Language Learning

1. Ek leer Afrikaans

   I am learning Afrikaans

   Usage

   Used to tell someone you are currently learning Afrikaans

   Grammar Note

   "Leer" means both "to learn" and "to teach". Context determines the meaning

2. Praat asseblief stadig

   Please speak slowly

   Usage

   Asking someone to slow down when speaking Afrikaans

   Grammar Note

   "Asseblief" functions like English "please" and can appear anywhere in the sentence

3. Hoe sê jy dit in Afrikaans?

   How do you say that in Afrikaans?

   Usage

   Asking how to express something in Afrikaans

   Grammar Note

   "Sê" corresponds to Dutch "zeggen" (to say). The circumflex ê indicates a long vowel

4. Kan jy my regstel as ek verkeerd praat?

   Can you correct me if I speak incorrectly?

   Usage

   Asking a native speaker to correct your Afrikaans errors

   Grammar Note

   "Regstel" = reg (right/correct) + stel (set/place). It functions as a separable verb

5. Wat beteken hierdie woord?

   What does this word mean?

   Usage

   Asking about the meaning of an unfamiliar word

   Grammar Note

   "Beteken" corresponds to Dutch "betekenen" (to mean). The Dutch -en ending is dropped

6. Ek verstaan nie

   I don't understand

   Usage

   Used when you don't understand what someone said

   Grammar Note

   A simple negative sentence takes a single "nie" at the end (Ek verstaan nie). The double "nie ... nie" appears in longer clauses, e.g. with a negated verb phrase before a final "nie"

7. Skryf dit neer, asseblief

   Please write it down

   Usage

   Asking someone to write down a word or phrase you could not follow

   Grammar Note

   "Skryf neer" is a separable verb meaning "to write down". Compare Dutch "opschrijven"

8. Ek oefen my Afrikaans

   I am practising my Afrikaans

   Usage

   Expressing that you are actively practising your Afrikaans

   Grammar Note

   "Oefen" corresponds to Dutch "oefenen" (to practise). Afrikaans drops the -en infinitive ending

9. Jou uitspraak is baie goed

   Your pronunciation is very good

   Usage

   Complimenting a language learner's pronunciation

   Grammar Note

   "Uitspraak" = uit (out) + spraak (speech). The literal meaning is "out-speech" = pronunciation

10. Waar kan ek 'n taalklas bywoon?

    Where can I attend a language class?

    Usage

    Used when looking for a language class or course

    Grammar Note

    "Bywoon" = by (by/at) + woon (dwell/be). Compound meaning: to attend (be present at)

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