Swati

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A language of Swaziland

Alternate Names

Isiswazi, Ngwane, Phuthi, Swazi, Tekela, Tekeza

siSwati

User Population

960,000 in Eswatini (2019). Total users in all countries: 4,714,500 (as L1: 2,314,500; as L2: 2,400,000).

Language Maps

Lesotho, South Africa and Swaziland

South Africa: Enlarged area

Language Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (2005, Constitution, Article 3(2)).

Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, S, Nguni (S.43)

Baca, Hlubi, Phuthi (Sephuthi).

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: High. Taught in all national schools. Newspapers. Radio. TV. Grammar. Bible: 1996.

Language Resources

OLAC resources in and about Swati

Latin script [Latn].

Glossonym: Siswati in Swati, Swazi in Zulu [zul]. Highly educated. Christian, traditional religion.

Also spoken in:

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Lesotho

Language NamePhuthi

User Population

52,000 in Lesotho (Leclerc 2017f).

Location

Mohale’s Hoek, Qacha’s Nek, Quthing, and Thaba-Tseka districts.

Alternate Names

Sephuthi, Síphùthì

Language Status

5* (Dispersed).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Mozambique

Language NameSwati

User Population

2,500 in Mozambique (2017).

Location

Maputo province: border area west of the capital.

Alternate Names

Siswazi, Swazi, Tekela, Tekeza, siSwati

Language Status

5* (Dispersed).

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South Africa

Language NameSwati

User Population

3,700,000 in South Africa, all users. L1 users: 1,300,000 in South Africa (2013 UNSD). L2 users: 2,400,000 (Webb 2002).

Location

KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga provinces.

Alternate Names

Siswati, Siswazi, Swazi, Tekela, Tekeza, Thithiza, Yeyeza, siSwati

Dialects

Baca, Hlubi, Phuthi (Sephuthi).

Language Status

1 (National). Statutory national language (1996, Constitution, Article 6(1)). Statutory provincial language in Mpumalanga province (2012, Use of Official Languages Act, No. 12, Section 4(1)).

Language Development

Taught as subject in a few primary and secondary schools from grade 4. Taught in primary schools through grade 3.

Other Comments

Christian, traditional religion.

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