A lexicostatistical survey of the Setswana dialects spoken in Botswana

Abstract

Setswana, spoken by more than 4 million people in Botswana, South Africa and Namibia, is the most widespread language in southern Africa in terms of geographical extent. Because of its large geographical area with originally limited interaction between the speakers, it has developed numerous varieties, some of which have become remarkably distinct in their phonological, morphological and lexical characteristics.