Alternate Names: Shangaan, Shangana, Shitsonga, Thonga, Tonga, Xitsonga
Dialects: Changana (Xichangana), Gwamba (Gwapa), Hlave, Jonga (Dzonga), Kande, Luleke (Xiluleke), Nhlanganu (Shihlanganu), Nkuna, N’walungu (Shingwalungu), Songa, Xonga (Ssonga). ‘Tsonga’ is used to describe Changana ,, Tswa ,, and Ronga ,, although often used interchangeably with Changana, the most prestigious of the 3. All are recognized as languages, although inherently intelligible.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 2,280,000 in South Africa (2011 census), increasing. Population total all countries: 4,009,000. L2 users: 3,400,000 in South Africa.
Language Development: A language of secondary education. Radio programs. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1907–1989.
Spoken In: South Africa
Writing System: Braille, Latin
Nation of Origin: South Africa
Other Comments: Christian, traditional religion.