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The Evolution of Afrikaans: From Settler Communication to Official Language

May 19, 2025Literature4339
How Afrikaans Developed: A Historical Journey Afrikaans, a language th

How Afrikaans Developed: A Historical Journey

Afrikaans, a language that has its roots in the 17th century, is a fascinating story of linguistic evolution. This article delves into the origins, development, and current status of Afrikaans, tracing its path from a communication tool used by European settlers and slaves to an officially recognized language in South Africa.

Origins of Afrikaans

Afrikaans is derived from modern Dutch brought by Dutch settlers who arrived in the 17th century. Most of these settlers were born in the southern provinces of the Netherlands and settled in the Cape Colony, which is now part of South Africa. As the main language for other European settlers and slaves brought from various African countries and beyond, Afrikaans developed into a unique vernacular.

Initially, Afrikaans was seen as a less prestigious dialect, earning nicknames such as "incorrect Dutch" or "uncivilised Dutch." In 17th-century South Africa, it was mainly used as a method of communication between European settlers and slaves. This led to the language's informal and evolving nature, distinguishing it from the formal High Dutch used in official contexts.

Independence and Recognition

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Afrikaans began to evolve independently, developing its own distinct characteristics. By the early 20th century, it was officially recognized as an independent language with its own rules and standards. Today, approximately 67 million people speak Afrikaans as their first language, with around 16 million more using it as a second language.

Current Status and Usage

As one of the eleven official languages in South Africa, Afrikaans is the main language of the White and Coloured population. It is also spoken in Namibia, where it serves as an important lingua franca. Lesser communities of speakers can also be found in Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Personal Reflections

From a genealogical perspective, around 3/8th of my ancestry is Afrikaner, though personally, English is my language. My grandmother, from the Eastern Cape, referred to Afrikaans as "Kitchen Dutch," indicating its historical use in domestic settings. She herself learned English and High Dutch in school, with her parents speaking Cape Dutch, a dialect similar to Afrikaans.

In the 19th century, by 1900, most Afrikaners were speaking Cape Dutch at home. However, the educated elite, particularly ministers of the Dutch Reformed Church, were primarily trained in the Netherlands and spoke High Dutch themselves. Bibles and official documents were still printed in High Dutch.

Despite the official status of English in the colonies, particularly under British rule from 1652 to 1795/1806, many Dutch-speaking immigrants and their descendants in the Cape Colony spoke a form of Dutch/Afrikaans. This linguistic evolution showcases the rich history and cultural significance of Afrikaans in the region.

Afrikaans as a Creole Language

It is worth noting that Afrikaans is considered a creole language, closely resembling those found in places like Dutch Guyana and, notably, Flemish in Belgium. Many Dutch immigrants to South Africa were actually from Flanders, further enriching the linguistic mosaic of the region.

In conclusion, Afrikaans has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a lingua franca between European settlers and slaves to its current status as a vibrant and recognized language in South Africa. Its evolution reflects the complex history and cultural interactions of the region, making it a fascinating subject for linguists and historians alike.