Alternate Names: Berdama, Bergdamara, “Hottentot” (pej.), Kakuya Bushman, Khoekhoe, Khoekhoegowab, Khoekhoegowap, Maqua, Namakwa, Naman, Namaqua, Nasie, Rooi Nasie, Tama, Tamakwa, Tamma
Dialects: ‡Akhoe, Bondelswarts, Central Damara (Central Dama), Central Nama, Ghaub Damara, Gobabis, Namidama, Sesfontein Damara, Topnaar. Lexical similarity: Sesfontein Damara over 80% with central dialects, 80% with Haiom ,.
Status Notes: Recognized language (2001, Education Act No. 16, Article 35), implemented by Ministry of Education, 2003.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 200,000 in Namibia (2006). Population total all countries: 251,100.
Language Use: Can be studied up to doctoral level at University of Namibia, also used in administration. Used as L2 by Hai||om [hgm].
Language Development: Taught in primary and secondary schools. Radio programs. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1966.
Typology: SOV.
Writing System: Latin
Nation of Origin: Namibia