Studying Afrikaans is fascinating for several reasons. It is a language spoken by about 7.2 million people, mainly in South Africa and Namibia, and offers a unique insight into a blend of cultures and histories. Afrikaans originates from 17th-century Dutch but has also been influenced by other languages such as German, Portuguese, and indigenous African languages. This makes Afrikaans a language rich in historical significance and cultural diversity.
A couple of interesting words in Afrikaans are 'braai', meaning barbecue and a central part of the social culture, and 'spookasem', meaning cotton candy, which literally translates to 'ghost breath'. Learning Afrikaans not only opens doors to new avenues of communication but also to a deeper understanding of the history and social life of South Africa and Namibia.