ABSTRACT
This chapter investigates current language and literacy issues in the African country of Botswana. Botswana is located in the interior of Southern Africa. It is bordered by Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and South Africa. The number of languages spoken in Botswana is estimated to be at least 25. English is the declared official language, the language of government and administration, science and technology, educational and international relations. It is the medium of instruction for all subjects at primary and secondary school levels except for Setswana classes. Thus, for some languages spoken in Botswana, it is not easy to distinguish between a language and a dialect. The minority languages have no official status in Botswana. Setswana is also spoken in some parts of neighboring Namibia and South Africa. English, as a foreign colonial language, is the official language in Botswana and associated with socioeconomic power. In the domain of religion, local languages or Setswana are used for services.
