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Richelle Pretorius

Afrikaans really is easy. If you are struggling to read and speak Afrikaans or you are a beginner and want to start learning the right way, this course is for you. It does not matter whether you are 7 years old or 70 years old, anyone can learn sounding out Afrikaans words and become a confident speaker and reader.

This course will help you master Afrikaans using the basics of phonics. Phonics is a powerful tool that teaches you how to pronounce a sound. In this course I also teach you how to recognise the sound when reading words. This will make saying it so much easier and raise your confidence levels.

Read more

Afrikaans really is easy. If you are struggling to read and speak Afrikaans or you are a beginner and want to start learning the right way, this course is for you. It does not matter whether you are 7 years old or 70 years old, anyone can learn sounding out Afrikaans words and become a confident speaker and reader.

This course will help you master Afrikaans using the basics of phonics. Phonics is a powerful tool that teaches you how to pronounce a sound. In this course I also teach you how to recognise the sound when reading words. This will make saying it so much easier and raise your confidence levels.

Once you know how to pronounce the basic sounds in Afrikaans, you can learn words and build your language knowledge from there. Sadly, most schools don't teach reading Afrikaans with phonics, and this is a fundamental reason why children become demotivated with Afrikaans as a subject. It's like building a house with no foundation. If you can't sound out a word, you will not know how to pronounce the word and you will not be able to learn new vocabulary from any written material.

I am so excited to, through this course, help children and adults build a sturdy foundation to learn Afrikaans, which is a beautiful, descriptive language. The videos will give you the opportunity to master the sounds and words you will start reading along the way. You can practise in the privacy of your home and repeat the exercises till you become 100% confident in the well-structured and logical content. It will be like having your own personal Afrikaans speaking friend and teacher in your house or classroom :)

After mastering this course, you will be ready to move on to the next course on Udemy: Wow Afrikaans is Easy. Vocabulary Workshop.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn to read afrikaans from scratch. you will learn all the afrikaans sounds so you can read any word.
  • Because you are learning the correct way - with phonics, you will become confident and fluent, no matter the difficulty level of the content you are reading.
  • Throughout the course, you will always understand what you are reading because every word is translated for you.
  • Learn vocabulary and get a feel for basic sentence structures.
  • Understand and practice correct pronunciation of words and sentences.
  • Show more
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Syllabus

Introduction
Welcome and course overview
Know your alphabet sounds
Listen to the Afrikaans alphabet and recognize what you already know!
Read more

Learn the sounds a, e, i, o and u

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Uses phonics, which is a proven method for teaching reading and pronunciation, making it easier for learners to grasp the basics of Afrikaans
Provides translations for every word, ensuring learners understand the meaning and context of what they are reading, which is helpful for building vocabulary
Offers a structured approach to learning Afrikaans, starting with alphabet sounds and progressing to sentences and paragraphs, which builds a solid foundation
Focuses on pronunciation, which is essential for developing confidence and fluency in speaking Afrikaans, and helps learners avoid common pronunciation mistakes
Recommends a follow-up course, suggesting that learners may need to dedicate additional time and effort to achieve fluency in Afrikaans
Teaches the Afrikaans alphabet and vowel sounds, which may be challenging for learners unfamiliar with the language's unique phonetic system

