What does AF mean in LANGUAGE CODES (2 LETTERS)

History

Afrikaans refers to the language that developed from the 17th-century dialects of Dutch settlers in what was then the Cape Colony. Over time, those dialects blended with local Bantu languages and some Malayo-Polynesian words. As it slowly evolved into its own distinct form of Creole, Afrikaans gained more recognition as its own unique language. Today, it is listed among South Africa's 11 official languages.

Popularity

Afrikaans is mainly spoken among white and "coloured" communities living in South Africa's Western Cape province. It is also used throughout parts of Namibia, Swaziland, Botswana and Zimbabwe. However, despite its wide range of influence within these countries, only two percent of African speakers actually identify themselves as native Afrikaans speakers. Even so, it remains one of the continent's most widely spoken languages due to its versatility and widespread use in media outlets like radio stations or television channels servicing audiences across Southern Africa.

Conclusions

Afrikaans provides a unique window into the rich cultural diversity of Southern Africa and its people. While it might not have the same level of global recognition as other major languages like English or French, Afrikaans remains an important part of African heritage that should be preserved and celebrated with pride!