Afrikaans

Afrikaans is a Germanic language primarily spoken in South Africa and Namibia, developed from Dutch settlers' language in the 17th century. It has roots in Dutch but has been influenced by various languages, including Malay, Portuguese, and indigenous African languages. Afrikaans features a simplified grammar compared to its parent language and is known for its expressive vocabulary. It is one of the official languages of South Africa and serves as a cultural marker for many communities. Its pronunciation and structure make it distinctive, yet it remains closely related to Dutch and English, facilitating mutual understanding among some speakers.