The Wordwalker

The linguistic and historical weight of "Bafana Bafana"

​When South Africa returned to international football in 1992, they needed a name. The nickname they adopted, "Bafana Bafana" (Zulu for "the boys"), is a masterclass in both linguistics and historical reclamation. It takes a diminutive word historically used by the apartheid regime to oppress, doubles it for affectionate intensity, and turns it into a national anthem of pride.

​Swipe to read how a word meant to shrink people became a stadium roar. ⚽️

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I get a steady stream of messages asking the same things: how the page grew past 100k with no face on it, or whether I'll read someone's draft, or just wanting to think through an idea out loud with someone who works in language.

I'm opening a small number of 1:1 sessions for exactly that. Two formats — one for writing that has to perform and reach people, one for writing and thinking done for its own sake.

Application only; I confirm each one personally.

Link below and in bio. Open while it holds my interest.

The Studio – 1:1 with the Wordwalker Made with Tally, the simplest way to create forms.