The Cambridge International AS Level Afrikaans syllabus enables learners to achieve greater fluency, accuracy and confidence in the language as it is spoken and written, and improve their communication skills.
They learn how to improve their use of Afrikaans in a variety of situations, understanding how to read texts and other source materials, and how to extract information, initiate conversations and respond to questions both orally and in writing.
In the Afrikaans class we want everyone to share in the creation and enjoyment of Afrikaans culture, specifically literature, and the development of the language as an intellectual instrument.
One of our AS-topic areas for 2021 is Kos en Drank (Food and Drink)
The Afrikaans language is expressive, rich and unique to South Africa and its food words are as intriguing as the items they describe.
We compiled a list of our favourite Afrikaanse “KOS”-words:
Potjie: Direct translation: little pot. A traditional stew slow-cooked in a cast-iron three-legged pot over the coals of a fire. Slaptjips: Direct translation: floppy chips. Potato fries. Frikkadelletjies: Little meatballs. Koeksister: Traditional dough braids that are deep fried and soaked in syrup. Try the classic recipe. Melktert: A traditional South African recipe for a cinnamon-topped custard tart in a sweet pastry crust. Naartjie: A sweet and easy-to-peel citrus fruit indigenous to South Africa. Padkos: Direct translation: road food. Food that you eat while on a journey, usually homemade and containing boiled eggs for comedic effect. Poffertjies: Fritters or profiteroles. Direct translation: little puffs. Spookasem: Direct translation: ghost’s breath. Candy floss. Ystervarkie: Direct translation: little porcupine. Lamingtons (sponge cake dipped in chocolate sauce and rolled in coconut).
When it comes to South African food, Afrikaans has the best descriptive words to make your mouth water! Afrikaans is undeniably and deliciously vivid.
Carmen de Villiers Afrikaans Department High School – IES Blouberg International School, SA
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