The South African National Lexicography Units — Two Decades Later

The lexicography practice in South Africa has distinctive features and to a great extent relates the political dispensation current at given period. During previous only two dictionary units existed that were state funded, namely Bureau of Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal (WAT) Dictionary for African English (DSAE). These units, therefore have long history. Some languages, such as Xhosa, Zulu, Tswana Northern Sotho also had time but they situated funded by tertiary institutions. national government requires dictionaries all official languages proper communication citizens understand best, i.e. their respective mother tongues. Pan-South Language Board (PanSALB), established 1996, was direct consequence country's new multilingual dispensation. This required equal rights legislation governing PanSALB amended allow justice projects languages. led establishment each A strategic planning process conducted not influenced Bureau, huge impact on newly (NLUs). Both articles published Lexikos, originated 1991, activities Association Lexicography (AFRILEX), 1995, influence NLUs. Although NLUs are already 21 years old should officially be age, question remains whether really gained independence. article focusses heritage WAT National Unit Afrikaans example it set other Keywords: academic journal, association, communication, dictionary, feasibility study, human language technologies, special purposes, legislation, lexicography, management, planning, terminography, terminology