Why is the south African s motto written in san language?

The South African motto, "ǃṰoṋ ǃṰoṋ ǃṰoṋ", is not actually written in the San language. It is written in the Nama language, a language spoken by the Nama people, who are distinct from the San people.

Here's why it's important to differentiate:

* San Languages: This is a diverse family of languages spoken by hunter-gatherer groups in Southern Africa. The exact number of San languages is debated, but there are at least 20 distinct ones.

* Nama Language: This is a Khoisan language spoken primarily by the Nama people, a pastoralist group who have historically interacted with the San people. While both San and Nama languages are considered "Khoisan" languages (due to their click consonants), they are distinct groups.

The motto's significance:

* Recognition of Indigenous Peoples: The adoption of the Nama motto in 1994, after the end of Apartheid, was a symbolic gesture of recognition and inclusion for the indigenous peoples of South Africa.

* Unity in Diversity: The motto, which translates to "Different people, different languages, united," emphasizes the importance of unity and diversity within South Africa.

* Historical Context: The Nama language has a rich history and has faced significant challenges throughout colonial periods. Including it in the national motto was a way of acknowledging and honoring the Nama people's resilience.

In summary, while the motto is often referred to as being in "San" language, it is more accurately described as being in the Nama language. This distinction is crucial for understanding the historical context and significance of the motto, and for recognizing the diversity of indigenous languages in South Africa.