8 November 2006
The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, the Honourable Sibusiso Ndebele, invites the
media to attend the official launch of the isiZulu monolingual dictionary
tomorrow, 9 November 2006.
The compilation of the dictionary by the IsiZulu National Lexicography Unit
of the University of Zululand (oNgoye), called Isikhungo Sesichazamazwi
SesiZulu, started in 1980.
A conference currently underway at the University of Stellenbosch has
scientifically established that language and language behaviour as a human
activity started in Africa. This poses a challenge for Africa and the Africans
to actively promote and develop their languages.
Premier Ndebele said, "A dictionary, which falls in the linguistic area of
lexicography, is an important step in the development and promotion of a
language. Words and the meaning of words are indicators of the sustainability
of a language."
In line with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa which lists
eleven languages; Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga,
Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa and isiZulu, as the official languages
of the Republic, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government supports the
development of all indigenous languages.
"Section 6(2) of the Constitution states that, 'Recognising the historically
diminished use and status of the indigenous languages of our people, the state
must take practical and positive measures to elevate the status and advance the
use of these languages'," said Premier Ndebele.
The launch will take place at:
Venue: Bhambatha Conference Centre, 300 Langalibalele (Long Market) Street
(Office of the Premier, Telkom Building), Pietermaritzburg
Date: 9 November 2006
Time: 11h00
Enquiries:
Jeff Hassan
Cell: 082 884 1872
Thulani Sithole
Cell: 082 317 3727
Issued by: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
8 November 2006
Source: SAPA
