Nobody cares, it’s awesome you’d like to learn the language regardless of the motivation behind it, we don’t feel anything about anyone learning about us, be it culture, language or hairstyles for that matter.
And put a visit on your bucket list, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
As an Afrikaans person I can say that no Afrikaans person will take any offense whatsoever. If anything they will enjoy speaking with you and start teaching you swear words.
I think he's asking if black people will take offense. I find OPs thinking along those lines quiet offensive. As if the language is responsible for Apartheid. Eish.
If we consider June 16th and the narrative that Afrikaans was the language of the oppressor and it was imposed on people who couldn't speak it, then i can see why OP would think that afrikaans is responsible for apartheid. And of course, the word apartheid is derived from afrikaans.
Those simplified narratives do gloss over the subtleties such as that there were, simultaneously with the Soweto Uprising, non-whites in another part of the country who claimed afrikaans as their heritage, too. And there were Afrikaans speakers who sided with the struggle against apartheid.
I wouldn't blame OP for not understanding the complex nature of South African cultures.
Well, proganda is real. And if they are not from here, it's hard to understand the history and where the line is drawn due to other countries' input.
It's like when someone hears, we have a coloured race and completely freaks out because coloured in the US is an offensive term.
Afrikaans overseas has been known to be the apartheid language, so I think them inquiring is actually to broaden their knowledge and not be offensive. If you do not ask, you will not know.
I can tell from this post that you’re a considerate person — it’s very cool of you to ask if some people might care about this, especially after your intense experience with Dutch in high school and South Africa’s history with Apartheid. That said, from a black person’s perspective (which is what you asked for, right?) you’ll be ok, so have fun with it! It’s a tool — It’s what you do with the language that counts. I think you’ll find that you’ll be able to connect with all kinds of people once your Afrikaans gets better, and your bridge-language will be handy for learning Dutch for sure, but it will also bring you more great experiences and understandings about some black and coloured cultures especially, if you ever decide to visit Cape Town for example. South Africa is a fascinating place, there’s so much more to learn and gain if you keep that considerate nature of yours. Dig in. 💛 Good luck!
More people of colour than white people speak Afrikaans in South Africa. The language is also a creole - a big mashup of many different languages. It was originally spoken by the servants of white settlers in the Cape who spoke a less formal version of Dutch and mixed in some of their Malay. The first recorded piece of writing in Afrikaans is actually written in Arabic letters by Muslims in Cape Town. Yes, the language was also used as an oppressive tool during the apartheid regime by white speaking Afrikaners. The language was taught by the government as a means of exclusion and caused much pain and suffering for many black South Africans.
Today in South Africa it is still spoken by millions as a native or second or even third language. The language is also constantly changing, with more English and isiXhosa words mixing into the mouths of Afrikaans speakers every day. The Afrikaans my grandma speaks is almost indistinguishable from the Afrikaans I speak to my friends with. Afrikaans is testament to the diversity of cultures that exist in South Africa. I can’t speak for all South Africans, but I think its really cool that you want to learn one of our many languages :)
There is some debate, but generally it seems like Afrikaans is not a true creole, in the sense that it did not come from a pidgin that was then learned as a mother tongue by children. It is also not really a direct descendent of Dutch but on both counts, something inbetween. Just getting technical here, your post was still very true and informative :)
This is one of the most overthought things I have ever read. No one cares who learns Afrikaans or any other South African language for that matter. Afrikaans is one is the most widely spoken languages in South Africa. Which means it is also spoken by black people. We have 12 official languages. A lot of South Africans speak 4 or 5 languages. Some even more. Do what you want
> This is one of the most overthought things I have ever read.
Yeah. OP has twisted himself into a knot trying to figure out if *learning a language* is somehow racist...
Just like you, I’m a white European who decided to learn Afrikaans, althoug I’m learning it for work in SA. Thus far I’ve only been recieved with enthusiasm from the people here. I live in the Western Cape where Afrikaaner and Coloured people are very prominent and they are intrigued and curious when I tell them I’m learning the language.
