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The Xhosa are an ethnic group of people who migrated to the southeastern coast of South Africa before the 16th century. Currently, about eight million Xhosa people live in South Africa and around the world.
The Xhosa language, also called isiXhosa, is similar to the Zulu language. IsiXhosa speakers and isiZulu speakers are able to understand one another’s language. After isiZulu, isiXhosa is the most spoken native language in South Africa.
The world’s most famous Xhosa speaker is Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa.
Other famous isiXhosa speakers include: Dr. John Kani (who we will meet in a few days), President Thabo Mbeki, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Copyright © ProjectExplorer 2007
Text: Rebecca Marks & Ilana Fayerman
Image: Vanya Mangaliso, a Xhosa woman, by Meredith Claire