Learn how to greet in the eleven official languages

Among some of the things we are most proud of in this country is the different languages we speak. The rainbow nation has eleven official languages spoken in various parts of the country and by people from many different backgrounds.

We take a look at the different greetings in all the official languages in Mzansi.

Afrikaans. This language is spoken in all the provinces in the country. Most people in South Africa know how to speak Afrikaans and it is one of the popular subjects in schools.

Hello - Hallo

How are you? - Hoe gaan dit met jou/u?

I’m fine, thanks - Goed, dankie

Sepedi is a language spoken by Bapedi. The majority of the Bapedi tribe resides in Limpopo province.

Hello - Thobela or Realotsha

How are you? - Lekae?

I'm fine - Re gona

Setswana and Sesotho have many similarities. The languages are closely related and even their greetings are the same, and is mostly spoken in Gauteng and the Free State.

Hello - Dumelang

How are you? - Okae?

I'm fine - Ke teng

Ndebele is a language spoken by amaNdebele. The amaNdebele people mostly live in Mpumalanga.   

Hello - Lotjhani or Sanibonani

How are you? - Nivuke njani?

I’m fine? - Sivukile

Tsonga. This language is spoken by Tsonga people and is mostly spoken in Limpopo.

Hello - Avuxeni

How are you? - Kunjhani?

I’m fine - Ndzi pfukile

Venda. Venda is a popular language in Limpopo and most Vhavenda people live near the South African-Zimbabwean border.

Hello - Aa!

How are you? - Hurini?

I'm fine - Ndi hone

Xhosa is a language spoken by Bantu ethnic group of South Africa mainly found in the Eastern and Western Cape.

Hello - Molweni

How are you? - Ninjani?

I'm fine - Ndiphilile.

Zulu and Swati are Nguni languages spoken by people who reside in Kwa-Zulu Natal and Swaziland. Their greeting is similar.

Hello - Sawubona

How are you? - Kunjani?

I’m fine - Ngiyaphila.

How many of these languages can you speak? Share with us in the comment section below.

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