Complete Afrikaans Beginner to Intermediate Course: Learn to read, write, speak and understand a new language

by Lydia McDermott

Are you looking for a complete course in Afrikaans which takes you effortlessly from beginner to confident speaker? Whether you are starting from scratch, or are just out of practice, Complete Afrikaans will guarantee success!

Now fully updated to make your language learning experience fun and interactive. You can still rely on the benefits of a top language teacher and our years of teaching experience, but now with added learning features.

The course is structured in thematic units and the emphasis is placed on communication, so that you effortlessly progress from introducing yourself and dealing with everyday situations, to using the phone and talking about work.

By the end of this course, you will be at Level B2 of the Common European Framework for Languages: Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.

Learn effortlessly with a new easy-to-read page design and interactive features:

AUTHOR INSIGHTS
Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience.

GRAMMAR TIPS
Easy-to-follow building blocks to give you a clear understanding.

USEFUL VOCABULARY
Easy to find and learn, to build a solid foundation for speaking.

DIALOGUES
Read and listen to everyday dialogues to help you speak and understand fast.

PRONUNCIATION
Don't sound like a tourist! Perfect your pronunciation before you go.

TEST YOURSELF
Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress.

TRY THIS
Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.

Rely on Teach Yourself, trusted by language learners for over 75 years.

Genres: Reference

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 2005

Reviews

[Brett C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another standard Teach Yourself language aid. The Afrikaans language is a neat sounding language in my opinion. It evolved from the Dutch vernacular of Holland (Hollandic dialect) spoken by the largely Dutch settlers (and then by the native Africans who associated with them) in South Africa, where it gradually began to develop distinguishing characteristics in the course of the 18th century. Afrikaans is now considered its own language and has distinct morphology, grammar, and spelling that differs from standard Dutch.

1. How are you?
Afrikaans: Hoe gaan dit met jou?
Dutch: Hoe gaat het met je?

2. I am fine/well, thank you.
Afrikaans: Ek is oukei, dankie.
Dutch: Hoe gaat goed met mij, dank je.

3. Good morning
Afrikaans: Goeiemore
Dutch: Goedemorgen

4. Good night:
Afrikaans: Goeie nag
Dutch: Goedenacht

The book is broken into the usual lessons to include greetings/introductions, going on a trip, eating & shopping, etc. Each chapter has an audio dialogue related to the topic that is helpful. The vocabulary lists, grammar explanations, and basic review exercises are helpful at learning the language. I would recommend this publisher or the Routledge Colloquial series if you or someone is serious about language self-study. Thanks!

[D J Rout · Rating 5 out of 5]

This updated version has been adapted to fit post-Mandela South Africa. Afrikaans is in decline, swept away by the acceptance of other African languages and the pervasion of English, but it's still popular enough to be worth learning, at least as an insight into a civilisation gone with the wind, so to speak.

But the Kindle can't pronounce Afrikaans to save itself, so you will go quietly insane if you're using the text-to-speech function. I mean, it does a better job than it did with Beowule but that isn't saying much.

A book well worth your acquisition.

[Ama]

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