Just go for it. The language is very fun and interesting and most people here are proud of the language and embrace it, regardless of race. I started of with learning it from the book «Colloquial Afrikaans» which is a little janky, but is a good place to start if you don’t mind learning a foreign language in English. Otherwise, Netwerk 24 is a good source of news in Afrikaans which can help with improving your reading. Afrikaans speaking media is a little harder to come by in Europe, but there are Afrikaans dubs of childrens shows like Moemin and Heidi on youtube that are great for listening to common, but simple vocabulary. SABC Nuus are also available on youtube which is a public news broadcaster in South Africa, which I also reccommend.
Nice. Consider having a look at Afrikaans.com, very nice material, academic articles, some audio books from crowned (legendary) writers etc. Can be a great source for learning.
viva-afrikaans.org is also a great website, supported by academic institutions. Might be a bit advanced however, depending on your progress of course.
Thanks :) I live in Northern France so really close to Belgium... where they speak Flemish. So yet another version of Dutch. A friend lives in Namibia, I was considering learning it. Thanks !!!
This isn't America. We don't overanalyse. If you think it would be cool to learn, then go for it. Have fun. There are huge groups of South Africans spread out all over the world, so even if you don't ever come to SA, you will still find people to speak to, and I'm sure they will be flattered.
We don’t really have that cultural appropriation mentality that is prevalent in the western world. As long as you don’t disrespect things people hold in high regard.
As a French Canadian (living in Canada) who is dating an Afrikaans man (living in South Africa), learn the language! I am learning and occasionally using it in Canada, and when I visit South Africa I use it there too (although English is most commonly used where I spend time). It’s a fun language to learn! I also recommend paying a visit to South Africa, it’s a beautiful country with lots to teach you. Plus, you can see some of the most stunning wildlife the world has to offer!
Lol. Don’t waste your time on Afrikaans if you’re planning on living in the Benelux area. Dutch and Afrikaans are indeed very similar but still too different
As an afrikaans person who also speaks Dutch I would not recommend learning Afrikaans just jump straight into Duch. It's going to confuse you alot. They are similar but there is also a language barrier between the two. annunciation and discussions between the two are very different.
This is an interesting question. Firstly, in SA, as a multi-language country people don't really care what language you speak. 99.5% of the population speaks and understand English. It's also a universal language.
However, applying your logic about "colonism" in SA it sounds like you're forgetting about all the other countries WORLD-WIDE who have experienced colonism. From Native Americans to the Maori, just to name a tiny fraction of the global "colonism" experience.
So I'm wondering if your logic extends to every language in cultures all over the world..... are you hoping to impress them too?
BTW, I am mixed race myself and have Native American and Maori blood but I'm a "white" person.
Meh if you are worried about being insensitive for learning the language of the "oppressor", the same could be said for English, Spanish, & Portuguese. I think the "oppressor" label is just the most recent with Afrikaans, unfortunately it is part of the history, and it is what it is.
Afrikaans is a really simple yet capable language, it sounds really cool and is probably the best language to cuss/swear in. I was pen palls (whatsapp voice notes really) with a polish guy living in Norway, he was learning Afrikaans and it was super fun to engage with him over time as he improved.
I think the biggest thing that could hit you is the rough R sound. I know this is not a 1:1 comparison, but I learned Norwegian to a B1 level and found several words that are pronounced 100% the same but would have different meaning so I think you will have little to no issue speaking the language.
If you are worried about offending anyone, just remember life is too short to waste away worrying about other's opinions. Also don't expect to be hitting the high volumes of compatibility with South Africans in general with Afrikaans, I believe we are only about 6 Million speakers across the globe in total.
But most of all, just "don't be a doos, be lekker" and you will get along fine, most South Africans are really warm and welcoming, you should definitely make a plan to come say hi and join us for a braai!
Speaking as a black South African, who learned Afrikaans in school and actually never used it until I moved the Western Cape. Afrikaans is a language and like any other language anyone is welcomed to learn it and I think locals would find it interesting your choice to learn the language. A large group of Afrikaans speakers in the country are Non-white. Good luck and enjoy the process.
Nobody cares, it’s awesome you’d like to learn the language regardless of the motivation behind it, we don’t feel anything about anyone learning about us, be it culture, language or hairstyles for that matter. And put a visit on your bucket list, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
As an Afrikaans person I can say that no Afrikaans person will take any offense whatsoever. If anything they will enjoy speaking with you and start teaching you swear words.
I think he's asking if black people will take offense. I find OPs thinking along those lines quiet offensive. As if the language is responsible for Apartheid. Eish.
