And SA’s word of the year for 2019 is…
In an effort to ensure that indigenous languages remain relevant and are part of the current public discourse the Pan SA Language Board (PanSALB) on Wednesday morning announced the term that was foremost in the minds of South Africans in 2019. And the winner is… THE ZONDO COMMISSION! The announcement was made live on eNCA …
In an effort to ensure that indigenous languages remain relevant and are part of the current public discourse the Pan SA Language Board (PanSALB) on Wednesday morning announced the term that was foremost in the minds of South Africans in 2019. And the winner is… THE ZONDO COMMISSION!
The announcement was made live on eNCA on Wednesday – World Dictionary Day. These are three phrases were shortlisted:
Zondo Commission – the Zondo commission was chosen as the phrase that most captured South Africans in 2019, garnering more than 30 000 mentions in the South African media
Gender-based violence – came under the spotlight in 2019, with countless high-profile murders and violent attacks on women in South Africa.
AmaPiano – South African house music is known for its ability to constantly reinvent itself. The sound which is known as “AmaPiano” is a mix of deep house, gqom all mixed in with the jazzy, soulful sound of a piano.
In celebrating this significant day, PanSALB, in association with media research company, Focal Points, shortlisted the above words after candidates for the SA Words of the Year 2019 were debated and their merits considered. According to PanSALB, the above words captured the ethos, mood, or preoccupations of 2019.
Other words that were considered were:
Vosho – a popular dance with knee-bends
Oksalayo – whatever
Idibala – dance move when people fall unexpectedly
Lit – hot, on trend
“Our approach this year to the SA Word of the Year campaign will be to encompass the values of multilingualism, not only in recognition of 2019 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages, but to reaffirm our commitment to the promotion of all official languages,” said PanSALB Acting CEO Dr Nomfundo Mali.
“Our focus will be on ensuring that indigenous language speakers are aware of, and know the equivalent terms of what is on everyone’s lips in their own languages.”
PanSALB is pleased to announce the 2019 SA Word of the Year. ZONDO COMMISSION @eNCA @SAfmRadio @SABCNewsOnline @Powerfm987 @METROFMSA @ArtsCultureSA @MorningLiveSABC @SAgovnews #sawordoftheyear @FocalPoints_ pic.twitter.com/Z5v0qDZAaF
— @PanSALB (@PanSALB) October 16, 2019
