| Sabela | |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | Afrikaans pronunciation: [sabɛilɑː] |
| Setting and usage | South Africa |
| Purpose | Communication between inmates |
| Language codes | |
| ISO 639-3 | – |
Sabela is a dialect of several major South African languages 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] UkuSabela means to respond in various Nguni languages.
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.
| Sabela | IPA | English Literal Translation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phakamisa | [pəkəmisə] | Confirmation / Agreement | Used to show general approval or interest |
| Biteeza | [bajtiz∧] | Food | Food |
| Chise | [tʃajs] | Receive or to get / speak to someone | Any situation in which one needs to get something |
| Lyn | [līn] | Line | To go somewhere |
| Skrif | [skrɪf] | Writing | An item that is significant or important |
| Nommer | [nomɘr] | Number | In agreement in respect to the laws and ethics of the number. An object or situation of importance. (Direct allusion to The Numbers Gang) |
| Skombizo | [skɘmbizo] | Gangster | A "a member of the 27 number gang" |
| Hom | [hom] | Gangster | To make you aware |
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.