Afrikaner Facts For Kids

Afrikaner societies are cultural groups in South Africa descended from European settlers, particularly those from the Dutch, German, and French Huguenot backgrounds, with a rich history and unique language (Afrikaans).

Select reading age

Go deeper More articles

Videos & Quizzesincluded

About this topic

The Afrikaners are a group of people in South Africa known for their unique heritage. 🇿🇦 They mostly speak Afrikaans, a language that evolved from Dutch, and trace their roots back to Dutch, French, and German settlers. The term "Afrikaner" can refer to anyone who speaks Afrikaans and is connected to this culture, which includes around 7 million people today! They have a rich culture of music, dance, and food. 🍲Afrikaners celebrate their history and contributions to South Africa while also embracing a changing world.

Explore with ChatDino

Key Points

Afrikaners originated from the first European settlers in South Africa during the 17th century.

Afrikaans is the main language spoken by Afrikaners, which is very special!

Afrikaner culture is brimming with traditions!

Afrikaners have been important to South Africa's agriculture since the 1800s.

Today, the Afrikaner identity is changing.

Afrikaners have spread around the world!

In the late 19th and 20th centuries, Afrikaners sought to create a sense of national identity.

Afrikaners have significantly impacted South African society in numerous ways.

Photos of Afrikaner

Mixed-race "Afrikander" Trekboer nomads in the Cape Colony, ancestral people to the Oorlam and Griqua migrations, produced in the 1890s

Distribution of Afrikaans versus English as home language of white South Africans. .mw-parser-output .legend{page-break-inside:avoid;break-inside:avoid-column}.mw-parser-output .legend-color{display:inline-block;min-width:1.25em;height:1.25em;line-height:1.25;margin:1px 0;text-align:center;border:1px solid black;background-color:transparent;color:black}.mw-parser-output .legend-text{} 87.5–100% Afrikaans 75–87.5% Afrikaans 62.5–75% Afrikaans 50–62.5% Afrikaans 50–62.5% English 62.5–75% English 75–87.5% English 87.5–100% English

Painting of the arrival of Jan van Riebeeck

Weenen massacre: Zulus killed hundreds of Boer colonists (1838)

Boer guerrillas during the Second Boer War

Lizzie van Zyl, visited by Emily Hobhouse in a British concentration camp

Afrikaner diaspora in Africa and the world. .mw-parser-output .div-col{margin-top:0.3em;column-width:30em}.mw-parser-output .div-col-small{font-size:90%}.mw-parser-output .div-col-rules{column-rule:1px solid #aaa}.mw-parser-output .div-col dl,.mw-parser-output .div-col ol,.mw-parser-output .div-col ul{margin-top:0}.mw-parser-output .div-col li,.mw-parser-output .div-col dd{page-break-inside:avoid;break-inside:avoid-column} unavailable < 10,000 10,000+ 1,000,000+

Image by Ivpal, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0

Landing of Boer settlers in Chubut, Argentina.

Afrikaner — photo 9

🚢 History And Origins

Afrikaners originated from the first European settlers in South Africa during the 17th century. 🚢The Dutch East India Company sent people to create a supply station at Cape of Good Hope. Later, settlers mixed with local groups and developed a unique identity. In the 1800s, many Afrikaners moved inland, known as the Great Trek, to escape British control. 🚶‍♂️🌄 They faced many challenges, leading to conflicts with indigenous peoples. This history shapes who they are today, with a strong sense of community and resilience.

Go deeper

🗣️ Language And Dialects

Afrikaans is the main language spoken by Afrikaners, which is very special! 🗣️ It began from the Dutch language but has also borrowed words from indigenous African languages, Malay, and French. Afrikaans has many fun words, like "braai" for barbecue and "bakkie" for a small truck. 🥩🚚 There are also some regional dialects within Afrikaans, showing its diversity. In schools, children learn Afrikaans alongside English and other languages, creating a colorful tapestry of communication in South Africa! 📚

Go deeper

🎉 Culture And Traditions

Afrikaner culture is brimming with traditions! 🎉They are well-known for their vibrant music called "Afrikaans folk music," which often tells stories of their history. Dance is also important, and events like the "Boeremusiek" are celebrated with lively gatherings. 🎶One of their favorite foods is "potjiekos," a stew cooked in a three-legged pot. They celebrate holidays like "Heritage Day" on September 24th, where families showcase their cultural pride and traditions, sharing their unique history with each other! 🍽️

Go deeper

🌾 Economy And Agriculture

Afrikaners have been important to South Africa's agriculture since the 1800s. 🌾They were some of the first farmers in the country, growing crops like corn, wheat, and fruits. They also raised animals like cattle and sheep, which helped make them successful farmers. Today, their contributions continue with farms spanning across the country, mainly in regions like the Free State and Western Cape. 🌻🍏 Through hard work, Afrikaners help feed the entire nation and maintain strong agricultural ties.

Go deeper

🤔 Modern Afrikaner Identity

Today, the Afrikaner identity is changing. 🤔Many Afrikaners are proud of their culture but also recognize the importance of diversity in South Africa. They celebrate their heritage through art, music, and food but also work with other groups to create a brighter future together. Some Afrikaners live in cities, while others continue farming. 🏙️🏡 They contribute to the richness of South African life, showing that many different cultures can live side by side!

Go deeper

🌍 Afrikaners In Global Context

Afrikaners have spread around the world! 🌍Many emigrated to places like Australia, Canada, and the United States. They maintain their language and customs wherever they go, contributing to communities abroad. In these countries, Afrikaners often form groups to celebrate their culture and history. 🎊Thanks to modern technology, they can stay connected with their roots back home in South Africa. This global connection enriches cultures everywhere, creating a beautiful mosaic of traditions and perspectives.

Go deeper

🏛️ Political Movement And Impact

In the late 19th and 20th centuries, Afrikaners sought to create a sense of national identity. 🏛️ They played a big role in South Africa's politics, especially during the apartheid era when there were laws to separate people by race. Afrikaners created the National Party, which led the country through apartheid. 💔After the end of apartheid in the 1990s, many Afrikaners worked towards a new South Africa, aiming for unity and equality for all its people. ✊

Go deeper

📚 Influence On South African Society

Afrikaners have significantly impacted South African society in numerous ways. 📚From literature and music to political policies and farming techniques, they have helped shape the country's identity. The Afrikaans language has provided a unique perspective in film and storytelling. 🎬Their influence is visible in sports, arts, and community events, showing how they contribute positively to society. Today, Afrikaners work together with other cultural groups to build a strong, diverse South Africa united by mutual respect and cooperation! ✨

Go deeper

🧠 Take the Quiz about Afrikaner

Question 1 of 10

What language do Afrikaners primarily speak?

Question 2 of 10

Which event is known as the Great Trek?

Question 3 of 10

What was the Afrikaner Bond?

Question 4 of 10

Which war significantly impacted Afrikaner identity in the early 20th century?

Question 5 of 10

What is the Voortrekker Monument a symbol of?

Question 6 of 10

Which musical instrument is commonly associated with traditional Afrikaner music?

Question 7 of 10

What does the Day of the Vow commemorate?

Question 8 of 10

Where do many Afrikaners have historical ties?

Question 9 of 10

What cultural influence is evident in the Afrikaans language?

Question 10 of 10

What does Afrikaner art often reflect?

Your results

Answer all 10 questions to see how you did.