‹ Back

Afrikaans has had a significant influence on South African English, which has developed its own unique characteristics and vocabulary as a result of the country's complex linguistic history. Here are some of the ways in which Afrikaans has shaped South African English:

 

Vocabulary: Many words and phrases from Afrikaans have become part of South African English, such as "bakkie" (pickup truck), "braai" (barbecue), and "boerewors" (sausage).

 

Pronunciation: South African English has been influenced by the pronunciation patterns of Afrikaans, such as the tendency to pronounce "t" and "d" as a dental click, and to use a flat intonation pattern.

 

Syntax: The syntax of South African English has been influenced by Afrikaans, with the use of double negatives and the placement of adjectives after the noun, such as "the car blue".

 

Slang: Afrikaans slang has also made its way into South African English, with words like "lekker" (good), "eish" (an exclamation of surprise), and "ja-nee" (yes-no) being commonly used.

 

Idioms: Many idiomatic expressions in South African English are borrowed from Afrikaans, such as "jou ma se" (your mother's), which is used to express surprise or annoyance.

 

Overall, Afrikaans has had a significant impact on the development of South African English, and the two languages continue to influence each other in a dynamic and evolving linguistic landscape.