The functional distribution of Setswana and English in Botswana
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Date
2003Author
Bagwasi, M.M.
Publisher
Multilingual Matters and Channel View Publications, http://www.multilingual matters.comType
Published ArticleMetadata
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In multilingual societies such as Botswana, language use is an extremely complex matter, further compounded by the fact that the languages involved are themselves
dynamic phenomena that often elude the planned outcomes of policies which try
to shape and constrain them. The paper describes the functional distribution of the
national language Setswana, spoken as a mother tongue by 80% of the population,
and English, the official language in Botswana. The role of the two languages is
outlined, with particular regard to cultural identity, on the one hand, and social and economic status on the other.