Khwe

XUU

developing

Alternate Names: “Barakwena” (pej.), “Barakwengo” (pej.), Khoe, Kxoe, Kxoedam, “Mbarakwena” (pej.), “Water Bushmen” (pej.), Xun

Dialects: ||Anikhwe, ||Xo-Kxoe, ||Xom-Kxoe, Buga-Kxoe, Buma-Kxoe. Minor dialect differences within Khwe. Related to ||Ani ,, Naro ,, and Nama , but is quite distinct from each of these and not mutually intelligible.

Genealogy:

Khoisan
Southern Africa
Central
Tshu-Khwe
Northwest

Demographics: 2,900 in Namibia (2010 LBT). Population total all countries: 6,790.

Language Use: Vigorous. Many non-Khwe learn Khwe for interaction with Khwe. Positive attitudes. Also use Afrikaans [afr], English [eng], Pidgin Bantu [fng], Tswana [tsn].

Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: 10%–20%. Literacy rate in L2: 10%–20%. Radio programs. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible portions: 2010.

Writing System: Latin

Nation of Origin: Namibia

Other Comments: Traditional religion, Christian.