The first the English and Zulu Dictionary dictionary was published in 1958 by Wits Unviersity Press and compiled by C.M. Doke and B.W. Vilakazi, intended as a companion to the Zulu-English Dictionary compiled by Doke and Vilakazi (first published 1948 by Wits University Press). The first combined edition with English-isiZulu / isiZulu-English was published in 1990 and remains the definitive authority. A vised isiZulu orthography is introduced in this Fourth Edition in line with the approved PanSALB (2008) orthography revisions undertaken under the auspices and control of the Wits Language Centre, Johannesburg.

This is the original and first Zulu-English dictionary to be developed in South Africa. The originators of the dictionary were all leading academics and writers. The development of the Zulu-English dictionary was begun in the 1940s by Wits University lecturers, C. M. Doke and B. W. Vilakazi. Vilakazi, who died in 1947, was the first published Zulu poet and his collection, Amal'eZulu, is listed in the Top 100 African Books of the 20th century. The English-Zulu dictionary was published in 1958 by Doke, Malcolm, and Sikakana. The first combined edition of the two dictionaries (i.e. the present format) was published in 1990. The English-Zulu / Zulu English Dictionary is still the definitive dictionary in these languages. Various revisions have been undertaken over the years to bring the orthography up to date. A new preface, written by Professor J. Khumalo, was added in 1990 and provides an update to the phonological tone markings originally indicated by Vilakazi.

The first the English and Zulu Dictionary dictionary was published in 1958 by Wits Unviersity Press and compiled by C.M. Doke and B.W. Vilakazi, intended as a companion to the Zulu-English Dictionary compiled by Doke and Vilakazi (first published 1948 by Wits University Press). The first combined edition with English-isiZulu / isiZulu-English was published in 1990 and remains the definitive authority. A vised isiZulu orthography is introduced in this Fourth Edition in line with the approved PanSALB (2008) orthography revisions undertaken under the auspices and control of the Wits Language Centre, Johannesburg.

This unique book is arranged in three columns: English, Zulu, and how to pronounce the Zulu words phonetically. This dictionary and phrasebook will serve as a helpful working tool in the classroom, at home, or for businesses and tourists to South Africa. The more you know, the more you grow. So let’s all grow together. Simunye.