This book offers an introduction to Afrikaans for the student with no previous knowledge of the language, especially those who wish to study at home. Grammar, syntax and vocabulary are introduced in stages, and exercises are provided. There is also a guide to pronunciation.

We do not live in isolation, but through continuous interaction with our fellow human beings and life around us. English-speaking newcomers to South Africa are in a fortunate position in that thev can use their mother tongue throughout South Africa and be understood. At times, however, they come across mainly Afrikaans-speaking communities and find themselves at a loss. Or many immigrant parents often realize that their children, who study Afrikaans at school, have an advantage over them in that they can express themselves effectively in the other official language. Afrikaans. For these people and for unilingual South Africans and foreigners we have compiled this course in communicating in Afrikaans. The language in this book reflects Afrikaans as used by the ordinary person in oral and written communication. We believe that language is meaning-based. The most immediate need is to be able to refer to a core of basics in the real world, that is, for instance, to be able to name things, states, events and attributes, using the words the speaker knows. The learner must also be able to link words together to express propositions — the building blocks of communication. The first task in learning to communicate is to create propositions. But we must go beyond child language where, for a child to make himself understood: “me hungry” — “ek honger” is sufficient. We must reach a standard adult syntax where “Please give me something to eat” — “Gee my asseblief iets om te eet” is much more acceptable. Furthermore, in studying a new language we must strive to create a feel for the correct word order, mood or register. This can easily be achieved if we approach language from a communicative angle and a natural style. In this conversational speech one becomes familiar with transactional skills, such as how to ask for directions, act in a post office, etc.

Language is influenced by communicative goals and processes. The effects of this interaction between the speaker, the listener and the message influence the communication process, but we are fully aware of the fact that there are many other barriers to communication, such as physical and psychological barriers that arise when the communicators have different values, ages, back. grounds, education, intelligence, interests, needs, occupatións, etc. Our main concern in this book, however, lies in the removal of language barriers. If the speaker as well as the listener has a thorough understanding of a language, its structure and its idiom, and if there is proper feedback, language communication will be effective.

This book is intended for the individual who wishes to study alone, but can also be used in a class-situation. Although the book aims at the adult beginner, it is written in such a way that it could assist every pupil to enhance his language communication by increasing his vocabulary and by acquiring language skills.

The book is also aimed at the vast number of South Africans who possess only a working knowledge of Afrikaans and who feel that they would like, first, to master Afrikaans so as to communicate effectively both in speech and in writing; secondly, to read daily newspapers and magazines; and thirdly to appreciate literary works.

Teach yourself Afrikaans, therefore, aims at providing a basic conversational vocabulary and language patterns closely related to everyday life.

In this book the reader will be taught, inter alia, the acceptable way of introducing one another, of greeting one another and of conversing at social functions, together with the basics of grammar and idiom. Written communications, especially letter-writing, have not been neglected. The aim throughout has been to make two-way communication effective.

The units of the course aim to provide the particular language skills required in a given situation. Appropriate dialogues accompany each unit. Units 1 and 2 for instance, deal with understanding and answering simple questions. You will learn to gene

information about yourself and other people. You will be able w introduce people and greet them formally and informally.

The section on grammar will teach you the rudiments of simple structures. You will learn to talk about the present, the past and the future.

In Unit 4 you will learn how to ask for, and to understand, dt rections.

Unit 6 deals with matters pertaining to travel, from booking your seat to your arrival at a destination. Further units deal with housing, food, shopping, telecomntunication, road safety, employment, health, sport, games, holidays and the South African scene — each in an appropriate setting.

Initially instructions will be given in English. Afrikaans instructions will be introduced gradually.

Dialogues

The dialogues form an important part of the book. They are examples of spoken Afrikaans in everyday situations. The vocabulary below each dialogue and the alphabetical vocabulary at the back of the book will enable you to understand the dialogues without difficulty. However, it will also be necessary to refer to a good bilingual dictionary from time to time. We suggest that you use the Reader's Digest Afrikaans-Engelse Woordeboek/ English-Afrikaans Dictionary, Cape Town: Reader's Digest Association South Africa (Pty) Ltd (1987).

Notes

Grammatical structures are not taught for their own sake, but are always provided for practical reasons.

Exercises -

Practical exercises fall into the following categories:

True or false?

This comprehension exercise is based on the content of the dialogue. You should read the statement, refer to the text if necessary and then state whether the statement is true or false. Try to refrain from guessing. You are often required to rewrite correctly the statements which are false.

Answer in English

These questions are generally in English and are based on a dialogue in Afrikaans.

Answer in Afrikaans Open-ended questions are generally avoided so as to enable you ...