Language

Languages in South Africa

South Africa's linguistic diversity is reflected in its 12 official languages, though English dominates professional and public life.

Official Languages

1. Zulu (23% first language)
2. Xhosa (16%)
3. Afrikaans (14%)
4. English (9.6%)
5. Sepedi (Northern Sotho)
6. Setswana
7. Sesotho (Southern Sotho)
8. Xitsonga
9. siSwati
10. Tshivenda
11. isiNdebele
12. South African Sign Language (added 2023)

English Proficiency

English is the de facto lingua franca:

• Language of government and parliament
• Dominant in business and commerce
• Used in most media
• Primary language in quality schools
• Understood in all urban areas

Approximately 50% of South Africans have working English proficiency.

Regional Language Patterns

Cape Town:

• English and Afrikaans both widely spoken
• Atlantic Seaboard/Southern Suburbs: English dominant
• Northern Suburbs: More Afrikaans
• Xhosa in townships

Johannesburg:

• English dominant in business
• Zulu widely spoken
• Afrikaans in some suburbs

Durban:

• English and Zulu
• Indian community languages

Afrikaans

Afrikaans, derived from Dutch, is spoken by:

• 73% of Coloured community
• 58% of White community
• Common in Western Cape, Northern Cape, parts of Free State

Many road signs, especially outside major cities, include Afrikaans.

For Expats

Good news: English proficiency is sufficient for daily life in all major cities and tourist areas.

Useful to know:

• Basic Afrikaans helpful in rural Western Cape
• Some domestic workers may speak limited English
• Learning greetings in Zulu/Xhosa appreciated

Common South African English

South African English has unique terms:

• Robot: Traffic light
• Bakkie: Pickup truck
• Braai: Barbecue
• Lekker: Nice/great
• Now now: Soon (but not immediately)
• Just now: Later (could be hours)