Venda

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A language of South Africa

ISO 639-3
ven
Alternate Names
Chivenda, Luvenda
Autonym
Tshivenḓa‎ (Tshivenda)
User Population

2,910,000 in South Africa, all users. L1 users: 1,210,000 in South Africa (2013 UNSD), increasing. L2 users: 1,700,000 (Webb 2002). Total users in all countries: 3,001,400 (as L1: 1,301,400; as L2: 1,700,000).

Location

Limpopo province.

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, Venda (S.21)
Dialects

Phani, Tavha-Tsindi, Ilafuri (West Venda), Manda (Central Venda), Guvhu, Mbedzi (East Venda), Lembetu, Ronga (Southeast Venda).

Language Use

The Lembaa are a Venda-speaking Jewish people claiming Falasha descent.

Language Development

Literacy rate in L2: Fairly low. Taught as subject in a few primary and secondary schools from grade 4. Taught in primary schools through grade 3. Radio. Bible: 1936.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Venda
Writing

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

Other Comments

Traditional religion, Christian, Jewish.

Also spoken in:

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