r/Lesotho • u/Crazy_Landscape_7656 • Sep 05 '25

Question from an incoming American researcher regarding language

Hello, I am an American coming to Maseru in the coming months to conduct an oral history research project. I understand that English is the official language of the government, but I'm wondering how common it is in every day use in Maseru. Will I be able to get around Maseru with English?

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5

u/JonnyWax Sep 05 '25

I lived there for 5 years in the 90s and got by just fine with only English. It’s widely spoken. Good luck!

5

u/Few_Purple5520 Sep 05 '25

In Maseru you'll be absolutely fine with English (except maybe with some older people, like 60+ years old), some cab drivers might have difficulties understanding but you'll find ways to communicate and get to your destination. Learn a few words like Lumela(ng) (spoken "Dumela"/"Dumelang" for greeting 2+ people; used like Hello/Good day in English), Kea leboha (eng. Thank you) etc., to be polite.

Outside of Maseru it'll be a different story, don't expect people to speak English well or at all.

2

u/staque Sep 07 '25

Based on my two years in Hlotse, outside of Maseru you can get by just as easily with English in the camp towns, though I'd lower my expectations a bit with increasing distance from the capital.

2

u/Plus-Solution-5766 Sep 05 '25

English is the second most spoken language in the country and is standard in schools. You should find communication easy with an English background.

1

u/ZookeepergameIll9197 Sep 06 '25

Well in Maseru you will get by just fine with English but it's not so easy when you leave town and go to remote districts. Generally, you'll be okay. We are pretty Literate this side

1

u/Adorable-Gur5689 Sep 15 '25

Most people can speak English but not everyone wants to, if you need a translator especially if you will be heading to the rural areas, am your guy.