The Peace Corps Setswana Language Lessons is a free language learning resource developed by the United States Peace Corps. Originally created for volunteers preparing for service in Botswana, this course provides a practical introduction to the Setswana language through structured lessons, dialogues, and exercises grounded in real-world communication.

Setswana is spoken in communities across southern Africa, including Botswana, South Africa, and Namibia. This course is designed to help English speakers build the foundational skills needed for everyday conversation. Whether you are preparing for travel, volunteer work, or professional engagement, the course covers essential vocabulary, grammar patterns, and cultural context to help you communicate effectively.

The materials follow a communicative approach, emphasizing practical phrases and situational dialogues rather than abstract grammar rules. Lessons are structured for self-paced study and can be used independently or alongside a language partner or tutor.

What’s Included

This course includes 25 audio files. The audio recordings are essential for developing proper pronunciation and listening comprehension — use them alongside the written materials for the best results.

How to Use This Course

Begin with the earliest lessons to establish a foundation in pronunciation and basic greetings. Work through the dialogues by first reading through the English translations, then practicing the Setswana phrases aloud. If audio recordings are available, listen to each segment multiple times before attempting to repeat it. As you progress, try covering the English column and producing the Setswana from memory.

The audio files are designed to be used actively — pause after each phrase, repeat it aloud, and check your pronunciation against the recording. Regular practice with the audio will build both your speaking confidence and your ability to understand native speakers.

Course Materials

PDFs

• BW Setswana Language Lessons (375 KB)
• THERE IS NO WORD FOR GRAMMAR IN SETSWANA (711 KB)

Audio Files

#	Audio
01	BW Setswana Lesson 1 (3.1 MB)
02	BW Setswana Lesson 2 (1.2 MB)
03	BW Setswana Lesson 3 (700 KB)
04	BW Setswana Lesson 4 (491 KB)
05	BW Setswana Lesson 5 Part 1 (5.1 MB)
06	BW Setswana Lesson 5 Part 2 (4.1 MB)
07	BW Setswana Lesson 5 Part 3 (5.8 MB)
08	BW Setswana Lesson 6 (2.5 MB)
09	BW Setswana Lesson 7 (1.0 MB)
10	BW Setswana Lesson 8 (385 KB)
11	BW Setswana Lesson 9 (487 KB)
12	BW Setswana Lesson 10 (3.1 MB)
13	BW Setswana Lesson 11 (1.1 MB)
14	BW Setswana Lesson 12 (1.4 MB)
15	BW Setswana Lesson 13 (1.2 MB)
16	BW Setswana Lesson 14 (939 KB)
17	BW Setswana Lesson 15 (1.2 MB)
18	BW Setswana Lesson 16 (1.2 MB)
19	BW Setswana Lesson 17 (785 KB)
20	BW Setswana Lesson 18 (965 KB)
21	BW Setswana Lesson 19 (1.3 MB)
22	BW Setswana Lesson 20 (719 KB)
23	BW Setswana Lesson 21 (697 KB)
24	BW Setswana Lesson 22 (852 KB)
25	BW Setswana Lesson 23 (564 KB)