For around 7 million South Africans, Afrikaans plays a defining role in identity, community and culture.
But what happens when that same language also carries pain, alienates people and raises questions about belonging? These are the questions at the heart of “Jou mase taal”, a new documentary series that starts on September 21 at 20:00 on kykNET (DStv channel 144).
The series explores the complex relationship black and coloured Afrikaans speakers have with the language: how they live it, how it makes them feel, and whether they embrace or reject it.
Romantha Botha, content producer of the series, got the idea of the series from her frustration with the way people talk about Afrikaans, especially among black and coloured South Africans.
“If I had to hear one more time: ‘Wow, you speak Afrikaans so well’ or that it’s an ‘oppressor’s language we should get rid of’, I would have lost it. I knew Afrikaans was much more than that, and I wanted to tell the other stories of the people who keep the language alive.”
Well-known and diverse voices share their experiences: Fatima Abdool, Moenier “Monox” Adams, Terry-Ann Adams, Stephanie Baartman, Allan Boesak, DJ Ready D, Christo Davids, Jitsvinger, Rozanne McKenzie and Blaq Pearl, to name a few.
Their stories are woven together with insights from communities, experts and politicians to create a multifaceted view of Afrikaans.“We want viewers to see Afrikaans in a new way, whether from a white, coloured, or black perspective,” said producer Clorinda Koert.
“The series offers a rich overview of Afrikaans in all its beauty and controversy, and we hope viewers will feel empowered with the knowledge to cherish and protect the language for the next generation.”
For the director of the series, Stephanie Pekeur, it was a great challenge but an even greater privilege: “Being the director was at once exciting and nerve-wracking. I wanted to create an authentic product that makes the viewer think, talk and feel.
“I hope the series leads to open and honest conversations, where people at least try to understand one another. It also forced me to have an internal dialogue to understand why I feel so strongly about certain aspects of Afrikaans.”
The documentary begins by exploring the intimate relationship a variety of speakers have with Afrikaans a language of love and resistance. From everyday conversational language and creative expression to the history of Soweto ’76, the first episode shows how Afrikaans carries both broken hearts and pride.
Next, the series examines the impact of Standard Afrikaans in education, with honest insights from teachers, experts and learners about how the form of the language is considered “acceptable” can influence children’s academic performance and their relationship with Afrikaans.
In the final episode, the conversation focuses on the politics around Afrikaans. The history of the language, the ways it has been used to divide, and the questions about how it can unite in the future create uncomfortable but necessary discussions that will encourage viewers to think and join the conversation.
“I hope that more people will talk about the potential of Afrikaans rather than trying to box it in. Because it is such a young language with contributions from so many cultures, there is no room for language purists,” Romantha adds.
“Jou mase taal” is produced by IdeaCandy, responsible for documentaries such as “Steinheist”, “Tracking Thabo Bester”, “Onthul” and “Devilsdorp”.
“Jou mase taal” consists of four episodes and the series begins Sunday, September 21 at 20:00 on kykNET (DStv channel 144).
