ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Historical dialects of Afrikaans

Afrikaans is a language that is spoken in South Africa, Namibia and parts of Botswana and Zimbabwe. It comes from a mix of different languages, including Dutch, Malay and indigenous languages from Africa.

Over time, Afrikaans has evolved and changed, and this has led to the creation of different dialects. These dialects are versions of the language that are spoken in different regions and have unique features that make them distinct from each other.

One of the oldest dialects of Afrikaans is called Cape Dutch. This dialect was spoken by the Dutch settlers who first arrived in South Africa in the 1600s. It has many similarities to the Dutch language and is considered the foundation of modern Afrikaans.

Another dialect of Afrikaans is called Cape Coloured. This dialect is spoken by people of mixed-race ancestry and has words and phrases borrowed from different languages, such as English and Xhosa.

A third dialect is called Orange River Afrikaans. This dialect is spoken in the northwestern part of South Africa and has influences from the Khoisan languages of the region.

There are many other dialects of Afrikaans, each with their own unique features and history. Some dialects have become more widespread, while others are only spoken by small communities.

Overall, the historical dialects of Afrikaans show how the language has been shaped and influenced by different cultures and regions over time. By understanding these dialects, we can gain insight into the rich history and diversity of the Afrikaans language.