With eight million people spread across South Africa, accounting for fifteen percent of the population, the Xhosa people are a large cultural group. The Xhosa have had a harsh history, full of violence and relocations across the country. Their different culture has a major impact on the way they live their lives and the correct way to celebrate ceremonies, such as marriage. There is also the Xhosa language, one of the eleven official languages ​​of the South African people. Leaders like Nelson Mandela came from the Xhosa cultural group, so it is possible that future leaders will come from this group. The vast topic about the Xhosa can be divided into four topics: language, customs, history and beliefs. To understand Xhosa in all aspects, you need to get some facts about South Africa. According to Xhosa of South African History Online, written by knowledgeable people who understand South Africa and its culture, “the four main ethnic divisions among black South Africans are Nguni, Sotho, Shangaan Tsonga and Venda” (Xhosa South 1). These four divisions have cultural groups within them and Nguni is the division with Xhosa. The Nguni make up two-thirds of the South African population and is divided into four groups, each of which has a different cultural group. Southern Nguni is mainly Xhosa and Xhosa originated from here. Another important information to know is the presence of white people in South Africa. They had caused violent land disputes with South Africans and had insinuated themselves into government. These events were the beginning of apartheid and had changed the way of life for all South Africans. Knowing this basic information helps you understand the Xhosa people. The origins of Xhosa date back to the late VI... middle of paper... in different but similar languages, there would be some level of understanding. It's like a conversation between a Hindi speaking person and a Punjabi speaking person. They are similar languages, so the conversation can be understood by both people. IsiXhosa is one of the most widely spoken languages ​​in South Africa and can be understood by many South Africans. Works Cited Ngqulana, Nelisa. “10 Facts About Xhosa Culture to Help You Understand Mandela's Burial.” Yahoo News South Africa. Np, 13 12 2013. Web. 6 April 2014. "Some Xhosa traditions." Rough guides. NP Network. 7 April 2014."Xhosa." History of South Africa Online. Np, 20 10 2011. Web. 6 April 2014."Xhosa." Worldmark Encyclopedia of Cultures and Daily Life. Ed. Timothy L. Gall and JeneenHobby. 2nd ed. vol. 1: Africa. Detroit: Gale, 2009. 587-592. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Network. April 6. 2014.