Alternate Names: Pedi, Sepedi, Sesotho sa Leboa, Transvaal Sotho
Dialects: Dzwabo (Thabine-Roka-Nareng), Gananwa (Hananwa, Xananwa), Kgaga (Khaga, Kxaxa), Khutswe (Khutswi, Kutswe), Koni (Kone), Kopa (Ndebele-Sotho), Lobedu (Khelobedu, Lovedu, Lubedu), Masemola (Masemula, Tau), Matlala-Moletshi, Pai, Phalaborwa (Phalaburwa, Thephalaborwa), Pulana, Tlokwa (Dogwa, Tlokoa, Tokwa), Tswene (Tsweni). Dialects Pai, Kutswe, and Pulana are more divergent and sometimes called ‘Eastern Sotho’.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 4,620,000 in South Africa (2011 census), increasing. Population total all countries: 4,631,000. L2 users: 9,100,000 in South Africa.
Language Development: Taught in primary and secondary schools. Radio programs. TV. Bible: 1904–2000.
Spoken In: South Africa
Writing System: Braille, Latin
Nation of Origin: South Africa
Other Comments: Christian, traditional religion.