# Dictionary Unit for South African English

> associated institute of Rhodes University

**Wikidata**: [Q116865363](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q116865363)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dictionary-unit-for-south-african-english

## Summary
The Dictionary Unit for South African English (DSAE) is a research institute and specialized unit affiliated with Rhodes University. Established in 1969, the organization is dedicated to the study and documentation of South African English. It is located in Makhanda, South Africa.

## Key Facts
- **Inception:** 1969
- **Location:** Makhanda, South Africa
- **Affiliation:** Rhodes University (Associated Institute)
- **Organization Type:** Research Institute, University Research Group
- **Website:** https://www.ru.ac.za/dsae/
- **Acronyms/Aliases:** DSAE; Rhodes University Dictionary Unit for South African English
- **ISNI:** 0000000406356761
- **GND ID:** 5546805-6
- **VIAF ID:** 127860469
- **Library of Congress Authority ID:** no96050526
- **Bibliothèque nationale de France ID:** 13176466p
- **National Library of Israel J9U ID:** 987007315513605171
- **Canadiana Name Authority ID:** ncf11093308
- **IdRef ID:** 229204279
- **Yale LUX ID:** group/08e9caec-f3da-40e4-a037-1aa73e7c0a19
- **RERO ID (Legacy):** A018711597

## FAQs
### What is the primary function of the Dictionary Unit for South African English?
The unit functions as a research institute and university research group dedicated to generating new knowledge. Unlike a standard university department that combines teaching and research, this entity exists specifically for systematic investigation into South African English.

### Where is the Dictionary Unit for South African English located?
The institute is physically located in Makhanda, South Africa. It operates as an associated institute of Rhodes University.

### When was the Dictionary Unit for South African English founded?
The organization was established in 1969.

## Why It Matters
The Dictionary Unit for South African English serves as a dedicated engine for linguistic discovery within the South African higher education landscape. As an associated institute of Rhodes University, it provides a specialized focus on South African English that might not be possible within a broader academic department burdened by teaching obligations. By concentrating resources specifically on the documentation and research of this linguistic variant, the unit acts as critical infrastructure for preserving cultural heritage and advancing the understanding of English as used in the South African context. Its classification as a research institute underscores its role in fundamental inquiry, distinct from the policy focus of think tanks or the commercial focus of corporate research.

## Notable For
- Serving as the dedicated research unit for South African English at Rhodes University.
- Operating since 1969, representing decades of specialized linguistic accumulation.
- Holding a unique position as an "associated institute," distinguishing it from standard university departments or external organizations.
- Extensive cataloging in major global library systems, including the Library of Congress, the German National Library, and Bibliothèque nationale de France.

## Body

### Organizational Classification and Status
The Dictionary Unit for South African English is formally classified as both a **research institute** and a **university research group**. It holds the status of an "associated institute" of **Rhodes University**. This classification places it within a specific category of knowledge-producing institutions that exist purely to generate new knowledge through systematic investigation. Unlike the university's standard academic departments, which balance teaching and research, the Unit's primary purpose is focused inquiry. It is differentiated from think tanks (which focus on policy) and scientific societies (which are membership-based), instead functioning as an operational entity conducting hands-on research.

### Location and History
The Unit was founded in **1969** and is based in **Makhanda**, **South Africa**. Its establishment over fifty years ago reflects a long-term commitment to the study of the English language within the South African context. As an affiliated entity, it leverages the academic ecosystem of Rhodes University while maintaining a specific research mandate.

### Global Authority and Identification
The entity is recognized and cataloged by numerous international bibliographic and authority systems, attesting to its academic legitimacy and global reach.
*   **Library Systems:** It holds the Library of Congress Authority ID **no96050526** and the Canadiana Name Authority ID **ncf11093308**. In Europe, it is recorded in the Bibliothèque nationale de France (ID **13176466p**) and the German National Library (GND ID **5546805-6**).
*   **Network Identifiers:** The unit is identified via the International Standard Name Identifier (ISNI) **0000000406356761** and the Virtual International Authority File (VIAF) ID **127860469**.
*   **Academic Databases:** It is indexed within the Yale LUX system (ID **group/08e9caec-f3da-40e4-a037-1aa73e7c0a19**) and the RERO network (Legacy ID **A018711597**).

### Digital Presence
The Dictionary Unit for South African English maintains an official online presence at **https://www.ru.ac.za/dsae/**. The website serves as the primary portal for its research outputs and organizational information.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.ru.ac.za/dsae/)