| Sabela | |
| Pronunciation: | in Afrikaans pronounced as /sabɛilɑː/ |
| Setting: | South Africa |
| Familycolor: | Mixed |
| Family: | Communication between inmates |
| Notice: | IPA |
Sabela is a covert communication dialect of several major South African languages formed by the Numbers gang.[1] [2] Sabela was originally developed in the mines during the early 1900's as a means of communication between the members of The Numbers Gang but as the gang's influence in grew in various South African prisons, the language became eminent in prison and since then, released inmates have introduced it to the general populace of South Africa.[3] UkuSabela means to respond in various Nguni languages.
Sabela inherits most of its vocabulary, phonology, and syntax from Xhosa and Zulu.[4] Due to the Xhosa and Zulu influence, Sabela contains click consonants.[5]
| Sabela | IPA | English Literal Translation | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phakamisa | pronounced as /[pəkəmisə]/ | Confirmation / Agreement | Used to show general approval or interest | |
| Biteeza | pronounced as /[bajtiz∧]/ | Food | Food | |
| Chise | pronounced as /[tʃajs]/ | Receive or to get / speak to someone | Any situation in which one needs to get something | |
| Lyn | pronounced as /[līn]/ | Line | To go somewhere | |
| Skrif | pronounced as /[skrɪf]/ | Writing | An item that is significant or important | |
| Nommer | pronounced as /[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 | pronounced as /[skɘmbizo]/ | Gangster | "A member of the 27 number gang" | |
| Hom | pronounced as /[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 gqom single "Baita Jou Sabela" (featuring Slagysta) contains lyrics partially written in Sabela that talk about the South African prison system.[6] The song's music video showcases the corruption present in the South African prison system.[7] [8]