Page Type: languageTsonga | Ethnologue

TSO ISO 639-3

Tsonga

Xitsonga Autonym

A language of South Africa

ISO 639
tso
Alternate Names
Shangaan, Shangana, Shitsonga, Thonga, Tonga, Vatsonga
Autonym
Xitsonga
Population
5,680,000 in South Africa, all users. L1 users: 2,280,000 in South Africa (2013 UNSD), increasing. L2 users: 3,400,000 (Webb 2002). Total users in all countries: 10,003,500 (as L1: 6,603,500; as L2: 3,400,000).
Location:
Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces.
Language Status
1 (National). Statutory national language (1996, Constitution, Article 6(1)). Statutory provincial language in Limpopo province (2012, Use of Official Languages Act, No. 12, Section 4(1)).
Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, S, Tswa-Rhonga (S.53)
Dialects
Luleke (Xiluleke), Gwamba (Gwapa), Changana (Xichangana), Hlave, Kande, N’walungu (Shingwalungu), Xonga (Ssonga), Jonga (Dzonga), Nkuna, Songa, Nhlanganu (Shihlanganu). ‘Tsonga’ is used to describe Changana [tso], Tswa [tsc], and Ronga [rng], although often used interchangeably with Changana, the most prestigious of the 3. All are recognized as languages, although inherently intelligible.
Language Development
A language of secondary education. Radio. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1907–1989.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Tsonga
Writing
Braille script [Brai]. Latin script [Latn], primary usage.
Other Comments
Christian, traditional religion.

Also Spoken in

Language Name
Tsonga
User Population
4,200,000 in Mozambique (2017).
Location
Cidade de Maputo, Gaza, and Maputo provinces; Inhambane province: west.
Dialects
Bila (Vila), Changana (Changa, Hanganu, Hlanganu, Langanu, Shangaan, Shangana, Shilanganu, Xichangana), Jonga (Djonga, Dzonga), Ngwalungu (Shingwalungu).
Language Status
5 (Dispersed)
Other Comments
Christian, traditional religion.
View other languages of Mozambique
Language Name
Tsonga
User Population
23,500 in Eswatini (2019).
Location
Scattered.
Language Status
5 (Dispersed)
Other Comments
Non-indigenous.
View other languages of Eswatini
Language Name
Tsonga
User Population
100,000 in Zimbabwe (Hachipola 1998).
Location
Masvingo province, Chiredzi, Mwenezi, and Zaka districts; near Mozambique border.
Dialects
Bila (Vila), Changana (Changa, Hanganu, Hlanganu, Langanu, Shangaan, Shangana, Shilanganu, Xichangana), Jonga (Djonga, Dzonga), Ngwalungu (Shingwalungu).
Language Status
4 (Educational)
Other Comments
Non-indigenous.
View other languages of Zimbabwe

Map

Location: Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces.