Sabela

Sabela is a linguistic register or language used primarily in South Africa. Sabela was originally developed inside national prisons as a means of communication within gangs, primarily The Numbers Gang. Since then, released inmates have brought the language out to the general populace of South Africa.[1] Oftentimes, Sabela will be interspersed into conversation in Afrikaans or Xhosa.

For the South American language, see Waorani language. For the municipality in Nepal sometimes spelled Sabela, see Sabaila, Nepal.
Sabela
PronunciationAfrikaans pronunciation: [sabɛilɑː]
Setting and usageSouth Africa
Purpose
Communication between inmates
Language codes
ISO 639-3–

Sabel is an Afrikaans word meaning "Saber" or "Sword."

Structure

Sabela inherits most of its vocabulary, phonology, and syntax from Afrikaans, English, Xhosa, and Zulu.[1][2] Due to the Xhosa and Zulu influence, Sabela contains click consonants.

Words in Sabela
Examples of Words in Sabela[1]
Sabela IPA English Literal Translation Meaning
Phakamisa [pəkəmisə] Lift up Lift up (show) your sign/salute (Often used as general greeting)
Biteeza [bajtiz∧] Food Food
Chise [tʃajs] Come Any situation in which one is searching for something
Lyn [līn] Line To go somewhere.
Skrif [skrɪf] Writing An item that is significant or important
Nommer [nomɘr] Number An object or situation of importance (Direct allusion to The Numbers Gang)
Skombizo [skɘmbizo] Gangster A "wannabe gangster"

Die Antwoord

Sabela is often used by groups associated with the Zef movement, such as Die Antwoord. The group's 2019 single "Baita Jou Sabela" (featuring Slagysta) contains lyrics partially written in Sabela that talk about the South African prison system.[3] The song's music video is set in a prison and showcases the corruption present in the South African prison system.

References
  1. Saville, Marco; McKinney, Carolyn (2017). "Power Playground" (PDF). Retrieved 18 July 2020. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  2. "The Sabela". The Numbers Gang. Retrieved 18 July 2020.
  3. "Baita Jou Sabela Lyrics". Genius. Retrieved 18 July 2020.
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