Key Takeaways:
- South Africa has 11 official languages recognized in its constitution.
- The most widely spoken languages are Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English.
- Many South Africans are multilingual and speak 3 or more languages.
- There are over 30 indigenous languages still spoken in parts of South Africa today.
- Language diversity reflects the cultural diversity of the Rainbow Nation.
- Understanding language demographics helps travelers connect better with locals.
As a passionate globetrotter and travel writer, I’m frequently asked about the languages spoken in countries I visit. As an avid traveler to South Africa, one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse countries on the planet, I get this question all the time: “How many languages are there in South Africa?”
With 11 official languages and over 30 indigenous ones still spoken today, South African linguistic diversity reflects its rich cultural heterogeneity and history as the ‘Rainbow Nation’.
In this guide, we’ll explore South Africa’s languages in-depth, looking at:
- The 11 Official Languages of South Africa
- Demographics and Most Spoken Languages
- Other Indigenous Languages of South Africa
- Multilingualism in South Africa
- Why So Many Languages? Historical Context
- Learning Basic South African Phrases
- Interacting with Locals in Their Native Language
Whether you’re traveling, moving to South Africa or just curious about the country, understanding the languages can give insight into the culture and help you connect better with the locals.
So let’s dive in and explore the colorful linguistic landscape!
The 11 Official Languages of South Africa
South Africa is unique globally for recognizing 11 official languages in its 1996 post-apartheid constitution. These are:
- Zulu – Most spoken native language
- Xhosa – Second most spoken first language
- Afrikaans – Derived from Dutch colonists
- English – Lingua franca of government and commerce
- Ndebele
- Southern Sotho
- Northern Sotho
- Swazi
- Tswana
- Venda
- Tsonga
These 11 languages hold equal status at a national level, with government documents translated and public services conducted in each officially recognized language.
While English is the language of business, politics and media, the majority of South Africans still speak an indigenous African language as their mother tongue.
Below we’ll break down language demographics and analyze the most widely spoken tongues.
Language Demographics and Most Spoken Languages
With a population of 59 million people, South Africa is a hugely diverse, multicultural society stemming from its rich but troubled history.
Different ethnic groups speak different native languages, many with click consonants, resulting in a complex linguistic tapestry.
Most Widely Spoken First Languages
The most recent Census 2011 surveyed language demographics across South Africa with the following results:
| Language | Number of First Language Speakers | % of Population |
|---|---|---|
| Zulu | 11,587,374 | 22.7% |
| Xhosa | 8,154,258 | 16.0% |
| Afrikaans | 6,855,082 | 13.5% |
| English | 4,892,623 | 9.6% |
| Northern Sotho | 4,618,576 | 9.1% |
| Tswana | 3,874,637 | 7.6% |
| Southern Sotho | 3,798,758 | 7.5% |
| Tsonga | 2,277,148 | 4.5% |
| Swati | 1,297,046 | 2.5% |
| Venda | 1,209,388 | 2.4% |
| Ndebele | 1,090,223 | 2.1% |
This table details the number of first language speakers of each official language, not the total speakers. Many South Africans speak multiple languages, so the number of total speakers is higher than these figures.
However, it provides insight into native language distribution and population demographics.
Let’s break down key stats:
- Zulu is the most widely spoken first language, with over 11.5 million native speakers making up almost 23% of the population. Zulu is native to the eastern KwaZulu-Natal province.
- Xhosa has over 8 million first language speakers and is spoken in the southern Eastern Cape province. With characteristic click sounds, Xhosa is South Africa’s second most spoken indigenous language.
- Afrikaans is the third most common first tongue, with over 6.8 million native Afrikaans speakers. Afrikaans originated from Dutch colonists and is commonly spoken across much of central and western South Africa.
- English is the first language of just under 5 million South Africans, concentrated in major urban areas. While only the fourth most spoken native tongue, English serves as the lingua franca of government, business and high socioeconomic communities.
- Various other indigenous languages make up smaller percentages – from Northern Sotho and Tswana to less spoken ones like Venda and Ndebele. But millions still speak these languages, especially in their home regions.
So while Zulu and Xhosa dominate as the most spoken first languages, English often serves as a common conversational language between ethnic groups.
Next, we’ll look at other native languages still spoken within South Africa today.
Other Indigenous Languages of South Africa
In addition to the 11 official tongues, South Africa is home to over 30 indigenous languages falling under the Nguni or Sotho-Tswana dialect continua.
