Moving to a new country is a huge life change. You’re building a new life, navigating a different culture, and maybe even learning a new language. But what happens to the language of your home, family, and heritage? For many South Africans living abroad, there’s a deep desire to keep their connection to Afrikaans alive, not just for themselves, but for future generations.
Afrikaans is more than just a language; it’s the heartbeat of a community and a carrier of culture, humour, and history. It connects us, whether we’re in Pretoria or Perth. As the language celebrates its 100th anniversary as an official language of South Africa, preserving it feels more important than ever.
Fortunately, keeping your heritage alive is easier than you might think. Here are a few practical tips for nurturing your Afrikaans roots, no matter where you are in the world.
How to keep Afrikaans thriving abroad
1. Create a “Mini-South Africa” at home
The easiest way to keep a language alive is to use it daily. Make a conscious effort to speak Afrikaans at home with your partner and children. It helps to surround yourself with the sights and sounds of your culture.
- Read Afrikaans books: Stock your shelves with everything from children’s stories to the latest novels.
- Watch Afrikaans films and shows: With streaming services, it’s easier than ever to access South African content.
- Listen to Afrikaans music: Create a playlist of your favourite artists, from old classics to new hits, and have it playing in the background.
- Play board games in Afrikaans: Dust off that old Scrabble board for a family game night.
Creating an environment where Afrikaans is seen and heard regularly helps your children learn and appreciate the language naturally.
2. Connect with your local South African community
You might be surprised to find a thriving community of South Africans right on your doorstep.
- Host a braai or potjiekos evening: Invite other South Africans in your area for a classic get-together. Sharing familiar food and traditions is a powerful way to strengthen your sense of identity.
- Start a cultural group: This could be anything from an Afrikaans book club to a regular games night. These gatherings provide a great opportunity to speak the language and share experiences with people who understand your background.
- Be a cultural ambassador: Introduce your new friends and colleagues to your heritage. Share some melktert, play them your favourite music, or teach them a few fun Afrikaans phrases. Building bridges helps foster pride in your own culture.
3. Use technology to stay connected
Even if you are thousands of miles away, technology makes it simple to maintain strong ties with home.
- Schedule regular video calls: Keep in touch with family and friends in South Africa. Hearing and speaking Afrikaans regularly will keep your skills sharp and your connections strong.
- Follow Afrikaans social media: Use platforms like Instagram and Facebook to engage with Afrikaans content. Following South African creators, news outlets, and organisations helps keep the language relevant in your daily life.
- Join online communities: Groups like AfriForum Wêreldwyd offer a fantastic platform to connect with a global network of Afrikaans speakers, stay informed about events, and access valuable resources.
4. Support Afrikaans initiatives
Actively supporting organisations that promote Afrikaans culture ensures its survival for years to come. Many South African organisations have international members and provide platforms where you can show your support through donations or by spreading their message. Taking part in cultural festivals or events in your new country is another excellent way to represent and celebrate your heritage.
Afrikaans: Your heritage, your language
Your language is a core part of your identity. By actively speaking, sharing, and celebrating Afrikaans, you contribute to its continued existence and growth around the world. It’s about ensuring that the unique expressions, traditions, and warmth of the language are passed down through the generations.
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