Shiyeyi

Abstract

Although it is believed to be the language of a major ethnic group known as Wayeyi, Shiyeyi is only spoken by a small number of adults, and this makes it a minor and, therefore, endangered language in Botswana. Because of its extended relationship with other regional languages, Shiyeyi has acquired linguistic features that make it an isolate in the Zone R of Bantu languages. Recent language development efforts for Shiyeyi have resulted in its revitalization and the recognition of its speakers as an autonomous ethnic group, complete with its cultural and customary rights. Even with fewer fluent speakers than the ethnic population, this speech community is determined to revive its language. As such it can be said that Shiyeyi stands a chance of getting transmitted to the younger generation, alongside the culture it encodes. This will keep the Shiyeyi language in use, regardless of the pressure exerted by the employment of the national and international languages of Setswana and English.