The most prominent unofficial indigenous languages include:
- Khoekhoe: spoken by Nama and Koranna peoples
- Sotho: encompasses Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho and Tswana
- Tsonga: or Shangaan-Tsonga dialect continuum
- Venda: or Tshivenḓa, spoken in northern Limpopo
- Xhosa: part of Nguni languages including Zulu and Swati
- Zulu: largest Nguni dialect, mutually intelligible with Xhosa and Swati
Within these broad language groups exist many dialects and unofficial tongues. For example, Ndebele and Swazi descended from Zulu but became standalone languages.
The clicks, tones and prefixes of native South African languages stem from Khoisan language roots, like the near-extinct Nǀu.
These indigenous languages hold cultural importance, especially in rural areas, despite lacking official recognition. Zulu dialects like xhosa and ndebele have over 15 million speakers, larger than some European languages, but remain unofficial.
Ultimately, South African linguistic diversity reflects a rich cultural heritage even if English remains the language of government and commerce. Next, we’ll look at multilingualism across the Rainbow Nation.
Multilingualism in South Africa
Given the multitude of languages, many South Africans grow up speaking several tongues from a young age.
In fact, Census 2011 revealed:
- 38% of the population speak at least 3 languages
- Over 10% can speak 4 or more
This high degree of multilingualism stems from practical necessity. For example:
- Speaking a native African tongue at home and socially
- Learning English and Afrikaans in school/work
- Picking up immigrant languages like Portuguese or French
Switching between multiple languages is common in daily life. Many parents raise children to speak English plus their native language, becoming tri- or quadralingual.
But multilingualism also demonstrates the cross-cultural pollination central to South African diversity. It exemplifies the “Rainbow Nation” ideal of tolerance and integration.
Unfortunately, some native tongues face decline amidst urbanization and the spread of English. For instance, Venda speakers dropped from over 800,000 in 1996 to just over 600,000 by 2011.
However, many linguists actively work to document and preserve rare regional dialects. Some dictionaries contain words in languages with just a few thousand speakers globally.
All these languages constitute the rich fabric of South African society. But how did so many tongues come to coexist here?
Why So Many Languages? Historical Context
South Africa’s checkered past shaped its complex linguistic identity. From indigenous peoples to European colonists to apartheid and beyond, history forged the diverse language demographics.
Here’s a quick overview of how it happened:
- Indigenous origins: earliest inhabitants were Khoisan hunter-gatherers, speaking click-based languages like Khoekhoe. Then Bantu peoples migrated south around 300-500 AD, introducing ancestral Nguni and Sotho-Tswana tongues.
- Colonial influence: European settlers brought additional languages, starting with Portuguese traders in the 1500s introducing words like “pao” (bread). Much more impactful were Dutch colonists arriving in 1652, who over centuries transformed their language into what became Afrikaans.
- British rule: the Cape Colony and surrounding areas became Britain’s in the 1800s, spreading English. Meanwhile, Zulu and other native tongues flourished independently in native territories.
- Anglo-Boer Wars: British defeat of the Afrikaner republics (Transvaal, Orange Free State) unified South Africa as a white-ruled territory under the English crown in 1902.
- Apartheid era: the fractionalized apartheid system institutionalized racial divides from 1948-1994. Whites recognized English & Afrikaans as the sole official languages, while fragmentation and urbanization eroded indigenous tongues.
- Post-apartheid: South Africa’s 1996 constitution finally recognized all major African languages equally alongside English and Afrikaans, although the latter two still dominate government.
This complex history of indigenous peoples, European colonization and racial conflict forged South Africa’s unique linguistic identity that persists today.
While you as a traveler aren’t expected to learn any native languages, picking up a few South African phrases can go a long way when interacting with locals!
Learning Basic South African Phrases
While English is widely spoken across South Africa, especially in cities, you’ll earn goodwill from the locals by learning a couple phrases.
Here are some basics to know in a few major languages:
English
- Hello: Hello
- Goodbye: Goodbye
- Please: Please
- Thank You: Thank You
- Excuse me: Excuse me / Sorry
Zulu
- Hello: Sawubona
- Goodbye: Hamba kahle
- Please: Ngicela
- Thank You: Ngiyabonga
- Excuse me: Uxolo
Xhosa
- Hello: Molo
- Goodbye: Uhambe kakuhle
- Please: Nceda
- Thank You: Enkosi
- Excuse me: Uxolo
Afrikaans
- Hello: Hallo
- Goodbye: Totsiens
- Please: Asseblief
- Thank You: Dankie
- Excuse me: Verskoon my
Knowing even a few words and phrases in a native language like Zulu, Xhosa or Afrikaans is sure to bring a smile from the locals!
