Learning Afrikaans

[Northwest9]

Goeie dag

During my hunt in Namibia last year, I had no issue communicating with the PH's, as they were perfectly bi-lingual, but the trackers and skinners were not, and I would have loved to have been able to chat with them, even a little, to learn a bit about them, and show some appreciation for the work they did.

I am going back in 2022, for my 40th, as I have a Canadian Black bear hunt in 2020, and can really only justify an OS hunt every 2 years.

This gives me 3 years to learn Afrikaans, which I hope is achievable.

Has any one else learned it later in life, starting out as a English only speaker?

 

[Bullthrower338]

I would sign up for an immersion course with Charlie, though I’m not sure I would learn Afrikaans I would sure have excellent self esteem at the end of being immersed!

 

[Hunting Sailor]

I’ve learned quite a bit of Afrikaans over the years.
I speak a couple of other languages which I assume have helped a lot. I have learned by listening, asking questions and reading hunting articles in Man Magnum and Wild Jag.
I was recommended to take a Dutch online course to get a better understanding, but although those languages are similar they are not the same and I never studied as such.
That’s quite a dedication you show there to learn a language to be able to speak with the trackers and staff. Well done and good luck.

 

[Northwest9]

I’ve learned quite a bit of Afrikaans over the years.
I speak a couple of other languages which I assume have helped a lot. I have learned by listening, asking questions and reading hunting articles in Man Magnum and Wild Jag.
I was recommended to take a Dutch online course to get a better understanding, but although those languages are similar they are not the same and I never studied as such.
That’s quite a dedication you show there to learn a language to be able to speak with the trackers and staff. Well done and good luck.

thanks mate, ill look up those hunting articles.

Im using the Afrikaans101 website at the moment, only a week into it

 

[Boela]

I have to congratulate you on the attempt!
Not many people will take that step to learn a second or even a third language.
My son (turning 2 in August) has the privilege of learning 4 languages at once (Afrikaans, English, German and Zulu) - though it might influence the time that he actually starts speaking, he already follows all commands given in either language. He definitely understands all of it.

There are many Afrikaans speaking forum members and am I pretty sure that they will all gladly assist. Should you run into any difficulties, or you need clarification, please do not hesitate to ask. There is quite a few YouTube channels that explains the different Afrikaans words and their meanings, the pronunciation thereof will be difficult at first.
Your time and effort invested in learning Afrikaans will be respected and appreciated by your host.

Best advice that I can give - do not be hesitant or feel ashamed to make mistakes.

If I can help in any way, please do not hesitate to ask.
Best of luck!

 

[Northwest9]

Thanks mate, it is a little intimidating, but there is also a lot of similarities which I find encouraging.

I'm doing about 30-45 minutes each week day on it at the moment, and am finding it easier to study than work related stuff.

I want to study Afrikaans, for my hunting life, I have to study work related stuff for the boss... one is much easier to commit time to

 

[Bushpig4Ever]

Lots os South Africans are living in Australia. Just place an ad in your local newspaper, you might find one nearby. Talk to him in Afrikaans, the easiest and quickest way to learn a language.

And yes, you could subscribe to one of our bilingual hunting magazines, I think there are 3-4 on the market. MAGNUM is my favorite magazine, however there is just one article in Afrikaans.