Page Type: languageHerero | Ethnologue

HER ISO 639-3

Herero

Otjiherero Autonym

A language of Namibia

ISO 639
her
Alternate Names
Ochiherero, Otshiherero, Ovaherero
Autonym
Otjiherero
Population
210,000 in Namibia (2018). Total users in all countries: 248,700.
Location:
Kunene region: Sesfontein north to Angola border area; Omaheke region; Otjozondjupa region: Otumborombonga, southeast corner and central area.
Language Status
4 (Educational). Recognized language (2009, National Curriculum, Basic Education, Sections 4.1.5.1 and 5.5), mainly used as education medium in primary grades.
Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, R, Herero (R.30)
Dialects
Mbandieru (East Herero, Mbanderu), Central Herero, Himba (Otjihimba, Ovahimba).
Language Development
Literature. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1987.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Herero
Writing
Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments
Erroneously called ‘Damara’. Traditional religion, Christian.

Also Spoken in

Language Name
Himba
User Population
20,000 in Angola (2018 L. Jordan).
Location
Cunene province: Cahama and Curoca municipalities; Namibe province: Tombua municipality.
Language Status
6a (Vigorous)
View other languages of Angola
Language Name
Herero
User Population
18,700 in Botswana (2015 UNSD).
Location
Central district: Letlhakane, Mahalapye, Mokoboxane, Rakops, and Toromoja; Ghanzi district: Charles Hill, Dekar, Dryhoek, Ghanzi, Makunda, and New Kanagas; Kgalagadi district: Omaweneno, Tsabong, and Werd; Kgatleng district: Morwa; North West district: Gomare, Makakung, Maun, Nokaneng, Nxaunxau, Sehitwa, Shakawe, and western cattleposts; scattered among other ethnic groups.
Language Status
5 (Dispersed)
Other Comments
Spoken by the Ovaherero and Ovambanderu peoples. Erroneously called ‘Damara’. Most came as refugees from Namibia in the early 1900s. Christian, traditional religion.
View other languages of Botswana

Map

Location: Kunene region: Sesfontein north to Angola border area; Omaheke region; Otjozondjupa region: Otumborombonga, southeast corner and central area.