The Ndebele language, or isiNdebele, is a Bantu language spoken by the Ndebele people of Zimbabwe and, to a lesser extent, in neighboring countries such as Zambia and Mozambique. It is one of the 16 official languages recognised in the Zimbabwean constitution. Ndebele is part of the larger Nguni language group, which also includes Zulu and Xhosa.

The Ndebele language is characterised by its distinctive linguistic features, including click consonants and a system of noun prefixes that indicate various grammatical features. The language has multiple dialects, with the Northern Ndebele dialect being the most widely spoken.

In Zimbabwe, Ndebele holds cultural significance, serving as a medium of communication in various aspects of daily life, including family, community, and traditional ceremonies. It is also used in educational settings, and efforts have been made to promote the use of indigenous languages in schools.

Despite the challenges posed by the dominance of English and other factors influencing linguistic diversity, Ndebele, with its rich oral traditions and cultural expressions, remains an essential part of the Ndebele people’s cultural identity. Initiatives to preserve and promote the Ndebele language include language advocacy, educational programmes, and community-based projects that aim to pass on the language to younger generations.