The Swati or Swazi language (Swati: siSwati, Zulu: isiSwazi) is a Bantu language of the Nguni group spoken in Swaziland and South Africa. The number of speakers is estimated to be in the region of 1.5 million. The language is taught in Swaziland and some South African schools in Mpumalanga and KaNgwane areas. Swati is an official language of Swaziland, (along with English), and is also one of the eleven official languages of South Africa.
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The Swati or Swazi language (Swati: siSwati, Zulu: isiSwazi) is a Bantu language of the Nguni group spoken in Swaziland and South Africa. The number of speakers is estimated to be in the region of 1.5 million. The language is taught in Swaziland and some South African schools in Mpumalanga and KaNgwane areas. Swati is an official language of Swaziland, (along with English), and is also one of the eleven official languages of South Africa.
Although the preferred term is Swati among native speakers, it is often referred to as Swazi: this is taken from the Zulu name for the language, isiSwazi. Swati is most closely related to the other "Tugela" Nguni language, Phuthi; but is also very close to the "Zunda" Nguni languages: Zulu, Southern Ndebele, Northern Ndebele, and Xhosa.
SiSwati spoken in Swaziland / eSwatini can be divided into four dialects corresponding to the four administrative regions of the country: Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini, and Shiselweni.
SiSwati has at least two varieties:...
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