Beyond pleasantries, understanding dialects can help you navigate and immerse yourself in South African culture.
Interacting with Locals in Their Native Language
While English serves as the common tongue for business and tourism, don’t be afraid to strike up a chat with locals in their native language.
Here are some tips for friendly communication:
- In rural areas, try a simple greeting in the local language – “Sawubona” in Zulu regions or “Molo” in Xhosa speaking Eastern Cape. This shows respect.
- If you visit a market stall or village in Ndebele country, ask “Ungaphi?” (where are you from?) and share about yourself to break the ice.
- In a restaurant or cafe, say “Ngiyabonga” (thank you) in Zulu or “Enkosi” in Xhosa after being served. It makes you more memorable.
- When shopping at a market, haggle for a better price in Afrikaans – “Kan ons ‘n beter prys kry?” (Can we get a better price?)
- In rural KwaZulu-Natal, try ordering beer in Zulu – ask for “iBhiya enye” (one beer). Locals will likely chuckle and appreciate it.
- Around Gauteng or Limpopo, ask for the bathroom in Northern Sotho – “Fao ho latswang teng?“. The staff will be amused and happy to point you in the right direction.
- If leaving a Xhosa village in Eastern Cape, say goodbye to your host – “Uhambe kakuhle“.
The key is showing you care enough to go beyond just English and use their native tongue. This effort and engagement creates warm cross-cultural connections.
Of course, don’t worry about fluency – just try using a few words or phrases respectfully. South Africans are very welcoming of foreigners embracing their languages. With over 30 to choose from, you’re bound to bring a few smiles to new friends!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions travelers have about South African languages:
How many languages are indigenous to South Africa?
- Over 30 indigenous languages originated in South Africa, including Nguni languages like Zulu and Xhosa as well as Sotho-Tswana ones like Northern Sotho and Tswana. Only 11 hold official national status currently.
What percentage of South Africans speak English?
- English is spoken as a first language by around 10% of the population, mainly across urban areas. However, it’s understood by over half to two-thirds nationwide as the language of government, business and media.
How do you say “hello” in an indigenous South African language?
- To say hello in the most widely spoken tongues:
- Zulu: Sawubona
- Xhosa: Molo
- Afrikaans: Hallo
- Northern Sotho: Dumela
What is the most spoken language in South Africa?
- Zulu is the most spoken first language, with over 11.5 million native speakers making up almost 23% of the population. However English is the lingua franca between ethnic groups.
How many languages are in the South African constitution?
- South Africa’s 1996 post-apartheid constitution recognizes 11 official languages – 9 indigenous ones alongside English and Afrikaans. These are guaranteed equal status on paper, though English dominates government.
Do most South Africans speak multiple languages?
- Yes, around 38% of the population speaks 3 or more languages. Multilingualism is common due to the ethnic diversity and practical necessity of English alongside native tongues.
Are there any indigenous click languages still spoken in South Africa?
- Yes, the characteristic click sounds in Xhosa, Zulu and other native tongues originate from indigenous Khoisan languages that predate Bantu migration. So clicks remain integral to languages like Xhosa and Zulu, though the Khoisan tongues themselves are near extinct save small communities.
Why does South Africa have so many languages compared to other African countries?
- The complex history of collision between indigenous peoples (Nguni, Sotho-Tswana, Khoisan), European colonization, apartheid segregation and diffusion of English and Afrikaans led to more languages co-existing in proximity.
What languages should tourists learn before visiting South Africa?
- You’ll be fine with just English across most of South Africa, especially in cities and tourist areas. But it doesn’t hurt to learn a few words or phrases in Zulu, Xhosa or another major language to help interact with locals. Any effort is appreciated!
The Rainbow Tapestry of South African Languages
In this extensive guide, we’ve explored the colorful tapestry of languages that makes South African culture so vibrant and diverse.
From the 11 official tongues to over 30 indigenous ones, hundreds of dialects flourish across the Rainbow Nation.
Whether conversing in cosmopolitan Johannesburg or rural KwaZulu-Natal, you’re sure to hear many mesmerizing languages from clicks of Xhosa to nuances of Ndebele.
So embrace South Africa’s linguistic diversity! Let is inspire you to engage respectfully with locals in their native tongues, maximize your cultural immersion, and weave your own thread into the racial rainbow.
Ngiyabonga (thank you) for joining me on this linguistic journey! Stay tuned for more insider tips on this captivating country. From scenic Cape Town to wildlife-filled Kruger, South Africa promises memorable adventures, people and tongues.
