Languages of South Africa

High school (ages 12+)
People & Society

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/languages-of-south-africa

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the location?Southernmost country on the African continent
2. What is the total languages spoken?Estimated to be over 35 languages, with many unofficial and indigenous languages
3. What languages are spoken in South Africa?South Africa has more than thirty-five languages. Twelve of them are official, including English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, and South African Sign Language.
4. Why is South African Sign Language an official language?South African Sign Language was added as an official language in May 2023. It shows that the country values the deaf community and treats sign language as a full language with its own grammar.

Lingua Franca: A common language used by speakers of different native languages to communicate.
Linguistic Heritage: The collection of languages and their associated cultural traditions passed down through generations.
Post-Apartheid Linguistic Policy: Government strategies implemented after apartheid to promote equality and recognition of all languages.
Marginalized Languages: Languages that have limited use and recognition, often spoken by smaller or less powerful communities.