Abstract
M.A. (Afrikaans)
Guided by contemporary Afrikaans media, with specific reference to print 'media and
television, this study aims to look at certain possible changes to one of the varieties
of Afrikaans, known as Standard Afrikaans.
Furthermore, it takes a historic and future glance at respectively the origin as well as
possible restandardisation of this variety. While language manuals are consulted in
the first instance, recent internet and newspaper articles reflect the current attitude of
various coloured academics, journalists and writers toward a possible new standard
that includes those varieties of Afrikaans that used to be stigmatized.
Willemse (2011) suggests that a purposeful process of inclusion and expansion of
Standard Afrikaans is necessary for the sake of the legitimisation by the greater
majority of Afrikaans speakers. This study makes various suggestions to enrich this
variety, without necessarily changing its level of formality.
While the dissertation does not over-emphasise the sociopolitical influences on
Standard Afrikaans, it does become obvious that politics and skin colour played a
significant role in the establishment of written Afrikaans - especially Standard
Afrikaans.
In the past, the voice of coloured Afrikaans speakers was mostly absent in the
standardisation process. Today, however, there are talks of closer cooperation
between all of the relevant parties in the possible restandardisation process of
Afrikaans.
One of the most prominent role players in the standardisation, with specific reference
to the possible future restandardisation of Afrikaans, is the media. This study, in
other words, wants to look at the role contemporary Afrikaans can play in the
restandardisation of Afrikaans by harmonizing different varieties.