Albert Kropf’s foundational and enduring legacy in isiXhosa lexicography

Abstract

This article conducts dictionary criticism of Albert Kropf’s A Kafir-English Dictionary . This bilingual dictionary with isiXhosa and English as a language pair, published in 1899, was historic in the isiXhosa language and lexicography. Prior to its publication, several smaller dictionaries had been produced by pioneering missionaries in the language, but their limited scope and depth meant that they could not adequately address prevailing lexicographic needs of especially European missionaries and other potential users who needed to learn isiXhosa or use it. This article seeks to demonstrate how, through his dictionary, Kropf established an important legacy in the language. Not only did later lexicographers build on the lexicographic foundations established by Kropf, but the dictionary still remains a major reference for language scholars and translators between isiXhosa and English. The article also highlights some epistemic challenges with Kropf’s treatment of language in the categories of culture, politics and spirituality against the context in which the dictionary was produced. Accordingly, while appreciating the importance of the dictionary, the article cautions and conscientises other lexicographers and scholars about the need to use the dictionary critically.