Abstract
The harmonisation of the Setswana Standard Orthographies of South Africa and Botswana is a critical linguistic and cultural initiative intended to promote unity, improve educational quality, and enhance cross-border communication among Setswana speakers. Although the two countries share a common linguistic ancestry, their orthographies developed separately due to historical, political, and regional influences. This study examines the feasibility of creating a unified orthography that reflects the shared linguistic features of Setswana while addressing the factors that led to the fragmentation of the previously unified 1937 standard. The research traces the historical development of the orthographies, highlighting how socio-political dynamics shaped the divergence between the two standards. It evaluates existing harmonisation efforts by bodies such as ACALAN and CASAS, noting that while differences exist in phonetic representation, vocabulary choices, and orthographic conventions, these variations are generally minor and insufficient to justify continued separation. Using regional integration theories—particularly neo-functionalism and (liberal) intergovernmentalism—the study argues that harmonisation is a realistic and beneficial cross-border initiative. A unified orthography would enable shared learning resources, reduce textbook production costs, improve literacy strategies, and strengthen cultural cohesion among Setswana-speaking communities across the region. Despite these benefits, challenges remain. Resistance from linguistic purists, nationalistic sentiments, and administrative constraints continue to impede progress. To address these obstacles, the study proposes a phased harmonisation strategy supported by strong government collaboration, inclusive stakeholder participation, and the establishment of a joint linguistic authority to guide standardisation. It further recommends the use of modern digital tools—such as spell-check systems and language-processing technologies—to support implementation and long-term sustainability. Overall, this study contributes to ongoing debates on African language standardisation and regional integration. It lays the groundwork for a unified Setswana orthography that balances linguistic consistency with cultural heritage preservation, ensuring that the language remains relevant, accessible, and cohesive across South Africa and Botswana.