By Katlego Sekhu
Today is International Mother Language Day, a day observed each year to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.
South Africa has 11 Official languages and although South African Sign Language is not yet an official language, the South African Schools Act stipulates that it should be regarded as an official language for the purposes of learning in public schools.
People often brag about being multilingual – especially joburgers but you’ll find that they speak only a selected few: English, isiZulu, and Sesotho.
What about Xitsonga, Tshivenda, Setswana, isiNdebele and isiXhosa?
Thomas grew up only hearing three languages. “In Cape Town, I only heard three languages, IsiXhosa English, and Afrikaans.”
Since moving to Joburg over twenty years ago, he tries to speak IsiXhosa as much as he can. “I try and speak IsiXhosa as much as I can and when I’m with my kids.”
Skhumba admits he can’t pick up the real difference between Sepedi, Setswana, and Sesotho but he’s willing to learn.
Sarah, who’s Tswana can speak English, Afrikaans, Sesotho, Sepedi, and a bit of Tshivenda.
Precious from Dawn Park shares, “I’m in logistics for ten years and there are always drivers from different parts of the country so I had to learn all the languages in South Africa.
Here’s what people are saying on social media
I can speak all 13 languages. Afrikaans just a bit, not much Venda send tsonga. The 13 includes Jozi and sepitori #ThomasAndSkhumba
— 🇿🇦Letsatsi Mohlomi🇱🇸🇦🇷 (@blk8528) February 21, 2022
Teboho/ LiTeboho ( SeSotho)
— _maradebe_lwandi (@_maradebe_) February 21, 2022
Tebogo/ DiTebogo ( SeTswana)
KeaLeboha ( SeSotho)
Ke kopa tshwarelo ( Setswana)
Traditional church Hymn books/ Sermons will force you to speak other languages, thats why kuno Toliki in most churches#ThomasAndSkhumba https://t.co/LUda1yTDhp
@KayaOnAir @thomasmsengana #ThomasAndSkhumba We love it in the morning in Setswana is “Re e rata mo Mesong”. In Sesotho is “Re e rata Hoseng”. Bread in Setswana is “Senkgwe”. In Sesotho is “Borotho”
— KEGO (@kego_job) February 21, 2022
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