Verified Facts
The official language of Namibia is English, but the country has a diverse linguistic landscape with many other languages widely spoken, including Oshiwambo, Afrikaans, and German.
Quick Facts
Language Overview
Namibia is a multilingual country with a diverse range of languages spoken across the country. The most widely spoken languages are Oshiwambo, Afrikaans, and German, in addition to English, which is the official language. Oshiwambo is spoken by around 50% of the population, primarily in the north, while Afrikaans is widely spoken in the south. German is also spoken by a significant minority, particularly in the capital city of Windhoek. The country has a high level of English proficiency, making it relatively easy for tourists to communicate and navigate. However, learning a few basic phrases in the local languages can go a long way in showing respect and appreciation for the culture.
The linguistic landscape of Namibia is also characterized by regional dialects and minority languages. For example, the Herero language is spoken by the Herero people, who are primarily found in the central and eastern parts of the country. The Nama language is spoken by the Nama people, who are found in the southern parts of the country. These languages are an important part of Namibian culture and identity, and efforts are being made to preserve and promote them.
English is widely understood in Namibia, particularly in urban areas and among the business community. However, in rural areas, the level of English proficiency may be lower, and it is not uncommon for people to speak little or no English. In these situations, it can be helpful to learn a few basic phrases in the local languages or to carry a phrasebook or dictionary.
Essential Phrases
| English | Local Language | Pronunciation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hallo (Afrikaans) | HA-lo | Formal |
| Hello | Shikwama (Oshiwambo) | SHEE-kwah-mah | Informal |
| Thank you | Dankie (Afrikaans) | DAHN-kee | Formal |
| Thank you | Nangolo (Oshiwambo) | NAHN-goh-loh | Informal |
| Please | Asseblief (Afrikaans) | AH-seh-blee-ef | Formal |
| Please | Mongekela (Oshiwambo) | moh-NGEH-keh-lah | Informal |
| Yes / No | Ja / Nee (Afrikaans) | YAH / NAY | Formal |
| Yes / No | Ee / Oo (Oshiwambo) | AY / OH | Informal |
| Excuse me | Verskoon my (Afrikaans) | fur-SKOON MAY | Formal |
| Excuse me | Ndapita (Oshiwambo) | nn-DAH-pee-tah | Informal |
| How much? | Hoeveel kos dit? (Afrikaans) | HOO-vayl kohs dit | Formal |
| How much? | Pepi ngapi? (Oshiwambo) | PEH-pee ngah-pee | Informal |
| Where is...? | Waar is...? (Afrikaans) | VAHR iss | Formal |
| Where is...? | Lapi...? (Oshiwambo) | LAH-pee | Informal |
| I don't understand | Ek verstaan nie (Afrikaans) | AYK vehr-STAHN nee | Formal |
| I don't understand | Ondi li owi (Oshiwambo) | ohn-DEE lee OH-wee | Informal |
| Do you speak English? | Praat jy Engels? (Afrikaans) | BRAH-t YOO ehn-guls | Formal |
| Do you speak English? | Oyi li owi riEnglish? (Oshiwambo) | OH-yee lee OH-wee ree ehn-guls | Informal |
| Help! | Help! (Afrikaans) | HAYLP | Formal |
| Help! | Ondi pata (Oshiwambo) | ohn-DEE pah-tah | Informal |
| Goodbye | Totsiens (Afrikaans) | TOH-tseenz | Formal |
| Goodbye | Shi na sha (Oshiwambo) | SHEE nah SHAH | Informal |
| Sorry | Jammer (Afrikaans) | YAH-mehr | Formal |
| Sorry | Nda pandula (Oshiwambo) | nn-DAH pahn-DOO-lah | Informal |
Numbers & Bargaining
| Number | Local Word | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Een (Afrikaans) | AYN |
| 2 | Twee (Afrikaans) | TWAY |
| 3 | Drie (Afrikaans) | DREE |
| 4 | Vier (Afrikaans) | FEE-ehr |
| 5 | Vyf (Afrikaans) | FAYF |
| 6 | Ses (Afrikaans) | SEHS |
| 7 | Sewe (Afrikaans) | SAY-vuh |
| 8 | Agt (Afrikaans) | AKT |
| 9 | Nege (Afrikaans) | NAY-guh |
| 10 | Tien (Afrikaans) | TEEN |
| 100 | Een honderd (Afrikaans) | AYN HOHN-durht |
| 1000 | Een duisend (Afrikaans) | AYN DOY-zent |
Communication Tips
- When interacting with locals, it's customary to use formal titles such as "Mr." or "Mrs." until you're explicitly invited to use first names.
- Body language is important in Namibian culture, and it's considered polite to use both hands when giving or receiving something.
- Avoid using gestures that may be considered rude, such as pointing with the left hand or using the "thumbs up" sign.
- In rural areas, it's not uncommon for people to be more reserved and formal, so it's a good idea to dress modestly and avoid public displays of affection.
- When asking for help, it's a good idea to approach someone who appears to be in a position of authority, such as a police officer or a shopkeeper.
- Learn a few basic phrases in the local languages, such as "hello" and "thank you," to show respect and appreciation for the culture.
- Be patient and don't be afraid to ask for clarification if you don't understand something.
Translation Tools & Resources
- Google Translate is a useful app that can help you communicate in Afrikaans and other languages.
- The Lonely Planet phrasebook is a comprehensive resource that covers a range of languages, including Afrikaans and Oshiwambo.
- The Duolingo language learning app offers courses in Afrikaans and other languages, which can be a fun and interactive way to learn.
- The Namibian government website offers a range of resources and information in English, including tourist guides and language phrasebooks.
- Consider hiring a local guide or taking a language course to get a more in-depth understanding of the culture and language.