Tjwao dialect
Moribund Khoe language of western Zimbabwe / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Tjwao (formerly Tshwao) is an endangered Khoe language spoken by fewer than 8 people in the Tsholotsho District of Zimbabwe, all over 60 years of age.[1][2][3] A slightly larger group of 100 have passive or partial knowledge of the language.
Quick Facts Native to, Native speakers ...
Tjwao | |
---|---|
Tshwao | |
Native to | Zimbabwe |
Native speakers | <20 (2014)[1] |
Official status | |
Official language in | Zimbabwe (as "Koisan") |
Language codes | |
ISO 639-3 | – |
Glottolog | tjwa1234 |
Close
It is the only Khoisan language in Zimbabwe, where "Koisan" is an officially recognised language in the constitution.
Tjwao belongs to the Tshwa (Tsoa-Kua) cluster of East Kalahari Khoe languages. It is very similar to the varieties of Ganade noted by Westphal and Traill. Although mentioned by scholars for several decades, documentation of the language only began in 2012.