PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
13 OCTOBER 2022, PRETORIA
PanSALB ANNOUNCES 2022 SA WORD OF THE YEAR SHORTLIST
#2022SAWordoftheYear #InternationalDictionaryDay
The Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB), in association with media research company, Focal Points, hereby announces the following shortlisted words as candidates for 2022 SA Word of the Year:
- Phala-Phala
- Load-shedding
- Xenophobia
- Inganekwane
- Gaslighting
The SA Word of the Year is a word, term or expression preferred to reflect the passing year in language. To qualify for consideration, there must be evidence that the usage of the word or expression has increased significantly in the past 12 months across a broad range of media. The shortlisted words have, according to PanSALB captured the ethos, mood or preoccupations of 2022.
The winner will be announced on Monday, 17 October 2022, in commemoration of International Dictionary Day which is observed on October 16 in remembrance of the first American lexicographer, Noah Webster who is considered to be the father of the American dictionary to emphasise the importance of learning while using dictionary skills and increasing one’s vocabulary.
“The SA Word of the Year shortlist gives a glimpse of the social issues that have been the preoccupation of our discourse and conversations on matters that affect us in the country. Social media has also brought that fun element of language use to the fore and subsequently made translanguaging more prominent” said PanSALB CEO Mr Lance Schultz.
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
