Afrikaans First Additional Language

Afrikaans First Additional Language

HOD: Ms. Anelda Marx

Compulsory: Yes

Does it count for APS: Yes, full points awarded.

Required for further studying: No.

Useful for: In general business operations or day-to-day life in South Africa. More specifically, translation studies, journalism, media work, writing books, etc.

Practical component: No

Special requirements/recommendations: Read more Afrikaans literature to improve grammar and comprehension and attempt having conversations in Afrikaans on a regular basis. Practise, practise, practise.

More details:

The study of language is fundamental to the development of a learner’s thought structure and thought processes. The structure and discipline of language are therefore of the utmost importance in the development of the minds of young learners. Afrikaans provides the learners more tools and mechanisms to be themselves and helps them to express themselves in another language.

Afrikaans as a First Additional Language helps learners to appreciate our new dynamic and diverse country. Learners get an in-depth look into a culture that plays a fundamental role in the heritage and future of our country. Afrikaans is the second most spoken language in South Africa and is the mother tongue of many different communities.

Mathews Posa, a former Premier of Mpumulanga and a speaker of nine official languages writes his poetry exclusively in Afrikaans – his mother tongue. Adam Small, Peter Snyders, and Vincent Oliphant are examples of the ability of Afrikaans to speak deeply to poets and people and inspire them to use the language as their medium in portraying deep emotions and feelings. Afrikaans is the beloved ‘taal’ (language) of many people in our country. To quote Vincent Oliphant, “want een lyn van bloed loop deur die eeue, loop deur die ganse geskiedenis, loop deur elke uithoek van die land, loop deur my en loop deur jou van Genesis tot nou”.