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Reviews summary

Afrikaans phonics foundation for beginners

According to learners, this course provides a strong foundation and makes learning Afrikaans phonics easy and accessible. Many found the methodology clear and effective for beginners, helping them master sounds and pronunciation. Students appreciated the well-structured content and the instructor's ability to explain concepts simply. It's seen as an excellent starting point for reading and speaking Afrikaans, particularly for those who found traditional methods difficult. The course helps build confidence.
Helps learners gain confidence.
"I feel so much more confident reading Afrikaans now."
"It really boosted my confidence in tackling Afrikaans words."
"Great for building confidence, especially if you struggled before."
"My confidence in speaking and reading has definitely improved."
Ideal for those starting from scratch.
"As a complete beginner, this course was perfect for me."
"If you're starting Afrikaans, this is the place to begin."
"Great for getting started, even if you know zero Afrikaans."
"Tailored well for absolute beginners."
Instructor explains clearly and simply.
"The instructor explains everything so clearly."
"Very clear explanations that made the content easy to follow."
"Loved how the instructor broke down the sounds and rules simply."
"Simple language and easy-to-understand explanations are key here."
Great for building basic reading/pronunciation skills.
"Really helped to build my foundation in Afrikaans reading."
"This course gave me a very strong foundation for reading Afrikaans."
"An excellent starting point for anyone wanting to learn Afrikaans from scratch."
"I feel I have a solid basis for reading and pronouncing words after this course."
The course's phonics approach is effective.
"The phonics method really works!"
"The phonic method used here helps me to learn new words faster."
"This course is exactly what I needed for teaching phonics in Afrikaans. Super helpful content."
"The phonics approach is fantastic and makes learning pronunciation much easier than other methods I've tried."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Wow Afrikaans is Easy! - With Phonics (Course 1) with these activities:
Review Afrikaans Alphabet
Reinforce your knowledge of the Afrikaans alphabet and its sounds to prepare for the phonics-based approach of the course.
Show steps
  • Review the Afrikaans alphabet chart.
  • Practice pronouncing each letter aloud.
  • Identify cognates with English to ease memorization.
Read 'Teach Yourself Afrikaans'
Supplement the course with a comprehensive guide to Afrikaans grammar and vocabulary.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Teach Yourself Afrikaans'.
  • Read the introductory chapters on pronunciation and basic grammar.
  • Refer to the book for clarification on grammatical concepts as needed.
Phonics Drill Practice
Reinforce phonics skills by practicing reading Afrikaans words and sentences aloud, focusing on accurate pronunciation.
Show steps
  • Create a list of Afrikaans words from the course materials.
  • Practice reading each word aloud, paying attention to vowel sounds.
  • Record yourself reading and compare to the course audio.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create Flashcards
Solidify vocabulary acquisition by creating flashcards with Afrikaans words and their English translations.
Show steps
  • Gather new vocabulary words from each lesson.
  • Write the Afrikaans word on one side of the flashcard.
  • Write the English translation on the other side.
  • Review the flashcards regularly.
Explore 'Colloquial Afrikaans'
Enhance conversational skills by exploring colloquial expressions and everyday phrases in Afrikaans.
View Alter Ego: A Novel on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Colloquial Afrikaans'.
  • Read the dialogues and vocabulary lists in each chapter.
  • Practice using the phrases in conversations with a language partner.
Write Short Afrikaans Paragraphs
Improve writing skills and reinforce vocabulary by writing short paragraphs in Afrikaans on familiar topics.
Show steps
  • Choose a simple topic, such as 'My Family' or 'My Favorite Food'.
  • Write a paragraph of 5-7 sentences in Afrikaans.
  • Use vocabulary and sentence structures learned in the course.
  • Use an online translator to check your work.
Language Exchange Partner
Practice speaking Afrikaans with a native speaker or fellow learner to improve fluency and pronunciation.
Show steps
  • Find a language exchange partner online or in person.
  • Schedule regular practice sessions.
  • Speak Afrikaans for half the session and your native language for the other half.

