Tsonga

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A language of South Africa

ISO 639-3
tso
Alternate Names
Shangaan, Shangana, Shitsonga, Thonga, Tonga, Vatsonga
Autonym
Xitsonga
User Population

5,680,000 in South Africa, all users. L1 users: 2,280,000 in South Africa (2013 UNSD), increasing. L2 users: 3,400,000 (Webb 2002). Total users in all countries: 10,003,500 (as L1: 6,603,500; as L2: 3,400,000).

Location

Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces.

Language Maps
Language Status

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

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, S, Tswa-Rhonga (S.53)
Dialects

Luleke (Xiluleke), Gwamba (Gwapa), Changana (Xichangana), Hlave, Kande, N’walungu (Shingwalungu), Xonga (Ssonga), Jonga (Dzonga), Nkuna, Songa, Nhlanganu (Shihlanganu). ‘Tsonga’ is used to describe Changana [tso], Tswa [tsc], and Ronga [rng], although often used interchangeably with Changana, the most prestigious of the 3. All are recognized as languages, although inherently intelligible.

Language Development

Taught as subject in a few primary and secondary schools from grade 4. Taught in primary schools through grade 3. Radio. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1907–1989.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Tsonga
Writing

Braille script [Brai]. Latin script [Latn], primary usage.

Other Comments

Christian, traditional religion.

Also spoken in:

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