The language Afrikaans has its roots in seventeenth century Dutch but it has been influenced by many languages including: English, Malay, German, Portuguese, French and some African languages. Up until the 19th century Afrikaans acted only as the spoken language and Dutch was used as the formal and written language. On 14 August 1875 the GRA, an organization that promoted the Afrikaans language, was formed by Rev. S.J. Du Toit. The first complete translation of the Bible into Afrikaans was made in 1933. According to Act 8 of 1925 of South Africa it became the official language (incorporated into Dutch) together with English. The language was promoted alongside Afrikaner nationalism after 1948 and played an important role in minority white rule in Apartheid South Africa. With the new constitution of South Africa (1996) it was again accepted as one of the official languages of South Africa.
It is important to note that Afrikaans is spoken by all races and ethnic groups in South Africa and much has been done in recent years to promote varieties of this language that were suppressed during the years of Apartheid.
CLASSIFICATION:
Family: Indo-European
Group: Germanic
Subgroup: West Germanic
VARIETIES:
It is important to note that Afrikaans is spoken by all races and ethnic groups in South Africa and much has been done in recent years to promote varieties of this language that were suppressed during the years of Apartheid.
CLASSIFICATION:
Family: Indo-European
Group: Germanic
Subgroup: West Germanic
VARIETIES:
Eastern Cape Afrikaans (Oosgrensafrikaans - which became Standard Afrikaans), Cape Afrikaans (Kaapse Afrikaans) and Orange River Afrikaans (Oranjerivierafrikaans).
SPEAKERS:
Around 5 811 547 people use Afrikaans as their home language in South Africa. The language is also spoken in the Republic of Namibia.
SPEAKERS:
Around 5 811 547 people use Afrikaans as their home language in South Africa. The language is also spoken in the Republic of Namibia.
