Learn Afrikaans!
Afrikaans is the language of Dutch descendants in South Africa. It is spoken by about 6 million people as a first language, and more than that number as a second or third language. Besides South Afrika, Afrikaans is spoken in neighboring African countries like Namibia, Angola and Zimbabwe, as well as in pockets in the UK, the Netherlands, the US, Canada and Australia.
Afrikaans is closely related to Dutch. It shares approximately 85% of its vocabulary with Dutch and is largely mutually intelligible with it. It is generally considered relatively easy to learn Afrikaans, especially if you know some Dutch. It is not a commonly learned language outside of southern Africa, and most publishers of language learning products don't make anything to learn Afrikaans. But, there are a few sources to learn from, and with a few well-chosen supplements you can get a great headstart learning Afrikaans!
Internet/Free
Openlanguages.net/Afrikaans
This is the first place on the internet I would look to start to learn Afrikaans. This is a very comprehensive site with pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, readings, culture, links for audio, music and more.
Internet/Free
There are a few other sites for learning Afrikaans, but I find that they are mostly basic vocabulary and phrases without too much else. EasyAfrikaans.com and
101languages.net/afrikaans come up in multiple searches, but there just isn't enough content on these sites to get past the initial basics. Digitaldialects.com/Afrikaans has a vocabulary game feature that may be a fun supplement for a more comprehensive course.
Software
Before You Know It, or BYKI as it is known, is a vocabulary flashcard program from Transparent Language that has lots of little extras, and they keep improving it all the time. With thousands of words and phrases of vocabulary and native-speaker audio, BYKI Afrikaans is a great supplement to help you absorb Afrikaans. One of the features I most like is the fact that you can edit and add vocabulary yourself. Combined with other learning sources and a little creativity, BYKI can be an indispensable part of your language learning routine. Best of all you can try a limited version for free! Get your Free BYKI™ Lite download by Transparent Language
Software
This inexpensive downloadable software program to learn Afrikaans is a great tool to have in your arsenal. Lots of vocabulary and phrases, dialogues, audio from native speakers, games and activities and much more to get you started on your path to learning Afrikaans.
Book/Audio
Teach Yourself Afrikaans
Teach Yourself is one of the most popular and easy to find language learning series ever made. Each course is tailor made for the language and Teach Yourself Afrikaans is one of the best and highly rated courses. There are lots of dialogues, vocabulary, grammar explanations and exercises. The course also comes with audio cd's of native speakers. Worked through diligently, Teach Yourself Afrikaans will give you an excellent grounding in the language.
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'What language we habitually speak depends upon a geographical accident.'
- Frederick Bodmer
