Revival of SiPhuthi: A Language's Remarkable Comeback in Lesotho

The siPhuthi language, spoken by a small community in southern Lesotho and parts of South Africa, has experienced a significant revival, culminating in its recent designation as an official language of Lesotho. This development is the result of collaborative efforts by local activists and linguists, aimed at preserving and promoting the language, which was previously at risk of extinction.

The Guardian

SiPhuthi is one of the many languages globally facing extinction, with UNESCO estimating that half of the world’s 7,000 languages could disappear by the end of the century. Linguists like Ross Perlin emphasize that language loss is a tragedy, as languages encapsulate unique worldviews and cultural practices. The siPhuthi community, primarily located in the Daliwe valley, has historically faced challenges from dominant languages such as Sesotho and Xhosa.

The Guardian

The revival efforts have been spearheaded by linguists Sheena Shah and Matthias Brenzinger, who began documenting siPhuthi in 2016. They partnered with local community members, including Malillo Mpapa, who became a language consultant, and Letzadzo Kometsi, president of Libadla le baPhuthi, an association advocating for siPhuthi's recognition. Their work has included recording oral histories and developing educational materials.

The Guardian

The official recognition of siPhuthi in August 2022 marked a pivotal moment for the community. Letzadzo Kometsi expressed satisfaction with this achievement, noting the need for government support to implement the language's new status in educational settings. The community believes that teaching children in their mother tongue will enhance learning outcomes and help break the cycle of poverty.

The Guardian

Despite the positive developments, challenges remain. Teachers like Bongani Peete have reported that previous policies forced children to learn in English and Sesotho, leading to difficulties in their education. Peete expressed relief at the news of siPhuthi's official status, stating, “I feel so bad” about punishing children for speaking their native language. The community's desire for mother-tongue education is supported by research indicating its benefits for learning.

The Guardian

From 2019 to 2022, Shah and Brenzinger hosted workshops to establish an orthography for siPhuthi and are set to publish a 3,000-word dictionary. Additionally, a group of trained linguists is translating the Bible into siPhuthi, which has been well-received by the community. Phuthi Mats’abisa, a translator, noted the pride that comes with having religious texts in their language, stating, “Before the Bible, I thought [siPhuthi] was going to perish.”

The Guardian

While the revival of siPhuthi is promising, the language still faces threats from dominant national languages. Brenzinger highlighted that the real danger comes not from English or French, but from local languages that overshadow siPhuthi. The community's ongoing efforts to promote and teach siPhuthi will be crucial in ensuring its survival.

The Guardian

• “I feel like my mission is accomplished,” — Letzadzo Kometsi, President of Libadla le baPhuthi

The Guardian

• “Before the Bible, I thought [siPhuthui] was going to perish.” — Phuthi Mats’abisa, Translator

The Guardian

• “I need everyone to be allowed to express his or herself in his or her language.” — Bongani Peete, Teacher at Daliwe Primary School

The Guardian

The revival of siPhuthi represents a significant cultural resurgence, reflecting the community's resilience and commitment to preserving their linguistic heritage.

The Guardian