PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
17 OCTOBER 2022, PRETORIA
ANNOUNCEMENT OF SA WORD OF THE YEAR 2022
LOAD-SHEDDING DECLARED SA WORD OF THE YEAR 2022
#SAWordoftheYear
#InternationalDictionaryDay
Today, 17 October 2021, the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) in association media research company, Focal Points, proclaims the word/term Load-shedding as the 2022 South African Word of the Year. The South African Word of the Year is a word, term or expression preferred to reflect the passing year in language. Terms that were shortlisted were; Inganekwane, Gaslighting, Xenophobia, and Phala-phala.
Candidates for SA Word of the Year were reviewed by PanSALB, and shortlisted, and through media research company, Focal Point, keywords were tracked for the period October 2021 to September 2022. This media data was analysed to determine the prominence of the keywords within the media and to identify the frequency with which they were used in credible print, broadcast and online media.
“It should come as no surprise to many South Africans that Load-shedding has been the most used word/term in South Africa as the dreaded rolling blackouts instituted by Eskom have largely defined our lived experience in 2022” said PanSALB CEO, Mr Lance Schultz. “Ultimately, the SA Word of the Year reflects the preoccupations of South Africans for that given period, and this year South Africans had to contend with the impact of the energy crisis in the country. The term ‘Load-shedding’ has superseded the first runner-up, which is Phala-phala, with over 40 000 clip counts and mentions across a broad range of media” he added.
Other words/terms that were submitted and considered include: Immigrant, Gender-Based Violence, iSigaxa sendaba, Wishy wishy.
END
Released on behalf of PanSALB: Ntombentle Huluhulu
Head: Marketing and Communication
Mobile: 061 581 5216
