The language you've probably never heard of despite being spoken by 6.6m people

Sesotho, a Bantu language from the Niger-Congo language family, boasts a rich history dating back to the first millennium AD. Despite its significant number of speakers (almost 7 million worldwide), it remains relatively unknown on the global stage.

Sesotho's origins trace back to the southward migration of Bantu-speaking peoples across the African continent. It developed in the region that is now Lesotho and adjacent areas of South Africa and Botswana.

Today, Sesotho holds official language status in both South Africa and Lesotho. It is spoken by over 7 million people, either as a first or second language.

In South Africa, it is predominantly used in the Free State and Gauteng provinces, while in Lesotho, nearly the entire population speaks Sesotho. There are also smaller speaker groups in Zimbabwe and Namibia.

The distribution of Sesotho speakers includes 4,552,000 in South Africa, making up 7.6 percent of the population, 1,960,000 in Lesotho, where it is spoken by 85 percent of the population, and 49,000 in Zimbabwe, constituting 0.3 percent of the population.

The language began to solidify in the early 19th century under King Moshoeshoe I, who formed the Basotho kingdom. This unification under a common linguistic and cultural identity helped to consolidate various Sotho-Tswana groups.

During the colonial period under British and Dutch rule, Sesotho became an administrative language in certain regions of South Africa.

Missionaries also played an important role in developing a standardized written form, facilitating its spread through schools and religious publications. Bible translations and other educational materials in Sesotho were pivotal in promoting literacy and the language's broader use.

Sesotho's role extends beyond daily communication; it is a symbol of cultural unity and identity for the Basotho people. The language's official status in South Africa and Lesotho highlights its importance in regional politics and education.

With ongoing efforts to promote and preserve Sesotho through educational programs and media, such as Sesotho modules in school, its future looks promising. 

The language's rich literary tradition, coupled with its significant speaker base, ensures that Sesotho will continue to be a vital part of the cultural landscape in Southern Africa.