What Language Do They Speak in Botswana?

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Botswana

Botswana, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, from the famed Okavango Delta and expansive Kalahari Desert to the wildlife-rich Chobe National Park. The nation has maintained a stable representative democracy since gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1966, marking a legacy of peace and political tranquility. With an economy traditionally rooted in diamond mining, recent efforts focus on diversifying into tourism and other sectors, amplifying its appeal as a destination rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Languages Spoken

In Botswana, the linguistic landscape is dominated by Setswana, spoken by 78.2% of the population. This Bantu language serves as a unifying medium for most Batswana. Sekalanga follows, spoken by 7.9% of the population, predominantly by the Kalanga ethnic group. English, while an official language and used extensively in education and government, is spoken by 2.8% of the populace. Shekgalagari accounts for 2%, mainly used by the Tswana tribes of the Kalahari region. The remaining 9.1% speak a variety of other languages, including unique indigenous languages grouped here collectively.

Different Languages Spoken in Botswana

Language data last updated 2024 est. from Wikipedia - Botswana

LanguageUsage
Setswana78.2%
Sekalanga7.9%
English2.8%
Shekgalagari2%
Other (languages spoken by a small percentage collectively)9.1%
Note: The total may add up to more than 100% as people may speak multiple languages

Useful English Phrases

Learn these phrases if you're planning on traveling to Botswana

Hello

Dumela

A common greeting in Setswana, which is one of the official languages of Botswana.

Thank you

Ke a leboga

Used to express gratitude in Setswana.

How much is this?

Ke bokae?

Useful for inquiring about prices in markets or stores.

Where is the bathroom?

Ntlo ya borobalo e kae?

Helps in finding facilities in public areas.

I don't understand

Ga ke tlhaloganye

Useful for communicating when language barriers arise.

Learn to speak English

Interested in speaking English in Botswana? Using Lingocat you can learn the basics of the language and start speaking in no time with the help of our AI Language Tutors.

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