Languages of South Africa

The languages spoken in South Africa

According to the Wikipedia entry on "Languages of South Africa"[1], it is estimated that at least 35 languages are spoken in South Africa. Twelve of these are declared official languages of the country, the rest made up of a range of unofficial and marginalised languages (among which some of Southern Africa's oldest languages), informal languages like Tsotsitaal and various immigrant languages from Europe, notably Dutch, French and German.

Under colonial rule Dutch and English were initially used as primary means of communication by the colonists and with the coming of the Union of South Africa became the official languages, till 1925, when Afrikaans replaced Dutch.

The official languages since 1994 are: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Pedi, Sotho, South African Sign Language (added in 2023), Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu. While all official languages are equal in legal status. English is used as the primary language parliamentary and state discourse.