Herero language facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Herero |
|
|---|---|
| Otjiherero | |
| Native to |  Namibia Botswana |
| Region | Kunene, Omaheke and Otjozondjupa in Namibia; Ghanzi in Botswana |
| Native speakers | 237,000 (date missing) |
| Language family |
Niger–Congo
|
| People | Ovaherero |
|---|---|
| Language | Otjiherero |
The Herero language (Herero: Otjiherero) is a Bantu language. It belongs to the larger Niger-Congo group of languages. People called the Herero people speak this language. They live in Namibia and Botswana. About 237,000 people speak Herero in these two countries. Most of them, around 206,000, live in Namibia.
Contents
Where Herero is Spoken
Herero is spoken in a special area called Hereroland. This area is in Namibia. It includes regions like Omaheke, Otjozondjupa, and Kunene. The Himba people are related to the Herero. They speak a dialect that is very similar to Herero. Many people in Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia, also speak Herero.
Writing and History of Herero
The Herero language uses the Latin alphabet for writing. This is the same alphabet used for English. The first book written in Herero was a translation of the Bible. A missionary named Gottlieb Viehe (1839-1901) translated it. Another missionary, Father Peter Heinrich Brincker (1836-1904), also translated many religious books and songs into Herero.
Herero in Education and Media
Herero is an important language in Namibia. It is taught in schools across the country. You can also study it at the University of Namibia. The Namibian State Radio (NBC) uses Herero in its radio shows. It is one of six minority languages used for broadcasts. As of 2008, Gamsberg Macmillan had published the only dictionary for the Herero language.
See also
- In Spanish: Idioma herero para niños
