Nama

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A language of Namibia

ISO 639-3
naq
Alternate Names
Berdama, Bergdamara, “Hottentot” (pej.), Kakuya Bushman, Khoekhoe, Khoekhoegowab, Khoekhoegowap, Maqua, Namakwa, Naman, Namaqua, Nasie, Rooi Nasie, Tama, Tamakwa, Tamma
Population

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

Location

South central to Orange River, Great Namaland.

Language Maps
Language Status

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

Classification
Khoisan, Southern Africa, Central, Nama
Dialects

‡Akhoe, Bondelswarts, Central Damara (Central Dama), Central Nama, Ghaub Damara, Gobabis, Namidama, Sesfontein Damara, Topnaar. Lexical similarity: Sesfontein Damara over 80% with central dialects, 80% with Haiom [hgm].

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 Nama
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Also spoken in:

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