What Languages Do They Speak In South Africa?
Explore the languages spoken in South Africa on an interactive map.
South Africa Languages: Quick Facts
Languages
11
Afrikaans, Zulu, Venda, English, Southern Soho, Swati, Tswana, Northern Sotho, Ndebele, Xhosa, Thonga
Population
59,390,000
Cost of living
~ $1190
Index: 23.8
Safety / crime index
Crime Index: 75.5
Language Spoken in South Africa Percentage
| Language | Percentage | Population |
|---|---|---|
ZuluOfficial | 25.3% | 15,025,670 |
XhosaOfficial | 14.8% | 8,789,720 |
AfrikaansOfficial | 12.2% | 7,245,580 |
Northern SothoOfficial | 10.1% | 5,998,390 |
TswanaOfficial | 9.1% | 5,404,490 |
EnglishOfficial | 8.1% | 4,810,590 |
Southern SohoOfficial | 7.9% | 4,691,810 |
ThongaOfficial | 3.6% | 2,138,040 |
SwatiOfficial | 2.8% | 1,662,920 |
VendaOfficial | 2.5% | 1,484,750 |
NdebeleOfficial | 1.6% | 950,240 |
Do They Speak English in South Africa?
English proficiency
Ranked #12 on the EF English Proficiency Index.
In short
In major cities, business districts, and tourist hubs across South Africa, you can usually get by very comfortably in English. Outside those areas, knowing some Afrikaans still helps.
FAQ
South Africa Language FAQ
Short answers to common questions about the main languages, English usage, and communication in South Africa.
People in South Africa speak Afrikaans, Zulu, Venda, English, Southern Soho, Swati, Tswana, Northern Sotho, Ndebele, Xhosa, Thonga.
Zulu is the most widely spoken language.
Zulu is spoken by about 25.3% of the population in South Africa.
That corresponds to roughly 15,025,670 people.
Yes, in most urban and professional settings. Outside the biggest cities, some Afrikaans can still be useful.
- What languages do they speak in South Africa?
People in South Africa speak Afrikaans, Zulu, Venda, English, Southern Soho, Swati, Tswana, Northern Sotho, Ndebele, Xhosa, Thonga.
Zulu is the most widely spoken language.
- How widely spoken is Zulu in South Africa?
Zulu is spoken by about 25.3% of the population in South Africa.
That corresponds to roughly 15,025,670 people.
- Can you get by with English in South Africa?
Yes, in most urban and professional settings. Outside the biggest cities, some Afrikaans can still be useful.
Looking For A Bilingual Job?
Sign up to get notified on the best bilingual jobs based on your language skills: