Abstract

DU PLESSIS, Jacques. Afrikaans in the USA: Usage, challenges and possibilities. Tydskr. geesteswet. [online]. 2025, vol.65, n.1, pp.458-471. ISSN 2224-7912.  https://doi.org/10.17159/2224-7912/2025/v65n1a21.

This article compares foreign language acquisition in Europe and the USA and describes the American school and university systems, particularly regarding the challenges faced by less commonly taught languages. The focus then shifts to the teaching of Afrikaans over the past four decades and the reasons for its current precarious position. Finally, the future for Afrikaans is considered, along with the paths of other foreign languages, indicating possible options for Afrikaans to play a more significant role as a foreign language.

        · abstract in Afrikaans     · text in Afrikaans     · Afrikaans ( pdf )