You are here:
Afrikaans/language
Advertisement
Question
What unusual feature is characteristic of the Khoisan languages of Africa?
Thank you
The San languages are related to the languages spoken by the Khoikhoin, also called Khoi, or Hottentot. Together these languages are called by the technical name Khoisan. Some of the unusual click sounds of these languages have been borrowed by a group of Bantu language speakers about 300 to 500 years ago.
The Khoisan languages are written in a standardized alphabet based on Latin characters with special symbols for the click sounds unique to the Khoisan languages. Some of these symbols are //, !, /. This characteristic is probably the most unusual and unique element of this group of languages.
Related Articles
PuoTaal
Expertise
Questions relating to South African English and the language Afrikaans. Even some questions on Southern African languages, especially Sesotho (Southern Sotho) would be appropriate. I can also do short translations between Afrikaans and English.
Experience
Experience: Afrikaans is my first language, while English and Sesotho are my second and third languages respectively. Translation studies is also one of my subjects. Currently I'm busy with with my Masters degree.
Organizations: Linguistics Association of South Africa Silent Night Association (International)
Education: BA Degree (2000 - Potchefstroom University, South Africa), BA Honours (2001 - Potchefstroom University, South Africa) and Translation Studies at MA level (2001 - University of Copenhagen, Denmark). Currently studying at Potchefstroom University, South Africa.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.