Khoekhoe

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A language of Namibia

ISO 639-3
naq
Alternate Names
Bergdamara, “Hottentot” (pej.), Khoekhoegowab, Khoekhoegowap, Maqua, Nama, Namakwa, Naman, Namaqua, Tama, Tamakwa, Tamma
Population

200,000 in Namibia (2006). Population total all countries: 251,100.

Location

Erongo, Kunene, and Otjozondjupa (Otiwarongo area) regions; south central near Ikaras and Hardap regions.

Language Maps
Language Status

4 (Educational). Recognized language (2001, Education Act No. 16, Article 35), implemented by Ministry of Education, 2003.

Classification
Khoe-Kwadi, Khoe, Khoekhoe, Nama
Dialects

Bondelswarts-Nama (Bondelswarts), Central Damara (Central Dama), Central Nama (Nama), Namidama, Sesfontein-Dama (Sesfontein Damara), Topnaar-Nama (Topnaar). Lexical similarity: Sesfontein Damara over 80% with central dialects, 80% with Haiom [hgm] (Haacke 2008).

Typology

SOV.

Language Use

Can be studied up to doctoral level at University of Namibia, also used in administration. Used as L2 by Hai||om [hgm].

Language Development
Taught in primary and secondary schools. Radio programs. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1966.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Khoekhoe
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Also spoken in:

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