Language in Namibia

English carries national government, legislation, formal education policy and communication across regions. Home languages remain central to regional information, family life, cultural identity, oral traditions, music and community participation. Namibia has no single national language authority for the whole system, and the languages recorded in national statistics do not have equal official status. Regional patterns differ sharply. The 2023 Census recorded Khoekhoegowab as the main household language in Hardap at 41.9%, followed by Afrikaans at 39.4%, while Oshikwanyama accounted for 5.9%. In Otjozondjupa, Otjiherero accounted for 25.8%, Khoekhoegowab 17.0%, Oshikwanyama 14.2%, Afrikaans 9.3% and English 5.1%. Oshiwambo dominates in Oshana, while urban areas generally contain a wider mix of languages. Census categories describe languages and language groups rather than a single national dialect system. The San category also combines languages that are substantially different. Rugciriku and Rushambyu use Rumanyo as a shared teaching medium in some educational contexts. Namibia’s Language Policy and EMIS 2022 provide for mother-tongue education in Grades 1–3. Mother-tongue education uses the learner’s main home language as the teaching medium. A different medium, typically English, may be used following a parent recommendation. Actual access depends on the school, available teachers, learner numbers and the language offered locally. San and Setswana learners have less frequent access to mother-tongue instruction, while Namibian Sign Language is available in some resource and inclusive schools. Mixed urban home languages, teacher shortages and private English-language schools contribute to wider use of English. EMIS 2022 recorded Oshikwanyama as the home language of 24.6% of learners, Oshindonga 11.5% and Khoekhoegowab 10.3%; Oshiwambo language groups together represented 40.0% of the school population. The Constitution permits other teaching languages in private or state-funded and subsidised schools under legal conditions. It also allows other languages for legislative, administrative and judicial purposes in regions with a substantial component of speakers. This does not create a general nationwide right to receive every public service in every local language. Courts generally use English. Witnesses may use another language, and documents or proceedings may require an interpreter or certified translation. Availability varies by case, region and institutional resources. No general fee for using English in public administration has been established, but private translation, language lessons and additional interpreting services may cost money, and no nationwide tariff or deadline applies to all local-language services. Broadcasting provides additional regional access. NBC National FM broadcasts in English and has reported 98% reach. Other NBC language services include Hartklop FM in Afrikaans, KATI in Oshiwambo and Omurari in Otjiherero. Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia spectrum records also include Damara/Nama, German, Lozi or Silozi, Rukavango, Setswana, !Na, French and other language channels. Parliamentary motions and committee reporting in 2025 documented an ongoing process concerning recognition of Namibian Sign Language; a 2026 National Council recruitment notice for two sign-language interpreters shows practical institutional use, but does not establish completed official-language status.