Language Information

Swazi, more correctly called Siswati, is the national language of the kingdom of Swaziland in southern Africa. It is spoken by virtually the entire native population of the country, or about one million people, as well as an another one million in South Africa. Swazi is one of the Bantu languages, closely related to Zulu and Xhosa, and in fact can be readily understood by speakers of these languages.

South Africa, Swaziland.

Family: Niger-Congo
Subgroup: Benue-Congo
Branch: Bantu

Writing Sample

Translation

O God, bestower of tbe blessings of the Swazi,
We are thankful for all our good fortune;
We give praise and thanks for our King,
And for our country, its hills and rivers.
Bless those in authority in our land;
Thou only art our Almighty,
Give us wisdom without guile; Establish and strengthen us, Thou Everlasting.

—'Swazi National Anthem