Languages of Botswana: Setswana Dominates, 20+ Others Spoken

Official language: **English** (government, education, business, law).

National language (lingua franca): **Setswana (Tswana)** — spoken by ~80% as first or second language.

Major Indigenous Languages (2022 estimates)

Sociolinguistic Notes

• Multilingualism is normative: Urban Batswana speak Setswana + English + often a third language.
• Education policy: Setswana medium Grades 1–3; English medium Grade 4+. Debate on extending mother-tongue.
• Media: Radio Botswana (Setswana/English), Botswana TV, private radio (Gabz FM, Yarona) — mostly Setswana/English.
• Language Board: Setswana Language Board standardizes orthography, terminology.

Key takeaway: Setswana = national glue; English = official gateway; 20+ minorities = cultural heritage (some endangered).