Lozi language facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lozi |
|
|---|---|
| Native to | Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa |
| Region | Western Zambia, Zambezi |
| Native speakers | (725,000 cited 1982–2010 census)e18 |
| Language family |
Niger–Congo
|
| Writing system | Latin (Lozi alphabet) Zambian Braille |
| Recognised minority language in | Zambia |
| Guthrie code | K.20 (K.21) |
| Linguasphere | 99-AUT-ef |
Lozi, also known as Silozi or Rozi, is a language spoken mainly in Africa. It belongs to the Bantu language family. This family is part of the larger Niger-Congo group of languages.
About 725,000 people speak Lozi. Most Lozi speakers live in southwestern Zambia. You can also find Lozi speakers in Zimbabwe, Botswana, and the Zambezi Region of Namibia. A small number of speakers are also in South Africa.
History of the Lozi Language
The Lozi language developed from a mix of two older languages. These languages were called Luyana and Kololo. Over time, these languages blended together to form what we now know as Lozi.
Understanding Lozi: An Example
To help you understand the Lozi language, here is an example. This is Article 1 from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is an important document. It lists the basic rights and freedoms that everyone should have.
Here is Article 1 in Lozi:
Taba ya 1: Batu kaufela ba pepilwe inge ba lukuluhile ni liswanelo ze swana. Ba ba ni swanelo ya ku nahana mi ba swanela ku ba ni likezo za buzwale ku mutu yo mung'wi.
—in Lozi
And here is the same article translated into English:
Article 1: All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
—in English
See also
In Spanish: Idioma lozi para niños
