Setswana

the Bantu language of the Tswana people, related to the Sotho languages and spoken by over 4 million people in southern Africa. It is one of the official languages of South Africa.

One of the 12 official South African languages.
The lingua franca and national language of Botswana.
Mother-tongue speakers:
- 4,100,000 in South Africa
- 1,790,000 in Botswana

Second language speakers:
- 7,700,000 in South Africa
- 150,000 in Botswana

Setswana, also called Tswana, is a Bantu language spoken predominantly in Botswana and South Africa, as well as parts of Namibia and Zimbabwe. Setswana belongs to the Sotho-Tswana language group and features a rich oral tradition, including poetry, folktales, and proverbs. With over 8 million speakers, it plays a significant role in everyday life and cultural expression. The language uses the Latin alphabet and is known for its tonal qualities. In Botswana, Setswana serves as lingua franca, providing a key medium for communication, education, and administration, promoting unity across diverse communities.

Speciality Fields:

Advertising and marketing
Education
Entertainment
Business and finance
Food, beverage and product labelling
IT
Legal and official documentation
Medical
NGOs and community organisations
Industrial safety and guidelines

Did you know?

The name Botswana means “Land of the Tswana” referring to the dominant ethnic group of the country, the Batswana (plural)/Motswana (singular).
Although Botswana is known as the home of Setswana, the language is also spoken in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, showing how language can connect people across national borders.
Setswana was one of the first African languages to be written down. In the early 1800s, British missionaries translated the Bible into Setswana.
Setswana is a tonal language, which means the pitch of your voice can change the meaning of a word.
Tswana greetings are a big deal and often include asking after your well-being and family. Common greeting include: Dumelang! (Hello!) and O kae? (How are you?). Politeness and friendliness are of utmost importance!
Unlike some other South African languages like Zulu or Xhosa, Setswana doesn’t use any click sounds. Instead, it’s known for smooth, flowing sounds that make it easier to learn.