This set of nine user-friendly,beautifully illustrated and designed,SANLU Picture Dictionaries have been created in an effort to establish a dictionary culture at an early age by providing a fun-based educational tool for both learners and teachers. These dictionaries are vital resources that can contribute to the development of South Africa languages.

Foundation Phase dictionaries are instrumental in overcomingthe challenges of making a transition from Home Language, the medium of instruction in the Foundation Phase, to English First Additional Language (FAL)in the Intermediate Phase. These dictionaries can also assist in the development of a Second Additional Language, making a positive contribution to the Department of Basic Education’s innovative initiative for the incremental implementation of African Languages in South Africa.

The Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) for Foundation Phase clearly states that dictionary work must be done in both the Home and First Additional Languages, as well as a Second Additional Language. Dictionary work is requiredin writing, phonics and reading exercises for both Home Language and First Additional Language. It can assist in building a word bank and vocabulary by creating a personal dictionary using initial letters of words and beginning sounds and developing dictionary and reference skills.

With these dictionaries SANLU wish to create a building block that can be used for reference not only in Language, but also in Mathematics and Life Skills including: Arts, Culture, Science and Technology.

Dictionaries can be instrumental in confirming a country’s social, cultural, scientific and technological development. In view of the constitutional provisions for the development of the rich variety of the official South African languages, it is essential to bridge the communication gap that often exists in education. Communication includes comprehension, which is for reading and listening, and production, which is for writing and speaking - this ultimately leads to an understanding. A multilingual country needs bilingual dictionaries to encourage speakers of these languages to learn each other’s language. Reliable dictionaries should educate the future generation to appreciate the language, custom and culture of others.

This set of nine user-friendly SANLU Picture Dictionaries are theme-based. These themes are outlined in the CAPS for Foundation Phase. Each theme is covered over a spread with each word illustrated as clearly as possible. The themes include the basic words of objects and actions learners may encounter in everyday life. Some themes may cover a broader spectrum of words, as to create a curiosity and interest in the culture and life of South Africa and elsewhere. Discussion pictures and sentences on most of the theme spreads make these dictionaries a fun and informative resource for the classroom. The Index section of each dictionary lists all the words used in the themes in alphabetical order separately in both languages with reference to the page number.