Afrikaans in Australia
When considering a big move to Australia, many Afrikaans-speaking families naturally wonder: Will I still be able to speak my language there? Will my children lose their culture?
The short answer? Yes, you can absolutely continue to speak Afrikaans in Australia. And while your children will learn English (quickly, too!), there are ways to keep their mother tongue alive at home and even in the community.
Afrikaans Is Alive and Well
You might be surprised to know that Afrikaans is one of the top 10 languages spoken at home in parts of Australia, especially in regions where South African expats have settled.
Thousands of Afrikaans-speaking families have made the move over the last two decades, and you’ll find small but tight-knit communities across regional Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia.
In these areas, it’s not uncommon to hear Afrikaans in the shops, at church, on the rugby field and even at the local school gate.
What About Schooling – Can My Kids Learn in Afrikaans?
Australia’s public school system is English-based, so all formal education will be in English. However, Afrikaans-speaking children often adapt very quickly, especially when they’re young. Most schools offer language support for non-native English speakers, especially in the early stages of settling in.
That said, many South African parents continue to speak Afrikaans at home and encourage their children to read Afrikaans books, watch Afrikaans TV, and stay connected to the culture.
Some larger communities have weekend Afrikaans schools or cultural clubs, where kids can learn to read, write, and speak the language with others. These are great for keeping the connection alive and building friendships with other Afrikaans-speaking families.
Community Life and Cultural Connections
One of the beautiful things about regional Australia is the strong sense of community and South Africans tend to find their people quickly. You’ll find Afrikaans-speaking farmers, tradies, teachers, and business owners in many towns and rural areas.
Local churches often host Afrikaans services or Bible studies, and many communities celebrate South African holidays like Braai-day (Heritage Day, SA Film Festivals, Sokkie Nights and of course cricket matches.
Whether it’s boerewors at a weekend market or hearing a “hoe gaan dit?” at the local rugby club, you’ll find those little touches of home if you’re open to connecting.
Moving to a new country doesn’t mean giving up your language or culture. In fact, many families find that the distance makes them even more intentional about preserving their identity.
In Australia, your children will learn English fluently and gain incredible opportunities, but Afrikaans doesn’t have to disappear. It’s up to you as a parent to help them hold onto both worlds.
So yes—jy kan jou taal praat in Australië. En jou kinders kan dit ook behou, as jy dit vir hulle lewendig hou.
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