How many official languages in South Africa ?
Dutch, English, and Afrikaans served as South Africa’s official languages for decades. At least 80% of people speak an African language, however it was not taken into consideration. In 1996, South Africa’s new Constitution provided all major languages official protection.
About 34 languages with a long history are spoken in South Africa. Four extinct Khoesan languages and thirty current ones make up the total.
What are the official languages
The democratic constitution of post-apartheid South Africa recognizes 11 official languages: English, Afrikaans, Xhosa, Ndebele, Zulu, Tswana, Swati, Sotho, Southern Sotho, Venda, and Tsonga. This makes it one of the most linguistically and ethnically diverse nations in the world.
A few more languages, such as Hindi, Swahili, Tamil, Urdu, German, Dutch, Portuguese, Italian, and Greek, are spoken in South Africa in addition to these 11 official languages. A small number of native creoles and pidgins are also spoken there.
Multilingual nature of south Africa
The people of South Africa are multilingual. According to an approximate estimate based on Census 2001 first-language statistics and a 2002 study of second-language speakers, the average South African, including men, women, and children, speaks 2.84 languages. It goes without saying that while many people can only speak one language, others are fluent in three, four, or even more.
Races of people who speak the languages
Persons who speak English and Afrikaans (primarily people of color, Indian descent, and white South Africans) are generally fairly fluent in one another’s languages but tend to be less skilled in African languages. In the black South, multilingualism is widespread.
What are the house hold languages
Only in the cities—Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban—is English the predominate first language. The rest of the country makes extensive use of English as a second language. The media promotes English and encourages its usage as a universal language of communication.
To get a job and to work, however, many South Africans are required to learn English and frequently Afrikaans as well. These are frequently persons who lack access to a quality education and are hence poorer. Speaking several languages is considered to be sophisticated in other parts of the world. Multilingualism is a common accomplishment of the people in South Africa. It is a difficult task, especially in languages from very different families
Advantages of being multilingual in South Africa
Being multilingual in South Africa has several benefits. The fact that it enables you to communicate with a wider spectrum of people is one of its most evident benefits. This is especially helpful in a nation with 11 official languages like South Africa. Speaking more than one language increases your ability to communicate with more people and improves your ability to comprehend them.
The ability to find employment is another benefit of being multilingual. Many businesses in South Africa are looking for workers with multilingual skills. This is done so that they can speak to their clients or consumers in their own language. Having the ability to speak multiple languages will be an advantage.
Being bilingual can also improve your understanding of various cultures. You will be better able to comprehend another country’s culture and way of life if you are able to speak the language that is used there. Making new acquaintances and learning about various cultures can both be accomplished through this.
