Abstract
M.A.
The aim of this study is the description of the dialect Oranjerivierafrikaans as it was
conveyed in the unpublished play "Broerse" by Hans du Plessis. "Broerse" was the first
play in Oranjerivierafrikaans. The development and growth of Oranjerivierafrikaans and
the people who speak it are studied. The syntactical, morphological, lexical and
pronunciation variants are studied to determine the correctness of the portrayal of the
dialect. The possibilities of growth in the characters' language ability are also described.
There are three characters in the play. Adam and Willem are brothers who are both in
love with Robyn. Adam and Robyn both live in Lekkertjank, a Griqua community. Adam
is a petrol attendant and Robyn is a teacher. Willem has left the community and returns
after his mother's death. He introduces himself as a professor in Afrikaans. Adam and
Robyn speak Oranjerivierafrikaans, while Willem uses Standard Afrikaans. He only uses
Oranjerivierafrikaans as a way to get closer to Adam. A comparison between "Broerse"
and Kanna hy kô hystoe is obvious. The role of variations of the dialect and "Broerse"
as a play are also looked at.