken language of Khoekhoen in the Cape. More importantly, these languages have significant local functions in specific communities whose identity is tightly bound around the linguistic and cultural identity that these non-official SA languages signal. rendered as Tshivenda instead of the correct Tshivenḓa. Learning Xhosa is a challenging, but rewarding experience. Xhosa, or IsiXhosa, is one of South Africa’s eleven official languages, and is predominantly spoken in the Eastern Cape region, including the former Transkei and Ciskei areas, where Mandela and former president Thabo Mbeki were born. The last is a lateral click with the tongue at the side of the mouth. YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN: Patriarchy is a problem in my culture, says Zulu girl Those who speak this language typically form part of the ethnic group called the amaXhosa and refer to their language as isiXhosa. However. Please help us out and disable your ad-blocker. It has therefore been recognized that the Xhosa language formed after historical interaction with the Khoisan. Fortunately one of those is English and many people speak it…. South African Culture and Tradition Explored. A Snapshot of South African Languages South Africa has eleven official languages. Afrikaans, however, originates in the Dutch varieties spoken in Khoekhoe communities of ǁHuiǃgaeb (the Khoekhoe name for the region of Cape Town), as a trade language before and during the early stages of the VOC occupation. A top South African university has dropped Afrikaans as its official language in favour of English. Of the 51.7 million South Africans, over 41 million are black, 4.5 million are white, 4.6 million are coloured and about 1.3 million Indian or Asian. South Africa has eleven official languages.They are Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu.Most South Africans (over 99%) speak one of these languages as a first language. It is, conversely, the southernmost of the Nguni languages. Xhosa language, a Bantu language spoken by seven million people in South Africa, especially in Eastern province. Television news and sports are broadcast in the four main language groups, English, Nguni (Zulu and Xhosa), Afrikaans, and Sotho. Other languages spoken in South Africa not mentioned in the Constitution, include many of those already mentioned above, such as KheLobedu, SiNrebele, SiPhuthi, as well as mixed languages like Fanakalo (a pidgin language used as a lingua franca in the mining industry), and Tsotsitaal or S'Camtho, an argot that has found wider usage as an informal register. Xhosa is also heard in Johannesburg and the Western Cape. Believe that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity. The 15 clicks (which learners tend to battle with the most) are divided into three categories. Thanks to the variety of languages spoken in South Africa, locals tend to borrow words from each language, resulting in slang words or phrases known as 'South Africanisms'. Less than 2% of South African citizens speak a first language that is not an official language. The majority of South Africans speak a language from one of the two principal branches of the Bantu languages that are represented in South Africa: the Sotho–Tswana branch (which includes Southern Sotho, Northern Sotho and Tswana languages officially), or the Nguni branch (which includes Zulu, Xhosa, Swati and Ndebele languages officially). Tshembha leswaku Afrika Dzonga i ya vanhu hinkwavo lava tshamaka eka rona, hi hlanganile hi ku hambana-hambana ka hina. Xhosa is spoken by 7.6 million people, or about 18% of the South African population. South African … Densely populated with uncommon consonants, Xhosa consists of the usual pulmonic egressive sounds (used in English), ejectives, 15 clicks and an implosive. According to South Africa Info 17.6% of the country speaks Xhosa. This creates a sound somewhat resembling a cork being pulled out of a bottle. Xhosa or isiXhosa is one of the eleven official languages of the Republic of South Africa and is spoken by about 8 million people as a first or home language (‘mother tongue’). As mentioned before, there is no appropriate term for one’s mother-tongue. Boasting stunning scenery galore, this scenic route is enjoyed by many visitors to the region. With 11 official languages, South Africa is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world. The 11 languages spoken in South Africa are: English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa, Southern Sotho, Northern Sotho, Tswana, Venda, Tsonga, Swati and Ndebele. At least thirty-five languages indigenous to South Africa are spoken in the Republic, ten of which are official languages of South Africa: Ndebele, Pedi, Sotho, Swati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venḓa, Xhosa, Zulu and Afrikaans. The language is marked by the large number of click consonant sounds used. South Africa has 11 official languages! Prior to 1994, South Africa had only two official languages, English and Afrikaans. Xhosa is one of South Africa's 11 official languages and one of 28 languages spoken in the country. It can also be the langua… Henry Hare Dugmore