Career center

Learners who complete Wow Afrikaans is Easy! - With Phonics (Course 1) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Afrikaans Teacher
An Afrikaans Teacher introduces students to the Afrikaans language and culture. They create lesson plans, assess student progress, and foster a positive learning environment. A course that focuses on phonics can help build a strong foundation in the language. For example, this course can help an aspiring Afrikaans teacher who may not be a native speaker to master the sounds of Afrikaans and confidently teach pronunciation to their students. Furthermore, the structured approach of this course may be useful for designing effective lesson plans.
Language Tutor
Language Tutors provide individualized instruction to students, helping them improve their language skills. Patience, adaptability, and strong communication skills are vital. This course can help one gain a solid understanding of Afrikaans phonics and sentence structure, enabling them to effectively teach these concepts to others. For a language tutor, especially one working with beginners, being able to break down the language into its fundamental components, as taught in this course, can accelerate the learning process. The course may serve as a valuable resource for designing customized lesson plans.
Bilingual Customer Service Representative
A Bilingual Customer Service Representative interacts with customers in multiple languages, addressing inquiries, resolving issues, and providing support. Strong communication skills and empathy are crucial. This course can help build confidence in speaking and understanding Afrikaans, enabling you to effectively communicate with Afrikaans-speaking customers. Being able to confidently pronounce words and understand basic sentence structures, as emphasized in this course, can improve the customer experience and build rapport. This course may provide a solid foundation for this role.
Translator
Translators convert written material from one language to another, ensuring accuracy and cultural relevance. They need a deep understanding of both languages and specialized knowledge in various fields. This course may be especially useful. It helps build a foundation in Afrikaans phonics, vocabulary, and sentence structure. For a translator, who may be tasked with translating complex texts, a comprehensive understanding of the language nuances can be an invaluable asset. Furthermore, the course's emphasis on correct pronunciation may be helpful for translators working with audio or video content.
Interpreter
Interpreters facilitate communication between individuals or groups who speak different languages. They convert spoken language in real-time, requiring excellent listening skills and cultural sensitivity. This course may be particularly useful as it can help one master Afrikaans pronunciation and basic sentence structures. For an interpreter, whose job depends on clear and accurate communication, being able to confidently pronounce words and understand sentence structures can be essential for success. Moreover, the course's emphasis on phonics can enhance their ability to quickly decipher spoken words.
Content Creator
Content Creators develop engaging material for various platforms, such as websites, social media, and video channels. This can include writing articles, creating videos, and designing graphics. For a content creator focusing on the Afrikaans language or culture, this course may provide a foundational understanding of the language, enabling them to produce accurate and engaging content for their audience. You'll be able to use the knowledge gleaned from this course to create content that resonates with Afrikaans speakers. Also, consider the phonics aspects of the course when creating content for beginners.
Bilingual Receptionist
A Bilingual Receptionist greets visitors, answers phones, and provides administrative support in multiple languages. Professionalism, strong communication skills, and organizational abilities are crucial. This course may help you develop a foundational understanding of Afrikaans, enabling you to greet visitors and answer basic inquiries in the language. Even a basic understanding of pronunciation, as taught in the course, can improve communication and create a positive first impression. The course can improve communication with Afrikaans speakers.
Travel Guide
Travel Guides lead tours, providing information about destinations and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for travelers. Excellent communication skills and knowledge of local culture are essential. This course may be useful for a travel guide operating in Afrikaans-speaking regions. It can help you acquire basic Afrikaans vocabulary and pronunciation skills, enabling you to communicate with locals and provide a more immersive experience for tourists. This course can help you build confidence in understanding and speaking Afrikaans, which is essential for navigating local areas and engaging with the community.
International Business Consultant
International Business Consultants advise companies on expanding their operations into new markets. Cultural awareness and language skills are invaluable for success. This course may be helpful for a consultant planning to work in Afrikaans-speaking regions. It can provide insights into the language and culture, enabling you to better understand the local business environment and communicate effectively with potential partners. Knowledge of phonics and sentence structures can improve your communication skills.
Immigration Officer
Immigration Officers interview applicants, review documents, and make decisions regarding visa applications and immigration status. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and cultural sensitivity are essential. This course may be useful for an immigration officer working with Afrikaans-speaking individuals. It can help you understand basic Afrikaans vocabulary and pronunciation, enabling you to communicate more effectively with applicants. Even a basic understanding of the language can improve communication and reduce misunderstandings. This course may help to achieve this foundation.
Foreign Service Officer
Foreign Service Officers represent their country's interests abroad, engaging in diplomacy, consular services, and public affairs. Strong communication skills, cultural awareness, and adaptability are essential. This course may be useful for an officer assigned to an Afrikaans-speaking country. It can help them develop basic language skills and gain a deeper understanding of the local culture. Understanding phonics and sentence structures can allow you to better understand the local business environment and communicate effectively with potential partners.
Market Research Analyst
Market Research Analysts study market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. They may collect data on consumer demographics, preferences, needs, and buying habits. This course may be helpful for analysts focused on markets in Afrikaans-speaking regions, as understanding phonics and sentence structure can help the analyst better analyze data and understand the nuances of the Afrikaans language and culture. The course can provide a foundation for understanding the language used in market surveys and reports.
Grant Writer
Grant Writers research and write proposals to secure funding from foundations, government agencies, and other organizations. You must have strong writing skills. This course may be helpful for a grant writer seeking funding for projects in Afrikaans-speaking communities. It can help the applicant develop a better understanding of the language and culture. Understanding phonics and sentence structures can allow you to better understand the local business environment and communicate effectively with potential partners or funding sources.
Journalist
Journalists investigate and report on current events, interviewing sources, writing articles, and presenting information through various media. Strong writing skills and attention to detail are essential. This course may be of marginal utility for a journalist working in an Afrikaans-speaking region, as basic knowledge of the language can help with understanding the local context. Furthermore, knowledge of phonetics and sentence structures may help the journalist gain insight to the culture. However, the journalist will require significant additional learning beyond that presented in this course.
Librarian
Librarians manage library resources, assist patrons with research, and promote literacy. Strong organizational skills and a love of learning are essential. This course may be helpful for librarians serving Afrikaans-speaking communities. It can help them understand basic Afrikaans vocabulary and pronunciation, enabling them to better assist patrons and promote Afrikaans literature. Understanding phonetics and sentence structures may help them better communicate with more members of the community.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Wow Afrikaans is Easy! - With Phonics (Course 1).
Provides a comprehensive introduction to Afrikaans grammar and vocabulary. It useful reference for understanding sentence structure and building a broader vocabulary base. While the course focuses on phonics, this book offers a complementary approach to language learning. It can be used as a reference text throughout the course.
Focuses on conversational Afrikaans and everyday phrases. It is helpful for understanding how Afrikaans is spoken in real-life situations. While the course provides a foundation in phonics and basic vocabulary, this book expands on practical language use. It is more valuable as additional reading to enhance conversational skills.

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