Language Information by Source

A sociolinguistic survey of the languages of Botswana

Sue Hasselbring. 2000. "A Sociolinguistic Survey of the Languages of Botswana." v. 1: 1-142. Basarwa Languages Project, Collaborative Basarwa Research Programme of the Univ. of Botswana & Univ. of Tromsø.

Severely Endangered
80 percent certain, based on the evidence available
20,000
Native Speakers Worldwide
Domains of Use

Domain Of Use 5

Used only in a few very specific domains, such as in ceremonies, songs, prayer, proverbs, or certain limited domestic activities.

5
Transmission

Transmission 4

Many of the grandparent generation speak the language, but younger people generally do not.

4

Speakers

Native or fluent speakers:
No results found.
Second-language speakers and learners
No results found.
Semi-speakers or rememberers
No results found.
Children:
No results found.
Young adults
No results found.
Older adults
No results found.
Elders
No results found.
Ethnic or community population
No results found.
Year information was gathered
No results found.
Comments on speakers
"Some Bible translation efforts were begun in the 1960's but no portions of the Bible were published. Recently the Kamanakao Association was formed by Yeyi speakers who are interested in developing and preserving their language."

Location and Context

Countries
Botswana, Namibia, Zambia
Location Description

Northwest, Boteti, Ghanzi District, Botswana; Namibia; Zambia

Government Support
No results found.
Institutional Support
No results found.
Speakers' Attitude
Positive
Other Languages Used By The Community
Tswana, Kalanga, English, Herero, Nambya, Ndebele, Khoesan, Kuhane, Deti
Number of Other Language Speakers:
None
Domains of Other Languages:
With spouse, with children, among friends, at the lands or cattle post, by the chief, kgotla, at the clinic, singing to oneself, church, prayer, reading/writing

Writing Systems

Standard orthography:
No results found.
Writing system:
Yes
Other writing systems used:
No results text.
Comments on writing systems:
"An orthography conference for Yeyi was held in April 1997 at which an orthography for Yeyi was presented and agreed upon."

Community Members