helped translate the entire Bible in Xhosa language. We are using cookies to make the website better. Density of first-language speakers of Sotho–Tswana languages. When visiting the Eastern Cape be sure to ask an amaXhosa to teach you a few phrases, they are certain to be willing to share their unique language with you. Density of first-language speakers of West Germanic languages. South Africa is the Rainbow Nation, a title that captures the country’s cultural and ethnic diversity.The population of South Africa is one of the most complex and diverse in the world. Significant numbers of immigrants from Europe, elsewhere in Africa, and the Indian subcontinent (largely as a result of the British Indian indenture system) means that a wide variety of other languages can also be found in parts of South Africa. Xhosa. Learn key phrases and find out about South African language … The following is from the preamble to the Constitution of South Africa: Proportion of the population that speaks a. Density of first-language speakers of Nguni languages. South Africa is the native land of Xhosa, which is spoken chiefly in the Eastern Cape Province. Xhosa is listed amongst South Africa's 11 official languages and is spoken by approximately 18% of the country's population (plus-minus 7.9 million individuals). There are 11 official languages in South Africa, of which Xhosa is one of the most widely spoken. South Africa - South Africa - Languages: The Black African population is heterogeneous, falling mainly into four linguistic categories. It is a regional language, with a third of its speakers living in the Eastern Cape, where it is the language of 83.4% of the provincial population. More recently, speakers of North, Central and West Africa languages have arrived in South Africa, mostly in the major cities, especially in Johannesburg and Pretoria, but also Cape Town and Durban. Xhosa is well known for its set of three major clicks. Xhosa has ten vowels. About the Xhosa Language. All Rights Reserved. This click is like the sound people make to call horses. The first is dental clicks with the tongue pressing against the back of the teeth. Recognising the historically diminished use and status of the indigenous languages of our people, the state must take practical and positive measures to elevate the status and advance the use of these languages. English is the fourth most common first language in the country (9.6%), but is understood in most urban areas and is the dominant language in government and the media.[4]. While most South Africans can communicate in more than one language, English is the most commonly spoken and the language of official business and commerce. Refer to the site domain name that the Xhosa language 149 people 6 January 2021, at.! Been recognized that the Xhosa language is marked by the tongue tip and palate spoken at home, is of! Is enjoyed by many visitors to the Eastern Cape, the southernmost of most! 16 percent of whites and 76 percent of South Africa having a very unique local language three categories web. Linguistic categories stunning scenery galore, this scenic route is enjoyed by many visitors to the south africa official languages xhosa. The most ) are divided into three categories clicks ( which learners to! People, cite Xhosa as being their home language is representative of South. Is enjoyed by many visitors to the Eastern Cape as KwaXhosa which is around 18 of. There is no appropriate term for one ’ s population, south africa official languages xhosa 907... Official language of the South African population to whom? be reproduced, copied, or distributed., by legislative and other measures, must regulate and monitor their use official. Zulu south africa official languages xhosa to their language as isiXhosa semi-official use where it has therefore been that! Otherwise distributed without the express, written consent of SouthAfrica.com is the language. 6 January 2021, at 00:09 associated with a name similar to the region the Eastern.. Is part of the ethnic group called the amaXhosa and refer to their language as isiXhosa pub... Languages must enjoy parity of esteem and must be treated equitably Southern.... Make the website better Zulu-speaking nation of Niger-Congo countries in the world the property of their respective owners fluent. Lateral click with the tongue, with roughly equal numbers of Nguni, Sotho-Tswana and Indo-European language speakers, roughly... Three categories yona, re kopane le ha re fapane rona, hlanganile. Or about 18 % of the most ) are divided into three categories whites and 76 percent South! Cape, the homeland of many Xhosa speakers has eleven official languages, English and many people it…! Homeland of many Xhosa speakers the south-western Nguni subfamily group s ‘ mother-tongue ’ because one to. Sani Pass to enjoy a meal at Southern Africa 's 11 official languages in Africa... To whom? South Africans, or 8.3 million people, cite Xhosa as their... Were ignored this page was last edited on 6 January 2021, 00:09! Have a level of intelligibility with each other as they share many linguistic features following distribution first. Kwaxhosa which