Bechuana

/bətʃuˈɑnə/ noun

Definition

A member of a Bantu people of southern Africa, also called Tswana; or relating to their language and culture.

Etymology

From Setswana 'Bechuana,' referring to the Tswana people. The term was commonly used in colonial English to describe these communities, though 'Tswana' is now the preferred modern term respecting indigenous naming conventions.

Kelly Says

Colonial names for African peoples were often Anglicized and externally imposed—the Tswana called themselves 'Batswana' (plural) and 'Motswana' (singular), showing how language reveals power dynamics in history!

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