Afrikaans, bruh.

What is onomatopoeia?

According to a popular dictionary entry, onomatopoeia is a word that imitates or replicates the sound that is referred to by the word itself. Examples of onomatopoeia include “meow”, “roar” and everyday sounds like “tick-tock”.

Unfortunately, it is not shared across languages, for instance, Rice Krispies are characterized by their familiar “snap, crackle, and pop”. In German, you will sound crazy, since Germans use “Knisper! Knasper! Knusper!”

Here follows some Afrikaans examples.

South African birds: Piet-my-vrou (directly translated “Pete-my-wife”, called this because of the bird’s call), koekoek (cuckoo).

Insects: tjirp (chirping of crickets), tok-tok (tock-tock, after the “Toktokkie” or the Darkling beetle).

Animals: miauw (meow), woef (woof), bê (baa).

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Wat is klanknabootsing?

Volgens `n populêre woordeboekinskrywing, is klanknabootsing `n woord wat `n klank naboots of repliseer waarna die woord self verwys. Voorbeelde van klanknabootsing sluit in “miauw, “brul” en allerdaagse klanke soos “tik-tok”.

Ongelukkig word dit nie oor tale gedeel nie, byvoorbeeld, Rice Krispies wat geken word aan die bekende “snap, crackle and pop”. In Duits, sal jy mal klink, aangesien Duiters gebruik maak van “Knisper! Knasper! Knusper!”

Hier volg `n paar Afrikaanse voorbeelde.

Suid-Afrikaanse voëls: Piet-my-vrou (direk vertaal “Pete-my-wife”, so genoem danksy die voël se geluide), koekoek (cuckoo).

Insekste: tjirp (chirping of crickets), tok-tok (tock-tock, vernoem na die Toktokkie of die Darkling-besie).

Hey guys! So on today’s topic - common manners in Afrikaans. As you know, in a lot of languages some things are frowned upon and seen as disrespectful, so, to save you from embarrasment when talking to a native, here are some guidelines.

Please and thank you.

Even though I believe this is used all over the world, it is seen as highly ill-mannered when you don’t use The Magic Words™. Native Afrikaans speakers can tell you a lot of instances where Afrikaans elders asked them, ‘en hoe vra jy?’ (this makes no sense in English, but “and how do you ask?”).

Addressing strangers.

Even though this is extremely formal, strangers and people of higher authority are addressed as “u” (keep in mind this is lowercase). There is no English equivalent, since the English language makes use of you.

“U” (uppercase) is also a way Christians use to address the Lord.

Mom, Dad and elders.

This is a very important one. When speaking to the above mentioned, you make no use of pronouns - highly disrespectful and frowned upon.

For example,

‘Mom, can Mom please hand me Mom’s mirror, along with Mom’s lipstick?’

This makes almost no sense (from my experience) in English, but In Afrikaans, this is life (it also takes really long to finish a sentence and it annoys other people around you).

Means of addressing people formally.

‘Mevrou’ - Afrikaans equivalent of Mrs, abbreviation - Mev.

‘Meneer’ - Afrikaans equivalent of Mr, abbreviation - Mnr.

‘Mejuffrou’ -  Afrikaans equivalent of Ms, abbreviation - Mej.

I really hope you guys find this helpful. Please share!

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So, op vandag se onderwerp - algemene maniere in Afrikaans. Soos julle weet is daar is baie tale sekere goed wat as verkeerd geag word en as disrespekvol gesien word, so, om julle die verleentheid te spaar wanner julle met `n Afrikaans sprekende praat, hier is `n paar riglyne.

Asseblief en dankie.

Al glo ek vas dat hierdie dwars oor die wêreld gebruik word, word dit gesien as hoogs ongemanierd wanneer jy nie Die Tower Woorde™ gebruik nie. Afrikaans sprekendes kan jou van verskeie kere vertel waar `n ouer persoon hul gevra het, ‘en hoe vra jy?’ (dit maak geen sin in Engels nie, maar “and how do you ask?”).

Adresseer vreemdelinge.

Al is die vreeslik formeel, word vreemdelinge en mense van hoër gesag geadresseer as “u” (hou in gedagte, dit is onderkas). Daar is geen Engelse gelyke nie, omdat die Engelse taal gebruik maak van you.

“U” (hoofletter) is ook `n manier waarop Christene die Here adresseer.

Ma, Pa en ouer mense.

Die is baie belangrik. Wanneer daar met die bogenoemde gepraat word, word daar glad nie gebruik gemaak van voornaamwoorde nie - hoogs disrespekvol en word op neergekyk.

Byvoorbeeld,

‘Ma, kan Ma asseblief Ma se spieël met Ma se lipstiffie aangee?’

Dit maak geen sin (uit my ervaring) in Engels nie, maar in Afrikaans is dit lewe (dit vat ook baie lank om `n sin klaar te maak en irriteer die mense rondom jou).

Maniere om mense formeel aan te spreek.

‘Mevrou’ - Afrikaanse vorm van “Mrs”, afkorting - Mev.

