M.A. (Afrikaans) / This study explores language usage in the pol it ical arena, as seen in the parliamentary debates of the new South Africa. The parliamentary Afrikaans used between February 1990 and June 1991 has been selected as field of invest igat ion, because this period can be seen as an important transitional phase in the political history of South Africa. This period has definitely had an influence on the lexicon used in parliament. The parliamentary debates, as recorded in the tlansards of 2 February 1990 21 June 1991. have been used as primary sources. These debates contain the most important semantic and terminological changes that occurred in the parliamentary lexicon. This study is based on the Sapir-Wharf hypothesis (the theory of relativity) which states that a close link exists between language and thought, and language and reality. Whorf believes that language can actually shape and influence the human mind. This Induces people to experience reality in different ways. The following concepts are used to illustrate how political language in general, and parliamentary language in particular has been influenced by the process of pol i tical thought in the new South Africa: Afrikaner, volk, nssl, delDokrasie, serest/she/d, selykberegt/s/ng, groep etc. A summary of the parliamentary lexicon gives an indication of the variety of meanings that have evolved from various concepts. This has occurred because political parties uphold their own interpretations of these concepts...