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Documenting the forging of an African tongue
Afrikaans Language Museum
Afrikaanse Taal Museum
© Die Afrikaanse Taal Museum
Did you know?
The Northern Cape town of Richmond boasts a rare horse museum.
The emergence of new languages in modern times is unusual, but one that has come into being in recent history is Afrikaans, somewhat of a bridge between the European languages spoken by the early white settlers (Dutch, German, French and Portuguese) in South Africa, the Malay tongue of slaves brought here by the Dutch East India Company, and an array African languages, dating from the ancient San.
One of the advantages of a new language is that the process of its formation can be documented. At the Afrikaans Language Museum in the Western Cape town of Paarl (or the Taal Museum to give it its Afrikaans name), the visitor can trace the shaping of the Afrikaans language.
The museum has been set up in the very location where a body formed to promote Afrikaans was first established in 1875, the Association for True Afrikaners (ATA). The ground floor of this 2-storey Georgian-style house has been restored and furnished as close as possible to its original state. A noteworthy item situated in the children's bedroom, just as it was some 135 years ago, is the ATA's printing press, used to publish Afrikaans literature.
The top floor of the Afrikaans museum in Paarl presents the story and the personalities behind the development of the language. The exhibits are imaginatively presented as games, soundtracks and interactive displays. Exhibits are translated into English, so speaking Afrikaans is not a prerequisite.
The Afrikaans Language Museum is best visited in conjunction with the Taal Monument or the Afrikaans Language Monument, which towers above Paal from a hillock just outside town. Its columns and curves represent the pillars of Afrikaans - namely its diverse intercontinental influences, and its sweeping growth.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Monument Contacts:
Director: +27 (0)21 872-3441
Gate: +27 21 (0)863-4809
Restaurant: +27 (0)21 863-2800
Fax: +27 21 872-3642 / 871-1106
Email: admin@taalmuseum.co.za
Museum Address:
Gideon Malherbe House
11 Pastorie Avenue
Paarl
Contacts
Tel: +27 (0)21 872-3441
Fax: +27 (0)21 871 1106 / 872-3642
Email: hgm@taalmuseum.co.za
Megan Ruiters
Tel: +27 (0) 21 872 3441
Email: gids@taalmuseum.co.za
How to get here
Paarl is reached via the N1 motorway from Cape Town, branching off to the right on the R303. The drive of 69 km from Cape Town International Airport will take an estimated 40-50 minutes.
Around the area
Paarl has a 12km long main road, called - you've guessed it - Main Road. The buildings that line it are an architectural mix of Cape Dutch, Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco. The 'arboreal giants of Paarl', ancient oak trees dating back to the 1600s, can be seen on the banks of the Berg River. Scenic drives to wine estates are part of the Paarl experience, and you can hike, bike, fish and balloon ride. For young ones there is a crododile park and a snake farm.
Tours to do
Take a guided tour of the museum - see Contacts for details.
Get around
Within the town of Paarl, on foot or by car. You will need a set of wheels to get up to the monument though.
What will it cost
Museum Entrance:
Adults: R20.00
Students: R10.00
Learners: R2.00
Length of stay
An hour or so each for the museum and monument, but consider spending a night or two in the scenic Paarl Valley.
What to pack
Comfortable shoes for the mountain top monument
Where to stay
There are campsites, homestays, B&Bs, quaint boutique hotels and five-star hotels in Paarl. At the top of the range you'll find the well-known Grande Roche, a member of Relais & Chateaux, and The Villa.
What to eat
The Cape Winelands are a cuisine hotspot, so take time for a leisurely lunch or dinner at one of the nearby wine estates.
What's happening
If you're in Paarl in the summer, try and make one of the full moon picnics held at the monument.