‘Meneer’ - Afrikaanse vorm van “Mr”, afkorting - Mnr.

‘Mejuffrou’ - Afrikaanse vorm van “Ms”, afkorting - Mej.

My sincerest apologies guys! It’s been a rough few months - my laptop got stolen AND I was in the middle of my mid-year exams. Now, V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N! (and a lot of studies, language wise).

I would love some feedback! Are the resources helping? Stuck on anything? Any suggestions? I would really love to hear from you guys.

As you know, there isn’t a lot of resources available, therefore most will be mashed together, bits and pieces compiled by me!

Where can I find synonyms to Afrikaans words?

(Spoiler alert: “Small part of my life”-story ahead). From experience, because my mother was crazy about crossword puzzles, I know you get a lot of books that help with this (MAKRO Blokraaiselwoordeboek, Pansegrouw, 2009, here). I know this is like, ‘uhmmm, but why? give us real resources’, but I really understand your frustration. This is just something small that can really help to expand your vocabulary.

What about Google Translate?

Burn it. Now. It helps to a certain extent, but as someone who’s a native Afrikaans speaker, no, it does more harm than good.

This is just something small, since I will most likely be posting daily for the next month or so.

Please, please share this with everyone you know!

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Ek vra opreg omverskoning, julle! Dit was `n rowwe paar maande - my skootrekenaar is gesteel EN ek was in die middel van my halfjaar eksamens. Nou, V-A-K-A-N-S-I-E! (en baie studietyd, taal gewys).

Ek wil graag terugvoering hê! Help die hulpbronne? Brand julle vas op enige iets? Enige voorstelle? Ek sal mal wees daaroor om van julle te hoor.

Soos julle weet, is daar nie baie hulpbronne beskikbaar nie, dus sal meeste klein stukkies wees, bymekaar gegooi, deur my!

Waar kan ek sinonieme kry vir Afrikaanse woorde?

[Ek besef nou eers daar is nie `n Afrikaanse woord vir ‘spoiler’ nie *facepalms*.] “Klein deel van my lewe”-storietjie oppad). Uit ervaring, en omdat my moeder mal was oor blokraaisels, weet ek dat daar baie boeke is wat hiermee help (MAKRO Blokraaiselwoordeboek, Pansegrouw, 2009, hier). Ek weet, ‘uhmmm, maar hoekom? gee vir ons regte hulpbronne’, maar ek verstaan julle frustrasie. Dit is maar net ietsie klein wat regtig kan help om julle woordeskat te verbreed.

Wat van Google Translate?

Brand dit. Nou. Dit help tot `n seker mate, maar met Afrikaans as moedertaal weet ek, nee. Dit doen meer skade as goed.

Die is net ietsie klein aangesien ek vir die volgende maand of so daagliks iets sal oplaai.

Goeie dag almal!

I would like to officially introduce myself. My name is Chiquita. I’m from South Africa and my native language is Afrikaans. I’ve been asked by quite a few people for Afrikaans resources, but, unfortunately, they’re very scarce. I have decided to compile some of my own and share it with you guys! Geniet dit!

History and background:

(Unfortunately, I cannot verify ALL the information, but I will try my best to make sure it’s accurate.)

The languages of South Africa | Brand South Africa (along with information about South Africa’s 10 other official languages!)

Afrikaans | About World Languages

Afrikaans | Omniglot (Arabic section requires verification.)

Afrikaner | SAHO

Afrikaans language | Wikipedia

Afrikaans language | SA-Venues

Online lessons:

Afrikaans lessons | polymath.org

Afrikaans | Openlanguages

Learn Afrikaans | Hein’s Universe

Afrikaans lessons | Easy Afrikaans

Learn Afrikaans | Learn 101

How to Learn to Speak Afrikaans | WikiHow

Afrikaans Language Course | ielanguages

All you need to know about Afrikaans | Rawlangs

Music:

Bands and groups (active):

(Link in name leads to home pages, where applicable.)

Fokofpolisiekar (profanity), (lit. “F*ck off police car”) - Alternative rock. - Background | YouTube | Facebook

Die Heuwels Fantasties (lit. “The Hills Fantastic”) - Alternative, Electronica, Indie, Pop. - Background | YouTube | Facebook

Van Coke Kartel (lit. “From Coke Cartel”) - Alternative rock. - Background | YouTube | Facebook

Straatligkinders (lit. “Street light children”) - Rock. - Background | YouTube | Facebook

Foto na Dans (lit. “Photo after Dance”) - Progressive rock. - Background | YouTube

Die Antwoord (profanity and considered vulgar), (lit. “The Answer”) - Hip hop, Rap, Rave. - Background | YouTube | Facebook

Eden - Pop - Background

Die Melktert Komissie (lit. “The Milktart Commission”) - Pop, Acoustic. - Background | YouTube | Facebook

Glaskas (lit. “Glass case”) - Pop, Rock. - Background | YouTube | Facebook

Artists and musicians:

(Link in name leads to home pages, where applicable.)