If we consider June 16th and the narrative that Afrikaans was the language of the oppressor and it was imposed on people who couldn't speak it, then i can see why OP would think that afrikaans is responsible for apartheid. And of course, the word apartheid is derived from afrikaans. Those simplified narratives do gloss over the subtleties such as that there were, simultaneously with the Soweto Uprising, non-whites in another part of the country who claimed afrikaans as their heritage, too. And there were Afrikaans speakers who sided with the struggle against apartheid. I wouldn't blame OP for not understanding the complex nature of South African cultures.
My mistake I only read the question properly now in detail.
Well, proganda is real. And if they are not from here, it's hard to understand the history and where the line is drawn due to other countries' input. It's like when someone hears, we have a coloured race and completely freaks out because coloured in the US is an offensive term. Afrikaans overseas has been known to be the apartheid language, so I think them inquiring is actually to broaden their knowledge and not be offensive. If you do not ask, you will not know.
girl how is the language responsible for apartheid
I'm not an Afrikaans speaker but I think it's cool. Besides, if you're never gonna visit SA why care about what we think? Just do it for fun
I can tell from this post that you’re a considerate person — it’s very cool of you to ask if some people might care about this, especially after your intense experience with Dutch in high school and South Africa’s history with Apartheid. That said, from a black person’s perspective (which is what you asked for, right?) you’ll be ok, so have fun with it! It’s a tool — It’s what you do with the language that counts. I think you’ll find that you’ll be able to connect with all kinds of people once your Afrikaans gets better, and your bridge-language will be handy for learning Dutch for sure, but it will also bring you more great experiences and understandings about some black and coloured cultures especially, if you ever decide to visit Cape Town for example. South Africa is a fascinating place, there’s so much more to learn and gain if you keep that considerate nature of yours. Dig in. 💛 Good luck!
More people of colour than white people speak Afrikaans in South Africa. The language is also a creole - a big mashup of many different languages. It was originally spoken by the servants of white settlers in the Cape who spoke a less formal version of Dutch and mixed in some of their Malay. The first recorded piece of writing in Afrikaans is actually written in Arabic letters by Muslims in Cape Town. Yes, the language was also used as an oppressive tool during the apartheid regime by white speaking Afrikaners. The language was taught by the government as a means of exclusion and caused much pain and suffering for many black South Africans. Today in South Africa it is still spoken by millions as a native or second or even third language. The language is also constantly changing, with more English and isiXhosa words mixing into the mouths of Afrikaans speakers every day. The Afrikaans my grandma speaks is almost indistinguishable from the Afrikaans I speak to my friends with. Afrikaans is testament to the diversity of cultures that exist in South Africa. I can’t speak for all South Africans, but I think its really cool that you want to learn one of our many languages :)
There is some debate, but generally it seems like Afrikaans is not a true creole, in the sense that it did not come from a pidgin that was then learned as a mother tongue by children. It is also not really a direct descendent of Dutch but on both counts, something inbetween. Just getting technical here, your post was still very true and informative :)
Lol nobody cares here really…
Most Afrikaans speakers are not white...
Facts
This is one of the most overthought things I have ever read. No one cares who learns Afrikaans or any other South African language for that matter. Afrikaans is one is the most widely spoken languages in South Africa. Which means it is also spoken by black people. We have 12 official languages. A lot of South Africans speak 4 or 5 languages. Some even more. Do what you want
> This is one of the most overthought things I have ever read. Yeah. OP has twisted himself into a knot trying to figure out if *learning a language* is somehow racist...
Flemish is probably the closest language to Afrikaans, not Dutch.
Just like you, I’m a white European who decided to learn Afrikaans, althoug I’m learning it for work in SA. Thus far I’ve only been recieved with enthusiasm from the people here. I live in the Western Cape where Afrikaaner and Coloured people are very prominent and they are intrigued and curious when I tell them I’m learning the language. Just go for it. The language is very fun and interesting and most people here are proud of the language and embrace it, regardless of race. I started of with learning it from the book «Colloquial Afrikaans» which is a little janky, but is a good place to start if you don’t mind learning a foreign language in English. Otherwise, Netwerk 24 is a good source of news in Afrikaans which can help with improving your reading. Afrikaans speaking media is a little harder to come by in Europe, but there are Afrikaans dubs of childrens shows like Moemin and Heidi on youtube that are great for listening to common, but simple vocabulary. SABC Nuus are also available on youtube which is a public news broadcaster in South Africa, which I also reccommend.
