Discovering Afrikaans: A Journey into South Africa's Language

Discovering Afrikaans: A Journey into South Africa's Language

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson you will understand the basics of Afrikaans language, its origins, and its cultural significance.

What do you already know about Afrikaans?

Introduction to Afrikaans

Afrikaans is a West Germanic language spoken in South Africa and Namibia. It evolved from 17th-century Dutch and incorporates influences from indigenous Khoisan languages, Malay, Portuguese, and African languages.

Origins and History

Afrikaans originated from the Dutch spoken by the Dutch settlers in South Africa and was influenced by the languages of slaves brought to the Cape from the Dutch East Indies and other parts of Africa.

Key Features

Afrikaans is known for its simplified grammar compared to Dutch, and it has borrowed words from various languages, making it a rich and diverse language.

Vocabulary and Expressions

Afrikaans shares some vocabulary with Dutch and English but also has distinct expressions and idioms that reflect its unique cultural context.

Cultural Significance

Afrikaans is an important part of South African culture and identity, and it has been the subject of cultural and political debates due to its historical associations.

Interactive Activity: Language Comparison

Students will compare Afrikaans words with their counterparts in Dutch and English, highlighting similarities and differences in pronunciation and meaning.

Conclusion and Reflection

Reflect on the learning journey and discuss the importance of language diversity and cultural understanding in a global context.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.