A Dictionary of South African English

A Dictionary of South African English
Compiled and edited by Jean Branford. ISBN 0 19 570595 5. Oxford University Press, four editions, 1978–1991.

First published in 1978, under the auspices of the Dictionary Unit for South African English, in the hope that it would both instruct and delight. Now in its 4th edition, it contains many South African English words and definitions supported by lively quotations illustrating their use. For these Branford drew extensively on the research which she and William Branford had been carrying out for a number of years. The book’s 412 pages illustrate the richness and diversity of South African English and have certainly informed and entertained many a reader since its publication.

This research was also the foundation of the larger Dictionary of South African English on Historical Principles published for the DSAE by Oxford University Press in 1996.

A Dictionary of South African English on Historical Principles.
Edited by Penny Silva, Wendy Dore, Dorothea Mantzel, Colin Muller and Madeleine Wright. ISBN 0 19 863153 7 Oxford University Press, 1996.

The Dictionary Unit for South African English
An Affiliated Institute of RHODES UNIVERSITY, GRAHAMSTOWN, SOUTH AFRICA (Association incorporated under Section 21)

The Dictionary Unit for South African English (DSAE) was established in 1969 to collect and record English as it is used in South Africa. Since then, it has compiled extensive archives which reflect the diverse influences which shape South African English. Material from these archives forms the basis for both specialised and general dictionaries which the DSAE produces in conjunction with commercial publishers. Staff also monitor developments in English throughout the world, and maintain contact with international centres for the study of English.

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Also see Language struggle and South African English

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