International Dictionary Day was commemorated in style on Wednesday, 16 October at the North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom Campus in a stunning exhibition of heritage, history and language.

The North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, together with the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB), Sefala Kgobokgobo, and the South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR), hosted the event.

The event was celebrated in an effort to strengthen the official indigenous languages while promoting language usage through dictionaries. Several speakers discussed the theme: “The Transformational Role of Lexicography 30 Years into Democracy”, underscoring the importance of language in our daily thinking.

PanSALB CEO Mr Lance Schultz stated that dictionaries are significant in helping learners read for meaning. He highlighted the importance of investing in the development of indigenous languages, pointing out the need to advance a culture in which learners read.

Prof Thapelo Otlogetswe from the University of Botswana delivered the keynote address, emphasising the underrepresentation of African languages on digital platforms. Prof Otlogetswe called for the continuous updating of dictionaries given that language is unceasingly evolving.

He stressed that the most significant contribution of lexicography in the past 30 years has been the preservation of multilingualism, contributing towards the promotion of linguistic inclusivity.

“By developing accurate and comprehensive dictionaries for all the official languages, lexicographers have empowered speakers of indigenous languages, facilitating communication and understanding among different communities,” said Prof Otlogetswe.

He further remarked that dictionaries have provided students with the means of accessing knowledge in their mother tongue, enhancing comprehension and academic performance.

Prof Langa Khumalo, executive director of the South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR), presented the topic, “Ensuring Public Access to Dictionaries through Digital Platforms,” underlining the importance of  the re-intellectualisation of African languages.

In her address, Dr Dolly Dlavane, director of the Centre for African Language Teaching (CALT) – Setswana, called for the usage of lexicographic material in facilitating teaching and learning in schools and higher-education institutions.

Dr Keaobaka Seshoka, director of the NWU Language Directorate, discussed the role of terminography, terminology, lexicology and lexicography in the teaching of language. She noted that indigenous languages should be included in research agendas, and said there will be no advancement of these languages unless their vocabulary is expanded through dictionaries.

The North West Department of Education announced that Grade 4 learners will be doing Natural Science and Technology and Mathematics in their native languages from the beginning of 2025.

Performances from Gods’ favourite trio, Mr Moremi and Nanas – a  PanSALB award winner – kept the crowd entertained throughout the celebration.

The Setswana National Lexicography Unit (Sefala) Kgobokgobo also enjoyed the launch of the second edition of their bilingual dictionary, titled Thanodi Ya Temepedi Ya Setswana, later that day. The dictionary translates from Setswana to English and English to Setswana – promoting Setswana mother tongue-based education.

The former Sefala board of directors was acknowledged at the dictionary launch for their contribution in writing the first Setswana dictionary.

The family of the late Godfrey Baile Mareme were honoured for his contribution to the advancement of the Setswana language at the Sefala dictionary launch

A glamorous performance from Nanas. 

Prof Langa Khumalo, executive director of SADiLaR.

Prof Thapelo Otlogetswe during his keynote address.

The gracing presence of Theriso Tsambo, mother of the late South African Multi-platinum rapper ,HHP, at the celebration of International Dictionary Day and the Sefala dictionary launch.

The MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Galebekwe Tlhapi (right), and the CEO of PanSALB, Lance Schultz (left), with the newly launched Thanodi Ya Temepedi Ya Setswana.