Languages of South Africa

A Rich Language Heritage

South Africa has a rich language heritage. This is recognised by the fact that there are eleven official languages (India is the only country with more official languages). These languages are English, Afrikaans, Zulu (isiZulu), Xhosa (isiXhosa), Ndebele (isiNdebele), Swati (siSwati), Tswana (Setswana), Southern Sotho (Setsotho), Northern Sotho (Sepedi or Sesotho sa Leboa), Tsonga (Xitsonga) and Venda (Tshivenda) (Names in brackets reflect the name of the language by speakers of that language). English and Afrikaans are Indo-European languages, the other nine are Bantu languages. The Bantu languages include the Nguni languages (Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele and Swati) and the Sotho languages (Tswana, Southern Sotha and Northern Sotho).

There are also nine other non-official national languages, recognised by the consitution of South Africa. These are Fanagalo, Lobedu (Khilobedu), Nama, Northern Ndebele (Sindebele), Phuthi (Siphuthi), San (Khoisan, Khoesan), Tamil and sign language.

Home Language

In 2001 a national census was held. As part of the census, information was gathered on home language statistics. Most South Africans speak Zulu as their home language, followed by Xhosa and Afrikaans. English came in sixth, close after Northern Sotho and Tswana. Apart from the eleven official languages, no other language is spoken as a home language by a significant portion of the population.

English, the De Facto Language

Most people in South Africa can speak English, even though it is not spoken as the first or even second language of many people. In fact most South Africans can speak English and Afrikaans, and many can speak three or more languages. Chances are that if you address someone in English, most people will be able to understand you. In the business world, English is the accepted standard, while in many shops you are also likely to be greeted in English. English-speaking visitors to South Africa should have no problem communicating.