Herero

A language of Namibia

Ochiherero, Otshiherero, Ovaherero

Otjiherero

210,000 in Namibia (2018). Total users in all countries: 248,700.

Kunene region: Sesfontein north to Angola border area; Omaheke region; Otjozondjupa region: Otumborombonga, southeast corner and central area.

Language Maps

4 (Educational). Recognized language (2009, National Curriculum, Basic Education, Sections 4.1.5.1 and 5.5), mainly used as education medium in primary grades.

Classification

Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, R, Herero (R.30)

Dialects

Mbandieru (East Herero, Mbanderu), Central Herero, Himba (Otjihimba, Ovahimba).

Language Development

Taught in primary schools through grade 3. Literature. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1987.

Language Resources

OLAC resources in and about Herero

Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Erroneously called ‘Damara’. Traditional religion, Christian.

Also spoken in:

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Angola

Language NameHimba

User Population

20,000 in Angola (2018 L. Jordan).

Location

Cunene province: Cahama and Curoca municipalities; Namibe province: Tombua municipality.

Alternate Names

Herero, Otjihimba

Language Status

6a (Vigorous).

Language Use

Used by all.

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Botswana

Language NameHerero

User Population

18,700 in Botswana (2015 UNSD).

Location

Central district: Letlhakane, Mahalapye, Mokoboxane, Rakops, and Toromoja; Ghanzi district: Charles Hill, Dekar, Dryhoek, Ghanzi, Makunda, and New Kanagas; Kgalagadi district: Omaweneno, Tsabong, and Werd; Kgatleng district: Morwa; North West district: Gomare, Makakung, Maun, Nokaneng, Nxaunxau, Sehitwa, Shakawe, and western cattleposts; scattered among other ethnic groups.

Alternate Names

Ochiherero, Otjiherero

Language Status

5 (Dispersed).

Language Use

Used by all. Also use English [eng]. Used as L2 by !Xóõ [nmn].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: Nearly 60%. Literacy rate in L2: Nearly 60% in Setswana [tsn].

Other Comments

Spoken by the Ovaherero and Ovambanderu peoples. Erroneously called ‘Damara’. Most came as refugees from Namibia in the early 1900s. Christian, traditional religion.

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Herero

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A language of Namibia

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