Southern Sotho, also known as Sesotho or Southern Sesotho, is one of the 11 official languages of South Africa. It is a Bantu language belonging to the Sotho-Tswana group within the larger Niger-Congo language family. Sesotho is primarily spoken by the Basotho people and is one of the national languages of Lesotho.

Linguistically, Sesotho is characterised by a system of noun classes, concords, and agglutination. It has a rich oral tradition and is known for its poetic and expressive qualities. The language has also adapted to written forms, and there is a significant body of literature, including newspapers, books, and educational materials, available in Sesotho.

Culturally, Sesotho is deeply integrated into the traditions and customs of the Basotho people. It plays a vital role in oral storytelling, folklore, and traditional ceremonies. The language is also an important medium for expressing identity and cultural heritage.

Efforts have been made to promote Sesotho through education, media, and cultural initiatives. However, like many indigenous languages, Sesotho faces challenges such as the dominance of major languages, limited resources for language development, and the impact of globalization. Nevertheless, there is a growing awareness of the importance of linguistic diversity, and steps are being taken to ensure the continued use and vitality of Sesotho in both South Africa and Lesotho.