Definition

Noun 1. A Sotho dialect: "Basuto" refers to the dialect of the Sotho language spoken by the Basotho people. It is one of the official languages of the Kingdom of Lesotho. 2. An official language: Specifically, "Basuto" denotes this language in its capacity as a national and official language of Lesotho.

Usage Examples

• As a language name:
  • Basuto is taught in schools throughout Lesotho.
  • She is fluent in both English and Basuto.
  • The government document was published in Basuto.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Linguistic Context: The term "Basuto" is historically used to refer to the language. In modern linguistic and official contexts, the language is more precisely and commonly called Sesotho or Southern Sotho.
  • While "Basuto" appears in older texts, "Sesotho" is the preferred contemporary term.

Variants and Related Words

• Sesotho (n): The modern and standard name for the language referred to as Basuto. It is the endonym (the name used by its speakers).
• Southern Sotho (n): The linguistic classification for this language, distinguishing it from Northern Sotho (Sepedi).
• Basotho (n, plural): The people who speak Sesotho/Basuto, primarily inhabiting Lesotho and South Africa.
• Mosotho (n, singular): A single member of the Basotho people.

Synonyms

• Sesotho
• Southern Sotho

Notes on Usage

• The word "Basuto" is primarily encountered in historical documents or older references. In current usage, Sesotho is the correct and respectful term for the language. Using "Sesotho" aligns with the preference of the language community itself.

Noun

1. the dialect of Sotho spoken by the Basotho; an official language of Lesotho