The latest update formally recognizes regional vocabulary from Uganda, Ethopia, Kenya and tanzania
The Oxford English Dictionary added new East African English terms in September 2026, officially recognizing regional vocabulary from Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania.
The Oxford English Dictionary expanded its lexicon with new entries derived from East African English in September 2026. This update highlights terms reflecting the unique linguistic, cultural, and historical landscapes of the region.
The additions support an ongoing effort to document the evolution of World Englishes. By incorporating these expressions, the dictionary acknowledges the growing global visibility of East African cultural practices and daily speech.
New additions include the Ugandan expressions now include campuser, muchomo, and detoother, while the dictionary also added ablution block. It is undersood that many of these terms originate from higher institutions of learning especially Makerere University over the last 30 years .
From Ethiopian we have terms added including azmari, a poet or musician, and berbere, a spice blend.
This major reference work serves as the primary historical record of the English language and publishes periodic updates to its lexicon.
The update incorporates words shaped by local food, music, and social habits within Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. These entries provide formal recognition of regional English varieties as distinct, established forms of the language.
865 marks the earliest documented English usage of the term azmari.
1934 marks the earliest recorded English use of the term campuser.
1970 represents the first noted English usage of the spice term berbere.
1992 serves as the earliest English citation for the term muchomo.
September 23, 2026, was the official date of the dictionary update announcement.
The expansion follows the OED’s ongoing efforts to document World Englishes by legitimizing regional vocabulary. This move aligns with a broader societal push toward linguistic inclusivity, moving away from Eurocentric definitions of standard language.
These additions update the standard reference for readers who encounter regional East African terminology in literature or digital media. Users of the dictionary can now access official definitions for terms like muchomo and detoother, simplifying cross-cultural communication.
Language is a living entity that constantly evolves to reflect the cultural realities of its speakers. Readers can implement this by staying curious about regional idioms, which provide deep insights into the history and daily lives of diverse communities.
Editor’s Note:This article includes information reported by Capital Ethiopia Newspaper.
