Second Afrikaans Language Movement

The Second Afrikaans Language Movement was a literary and linguistic development in South Africa that aimed to establish Afrikaans as a distinct language separate from Dutch. This movement gained momentum in the early 20th century, with poets and writers playing a crucial role in shaping the language and its literary expression.12

Key aspects of this movement include:

• Language Development: It built upon the efforts of the First Afrikaans Language Movement, which began in 1875. The Second Movement saw Afrikaans gain official status, being recognized in schools and by Parliament by the 1920s.134
• Literary Flourishing: Poets like C. Louis Leipoldt and Eugène Marais were prominent figures, linking European traditions with South African realities. Prose writers also emerged, moving towards more realistic historical works and studies of South African society.1
• Cultural Identity: The movement was intertwined with the broader Afrikaner identity, often in tension with English cultural dominance. Writers experimented with form and content, sometimes challenging conservative Afrikaner norms.13

This period saw the emergence of influential writers and literary magazines, solidifying Afrikaans as a significant literary language.12