When Was Afrikaans Invented?

Afrikaans, an indigenous language of Southern Africa, has a complex and intriguing history that spans several centuries. This article delves into the origins of Afrikaans and its evolution into the modern language spoken by millions of South Africans today.

Origins in the Cape of Good Hope

During the early 17th century, the Dutch East India Company (VOC) established a victualling station at the Cape of Good Hope in 1652. This was a critical port for ships rounding the southern tip of Africa on their way to the East Indies. The language initially spoken at the Cape, known as Afrikaans or koek-khoe (kitchen-Dutch), was a mix of standard Dutch, influences from indigenous Khoikhoi languages, and imported languages like Malay, German, and French.

Development and Popularization

Afrikaans, recognized as a unique language by the South African Constitutional Court, was used primarily for cross-cultural communication among slaves, exiles, and servants who had been imported to the Cape. The first translation into Afrikaans was the Quran for the benefit of Muslim settlers from the Dutch East Indies. Over time, Afrikaans became more popular and developed into a fully-fledged language, used in engineering, science, medicine, and academia.

Emergence of Afrikaners

A group of Afrikaans-speaking dissidents to the VOC identified themselves as Afrikaners and sought to explore the interior of Southern Africa in the late 19th century, free from British rule. They aimed to find a place where they could settle and thrive. Many of their descendants continue to reside in modern-day South Africa, still identifying as Afrikaners.

Demographics and Linguistic Diversity

According to current data, approximately 7 million South Africans speak Afrikaans as a first language, comprising 13.5% of the country’s total population. The language is spoken by people of diverse racial backgrounds. Over half of Afrikaans speakers are Coloured, followed by 39.5% white, 8.8% black, 0.9% Indian or Asian, and 0.6% other.

Ancestry and Cultural Mosaic

The origins of Afrikaners are complex and diverse. In 1652, only 3 small ships with craftsmen, sailors, and gardeners were sent to the Cape of Good Hope. The VOC’s brief was to establish a victualling station, feed passing fleets, and replenish water supplies. However, the Dutch settlers quickly became more than just temporary re-suppliers. Animosity arose due to the reposssession of livestock, leading to some employees resigning and starting farms in the interior. Slaves were also imported from various regions, and there were few women, leading to intermarriage between Dutch men and slave women.

As the population grew, the influence of other European settlers and indigenous Khoikhoi further enriched Afrikaans. Many Afrikaners today have multiple lines of ancestry, including at least 5 slave origins. For example, Krotoa, a Khoi girl raised and christened by a Dutch commander, had a significant impact on the language and culture. She had daughters who eventually married Dutch farmers/artisans.

Social and Cultural Context

The social context in which Afrikaans developed cannot be appreciated without understanding the historical and cultural influences. The 17th-century Dutch people were highly religious and saw their roles differently than we do today. Europeans, after many conflicts, began migrating to the Cape of Good Hope after it became relatively safe. German and Flemish settlers also mixed with the Dutch, Khoikhoi, and slaves, contributing to the linguistic and cultural mosaic that is modern Afrikaans.

Considering the historical and social context, it is important to note that the current racial classification system in South Africa is reflected in the contemporary language demographics. The predominance of French surnames among Afrikaners is a testament to the Huguenot influx in 1688. The acceptance of Christianity led to manumission of slaves, and the Muslim faith was encouraged, further enriching the cultural and linguistic landscape.

In the present day, the pale skin is still associated with wealth and pale-skin desirability is evident in various contexts, including Bollywood films. The rich history of Afrikaans and its evolution into a distinct language reflect the complex tapestry of cultures and histories that have shaped South Africa.

Conclusion

Nestled in the vibrant multicultural context of South Africa, Afrikaans stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of its people. Its origins and evolution are a fascinating narrative of language, culture, and identity. Whether you are a linguist, historian, or just a curious traveler, visiting the Cape of Good Hope offers a unique opportunity to engage with this rich linguistic and cultural heritage.