Editing Xhosa language (section)

==Role in modern society==
{{see also|Xhosa literature}}
The role of [[languages of Africa|indigenous languages]] in South Africa is complex and ambiguous. Their use in education has been governed by legislation, beginning with the [[Bantu Education Act, 1953]].<ref name="ucla" />

At present, Xhosa is used as the main language of instruction in many primary schools and some secondary schools, but is largely replaced by English after the early primary grades, even in schools mainly serving Xhosa-speaking communities. The language is also studied as a subject in such schools.

The language of instruction at [[List of universities in South Africa|universities in South Africa]] is English (or Afrikaans, to a diminishing extent<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.languagemagazine.com/2019/04/18/afrikaans-phased-out |title=Afrikaans Phased Out |date=April 18, 2019 |magazine=[[Language Magazine]]}}</ref>), and Xhosa is taught as a subject, both for native and for non-native speakers.

Literary works, including prose and poetry, are available in Xhosa, as are newspapers and magazines. The [[South African Broadcasting Corporation]] broadcasts in Xhosa on both radio (on Umhlobo Wenene FM) and television, and films, plays and music are also produced in the language. The best-known performer of Xhosa songs outside South Africa was [[Miriam Makeba]], whose ''[[The Click Song|Click Song #1]]'' (Xhosa ''Qongqothwane'') and "Click Song #2" (''Baxabene Ooxam'') are known for their large number of click sounds.

{{As of|1996|alt=In 1996}}, the literacy rate for first-language Xhosa speakers was estimated at 50%.<ref name = "xho"/>

===Anthem===

''[[Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika]]'' is part of the [[national anthem of South Africa]], national anthem of [[Tanzania]] and [[Zambia]], and the former anthem of [[Zimbabwe]] and [[Namibia]]. It is a hymn written in Xhosa by [[Enoch Sontonga]] in 1897. The single original stanza was:

: ''Nkosi, sikelel' iAfrika;''
: ''Maluphakanyis' uphondo lwayo;''
: ''Yizwa imithandazo yethu''
: ''Nkosi sikelela, thina lusapho lwayo.''

: Lord, bless Africa;
: May her horn rise high up;
: Hear Thou our prayers
: Lord, bless us, its family (, the family of Africa).

Additional stanzas were written later by Sontonga and other writers, and the original verse was translated into Sotho and Afrikaans, as well as English.