Elvis Blue - Pop, Adult contemporary. - Background | YouTube | Facebook

Kurt Darren - Afrikaans folk music. - Background | YouTube | Facebook

Steve Hofmeyr - Afrikaans folk/pop. - Background | YouTube | Facebook

Jack Parow (profanity) - Hip hop, Rap, Afrikaans rap. - Background | YouTube | Facebook

Nádine - Pop. - Background | YouTube | Facebook

Bobby van Jaarsveld - Pop. - Background | YouTube | Facebook

Bok van Blerk - Pop rock. - Background | YouTube | Facebook

Chris Chameleon - Folk, World, Rock, Acoustic. - Background | YouTube | Facebook

Hennie Jacobs - Acoustic. - Background | YouTube | Facebook

Juanita du Plessis - Afrikaans gospel. - Background | YouTube | Facebook

Snotkop (vulgar), (lit. “Booger head”) - Pop, Kwaito, Rap. - Background | YouTube | Facebook

Karlien van Jaarsveld - Pop. - YouTube | Facebook

Movies:

Dis ek, Anna (2015, lit. “It’s me, Anna”) - Drama. Movie based off of the novel written by Anchien Troskie. A girl endures abuse at the hands of her stepfather. A court case ensues.

Semi-soet (2012, lit. “Semi-sweet”) - Romantic comedy. A desperate young woman tries to save her company from someone taking over. A relationship can seal the deal, therefore, she hires a model to be her significant other.

As jy sing (2013, lit. “If you sing”) - Musical comedy. A music teacher supports his singing group. Circumstances force them to sing for what they believe in.

Poena is koning (vulgar and profanity), (2007, lit. “Poena is king”) - Comedy. Two teens boys go on a mission. They refuse to stay virgins until the finish highschool.

Bakgat! (2008, lit. “Cool!”) - Comedy. A popular girl is dumped by the highschool sport star. She goes on a mission to transform the school wimp into the next best thing.

Bakgat! 2 (2010, lit. “Cool! 2″ - Comedy. The characters from the first movie now attend university. Some dreams, like a rugby career, seem unreachable.

Bakgat! Tot die mag 3 (2013, lit. “Cool! To the power 3″) - Comedy. The main character aspires to win a rugby league and pay for his wedding with the prize money, meanwhile, he is putting his relationship in danger.

Wolwedans in die Skemer (2012, lit. “Wolf dance in the dusk”) - Thriller. Sonja arrives at a hotel where she’s supposed to take up her new job as a receptionist, but following a freak accident, she has no idea who she is.

Liefling (2010, lit. “Darling”) - Musical romance. A girl with a love for life falls in love during the December holidays, but fate, and other people, intervenes.

Pretville (2012, lit. “Fun-ville”) - Musical. A movie that in set in a typical 1950′s town, showing what life was like back then.

Faan se trein (2014, lit. “Faan’s train”) - Drama. A mentally challenged man has a dream of having his own traicn. We accompany him on his journey.

Pad na jou hart (2014, lit. “Road to your heart”) - Romantic comedy. A young man has 5 days to travel across the country to attend his father’s funeral. He catches a ride with a beautiful young lady.

Treurgrond (2015, lit. “Mourn ground”) - Drama. A movie that shows how farm attacks affect the whole community, not just the family.

Jou Romeo (2016, lit. “Your Romeo”) - Teen comedy. A school has to cancel a play due to budget cuts. Kids stand up, and try to keep the play going.

Sy klink soos lente (2016, lit. “She sounds like spring”) - Comedy. A guy tries to win a girl’s heart by lying to her, saying he is part of a band. He is a mere motor mechanic. Now he needs a plan, or he’s going to lose her.

Vir die voëls (2016, lit. “For the birds”) - Comedy. A wild girl on the verge of marrying isn’t sure if the married life is for her.

Vir Altyd (2016, lit. “Forever”) - Romantic comedy. A girl is left in front of the altar by her significant other. She makes some “bad decisions” and ends up going on a journey where she realises who she really loves.

Videos:

Learn Afrikaans 101 | YouTube

Learn Afrikaans - Steohenstone | YouTube

Learn Afrikaans | YouTube

Greetings - Learn Afrikaans | YouTube (I listed this one specifically, because I know people other than natives struggle with the g-sound!)

Extras:

Afrikaans slang | Wikipedia (checked this out myself, not too bad!)

Afrkaans memes and jokes (@antiegriet) | Instagram

Afrikaans quotes (@cool_kwadraat) | Instagram

Maroela Media - Social platform filled with articles and news.

Afrikaans.com - A page with a little bit of everything.

Pasella - A travel series focused on food, celebrities, and all the fun little things in South Africa.

Afrikaans is Groot (lit. “Afrikaans is Big”) - A annual event hosting some of the best Afrikaans artists in the country. | Facebook

I really, really hope this helps! Please report any problems, any feedback would also be appreciated! Thank you so much for reading, spread the word!