Afrikaans

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Afrikaans

Afrikaans (/ˌæfrɪˈkɑːns, ˌɑːf-/; Afrikaans: [afriˈkɑːns]) is a West Germanic language spoken in South Africa, Namibia and, to a lesser extent, Botswana and Zimbabwe. It evolved from the Dutch language and was previously referred to as "Cape Dutch" (a term also used to refer collectively to the early Cape settlers) or "kitchen Dutch" (a derogatory term used to refer to Afrikaans in its earlier days).

Etymology

The term Afrikaans is derived from the Dutch term Afrikaans-Hollands meaning "African Dutch". The language itself originated from the Dutch vernacular of South Holland, spoken by the mainly Dutch settlers of what is now South Africa, where it gradually began to develop distinguishing characteristics in the course of the 18th century.

Pronunciation

In English, the term Afrikaans is pronounced /ˌæfrɪˈkɑːns, ˌɑːf-/ while in Afrikaans, it is pronounced [afriˈkɑːns].

Related Terms

  • Dutch language: The parent language from which Afrikaans evolved.
  • West Germanic languages: The branch of the Germanic family of languages that includes Dutch and Afrikaans.
  • South Africa: The country where Afrikaans is most widely spoken.
  • Namibia: Another country where Afrikaans is spoken.
  • Botswana: A country where Afrikaans is spoken to a lesser extent.
  • Zimbabwe: A country where Afrikaans is spoken to a lesser extent.

External links

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