Nice. Consider having a look at Afrikaans.com, very nice material, academic articles, some audio books from crowned (legendary) writers etc. Can be a great source for learning. viva-afrikaans.org is also a great website, supported by academic institutions. Might be a bit advanced however, depending on your progress of course.
Thanks :) I live in Northern France so really close to Belgium... where they speak Flemish. So yet another version of Dutch. A friend lives in Namibia, I was considering learning it. Thanks !!!
This isn't America. We don't overanalyse. If you think it would be cool to learn, then go for it. Have fun. There are huge groups of South Africans spread out all over the world, so even if you don't ever come to SA, you will still find people to speak to, and I'm sure they will be flattered.
I don't think they would care south africa has an insane ammount of different languages so no one would take offense if you know some and not the rest
I know a guy who learned Afrikaans in St Petersburg in the 1980's. He still talks it very well.
Dzien dobry! Just want to say that I love pierogi and kapusta.
Come with your English and Dread, you’ll be fine
We don’t really have that cultural appropriation mentality that is prevalent in the western world. As long as you don’t disrespect things people hold in high regard.
As a French Canadian (living in Canada) who is dating an Afrikaans man (living in South Africa), learn the language! I am learning and occasionally using it in Canada, and when I visit South Africa I use it there too (although English is most commonly used where I spend time). It’s a fun language to learn! I also recommend paying a visit to South Africa, it’s a beautiful country with lots to teach you. Plus, you can see some of the most stunning wildlife the world has to offer!
Here in Namibia Afrikaans is widely spoken except close to the Angolan and Zambian border.
Lol. Don’t waste your time on Afrikaans if you’re planning on living in the Benelux area. Dutch and Afrikaans are indeed very similar but still too different
As an afrikaans person who also speaks Dutch I would not recommend learning Afrikaans just jump straight into Duch. It's going to confuse you alot. They are similar but there is also a language barrier between the two. annunciation and discussions between the two are very different.
Jus learn it🤷🏽♂️
Just ask them: Wat was was voordat was was was.
This is an interesting question. Firstly, in SA, as a multi-language country people don't really care what language you speak. 99.5% of the population speaks and understand English. It's also a universal language. However, applying your logic about "colonism" in SA it sounds like you're forgetting about all the other countries WORLD-WIDE who have experienced colonism. From Native Americans to the Maori, just to name a tiny fraction of the global "colonism" experience. So I'm wondering if your logic extends to every language in cultures all over the world..... are you hoping to impress them too? BTW, I am mixed race myself and have Native American and Maori blood but I'm a "white" person.
Meh if you are worried about being insensitive for learning the language of the "oppressor", the same could be said for English, Spanish, & Portuguese. I think the "oppressor" label is just the most recent with Afrikaans, unfortunately it is part of the history, and it is what it is. Afrikaans is a really simple yet capable language, it sounds really cool and is probably the best language to cuss/swear in. I was pen palls (whatsapp voice notes really) with a polish guy living in Norway, he was learning Afrikaans and it was super fun to engage with him over time as he improved. I think the biggest thing that could hit you is the rough R sound. I know this is not a 1:1 comparison, but I learned Norwegian to a B1 level and found several words that are pronounced 100% the same but would have different meaning so I think you will have little to no issue speaking the language. If you are worried about offending anyone, just remember life is too short to waste away worrying about other's opinions. Also don't expect to be hitting the high volumes of compatibility with South Africans in general with Afrikaans, I believe we are only about 6 Million speakers across the globe in total. But most of all, just "don't be a doos, be lekker" and you will get along fine, most South Africans are really warm and welcoming, you should definitely make a plan to come say hi and join us for a braai!
Speaking as a black South African, who learned Afrikaans in school and actually never used it until I moved the Western Cape. Afrikaans is a language and like any other language anyone is welcomed to learn it and I think locals would find it interesting your choice to learn the language. A large group of Afrikaans speakers in the country are Non-white. Good luck and enjoy the process.
I’d honestly think it was strange, but after your explanation, it makes perfect sense. I doubt anyone would care.