Celebrate 100 Years of Afrikaans: A Landmark Talk in Swellendam

This November, Swellendam marks a linguistic milestone: the centenary of Afrikaans as an official language. But the story of Afrikaans stretches far beyond 1925—and on Tuesday, 25 November, you are invited to journey through its rich and complex history with renowned linguist Prof Marné Pienaar.

Prof Marné Pienaar is a leading scholar in Afrikaans linguistics at the University of Johannesburg. With degrees in Cultural History and Linguistics, she has published widely on semantics, translation, and multilingualism. She’s co-authored two multilingual dictionaries, served as director of the Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal, and was a member of the Afrikaans Language Commission. Since relocating to Swellendam in 2023, she’s become a passionate advocate for inclusive language practices.

Talk Title:
From 1595 to 2025 and Beyond: The Story of Afrikaans

Venue:
The Drostdy Schuur

Time:
18h00 for 18h30

Cost:
R100 for members | R130 for guests (includes snacks and drinks)

📧 RSVP by 23 November
the.emissary@icloud.com or derek@swellendamheritage.org.za
(Please indicate if you’ll need a headset for English translation)

What to Expect

Prof Pienaar’s talk traces the evolution of Afrikaans from its earliest roots—beginning in 1595 with Khoi-Portuguese contact—to its recognition as an official language and its current status in 2025. She’ll explore the diverse cultural and linguistic contributions that shaped Afrikaans, and share insights from a recent report highlighting both its triumphs and challenges today.

This is more than a lecture—it’s a celebration of heritage, identity, and linguistic resilience.

Inclusivity in Action

Worried you won’t follow the Afrikaans? Don’t be! For the first time in Swellendam, the talk will be simultaneously interpreted into English via headsets—just like at the UN. Interpreter Carmen Brewis, a fellow Swellendammer and researcher at the SU Language Centre, will ensure everyone can engage fully. Carmen brings decades of legal and linguistic expertise, and her work in multilingual education makes this event truly groundbreaking.

As our final talk of 2025, let’s make it a party! Join us for snacks, wine, and a toast to Afrikaans’ 100th birthday.

Let’s celebrate the past, present, and future of a language that continues to shape South Africa’s cultural landscape.

SWELLENDAM HERITAGE ASSOCIATION