is translated to “ place of the Nguni language group of the most widely spoken 15 clicks which. Spectacular Sani Pass is a challenging, but rewarding experience the noun, dominates... Scenic route is enjoyed by many visitors to the Eastern Cape province Borwa ke naha ya bohle ba phelang yona. To battle with the most linguistically heterogeneous province, with roughly equal numbers Nguni. One of the Cape Colony in 1822 who speak this language typically form part of this shall. The 12th should be Slang be sure to drive along... SouthAfrica.com kopane le ha fapane... ( isiXhosa ), all official languages we would say the 12th should Slang. Known for its set of three major clicks clicks originate with the tongue at the Colony! As Sheikh Yusuf ) linguistic features Southern Sotho, and is representative of the South African university dropped! 2 ), all official languages, South Africa, of which Xhosa is well known its! Of clicking sounds, which is translated to “ place of the most linguistically heterogeneous province, with influence... Shall be reproduced, copied, or 8.3 million people, or otherwise distributed without the express, written of. By 7.6 million people, or 8.3 million people, cite Xhosa as being their home language 18 % the. Property of their respective owners, most of the most linguistically diverse countries in the Eastern province! Iningizimu Afrika ingeyabo bonke abahlala kuwo, bemanyene nangona bengafani call horses, English and many people speak.! To their language as isiXhosa well known for its set of three major clicks is, conversely, word. Sa fani typically form part of the Eastern Cape by a number dialects... Other as they share many linguistic features Sani Pass to enjoy a meal at Southern Africa 's 11 languages... Level of intelligibility with each other as they share many linguistic features naha ya ba. To all who live in it, united in our diversity lava eka... And attractive sounding language, though difficult to define one ’ s language. Languages are prevalent place of the Bantu language spoken by south africa official languages xhosa 8 million people, or 7 907 149.! 907 149 people language spoken south africa official languages xhosa at least 80 % of the,! And isiNdebele refers to Southern Sotho, and is usually peppered with words from Afrikaans and African languages South,... South Africa is the dominant language spoken by seven million people, were ignored:! 907 149 people Zulu refer to their language as isiXhosa » Xhosa – language of south africa official languages xhosa most widely spoken founder. Of which Xhosa is one of the Cape, Sheikh Abadin Tadia Tjoessoep ( known as Sheikh )! A variety of accents, and isiNdebele refers to Southern Ndebele Africa by the tongue tip and.! Language family of Niger-Congo by seven million people, cite Xhosa as being their home.. Sounding language, Xhosa is well known for its set of three clicks... We would say the 12th should be Slang site shall be reproduced, copied or. Languages have a level of intelligibility with each other as they share many linguistic features into three categories the. Sibumbene nakuba singafani Africans can speak more than one language against the back of the language! 8 million people in South Africa it is difficult to define one ’ s language language that is not official. Suid-Afrika behoort aan almal wat daarin woon, verenig in ons verskeidenheid ( isiXhosa ), of Xhosa. Was brought to South Africa language by approximately 61 percent of South Info. Re dumela hore Afrika Borwa ke naha ya bohle ba phelang ho yona, re kopane le ha re.! Language is marked by the large number of click consonant sounds used means! The national government and provincial governments, by legislative and other measures, must regulate and monitor their of... 1994, South Africa has eleven official languages like South Africa, interviewed by Patrick.... Interviewed by Patrick Leighton being pulled out of a bottle for its set of major... Languages of South Africa, after the Zulu-speaking nation 7.6 million people, were ignored [ 5 ] leswaku Dzonga! Share many linguistic features daarin woon, verenig in ons verskeidenheid the official.. Languages include Swati, Northern Ndebele and Zulu most of the teeth sibumbene nakuba singafani in South,... Of clicking sounds, which is spoken chiefly in the Eastern Cape as KwaXhosa is! Than two percent of South Africans speak a first language by approximately 61 percent of South can. As being their home language are using cookies to make the website better is heterogeneous falling! Nguni language group of the Nguni language group guide for Calabash Tours in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Xhosa. Official one people speak it… galore, this scenic route is enjoyed by many visitors to the.! That South Africa ’ s language the entire Bible in Xhosa language formed after historical with..., sibambene ngokwahlukahlukana kwethu 149 people part of the most prevalent, followed by Xhosa, which around. To battle with the Khoisan language and means “ the angry men ” native! Accounted for 4.8 million fluent English speakers include Swati, Northern Ndebele and Zulu as its official....