Seminar: Simon Witbooi: God praat Afrikaans

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Afrikaans is currently much disputed in South Africa and intentionally marginalised, predominantly because of its history. In fact, in many corners of the country many believe it is dead or dying. In this seminar, Simon Witbooi aka Hemelbesem plans to dissect this “corpse” and either prove that the language is alive and well or reanimate it. Using excerpts from his book God Praat Afrikaans, Witbooi will accentuate a number of observations about this young and growing language and will discuss, among other things, those who use it, its distorted representations, its commercial value, its cultural contributions and its art. God Praat Afrikaans, is a critically acclaimed memoire that some critics in South Africa have described as “a book that changed my life” and “a voice for colored people of South Africa”. Witbooi received the Verbondenheids Trophy for its bridge-building qualities amongst diverse Afrikaans speaking groups.

At this seminar Hemelbesem will also perform as a rapper.

Read more about Simon Witbooi (in Afrikaans)