Language resources

Classification of bantu languages

1001 entries  ·  Last updated : 20/05/2026

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  • S33 Southern Sotho [sot], Sesotho
  • S401 † Old Mfengu, Fingo
  • S402 Bhaca, Baca
  • S403 Hlubi
  • S404 Phuthi
  • S405 Nhlangwini
  • S406 † Lala
  • S407 South Ndebele [nbl], Isikhethu, "Southern Transvaal Ndebele", incl. Nrebele, Ndzundza
  • S408 Sumayela Ndebele, "Northern Transvaal Ndebele"
  • S41 Xhosa [xho], Isixhosa, "Kaffir"

Bantu languages

and their classification

Which classification ?

The original reference is the classification by Malcolm Guthrie (1967–1971), which organises languages into geographical zones designated by letters (A to S, excluding I, O and Q), subdivided into numbered groups. Ex:

A74aBulu — Zone A, Group 70, Language 4, Variant a


This classification has been revised several times (Tervuren, Maho). It is intended to be continually expanded.