Resumen

BURGER, Annie. "It just hits home": An analysis of respondents' experience of varieties of Afrikaans in plain-language documents. Tydskr. geesteswet. [online]. 2025, vol.65, n.3, pp.799-821. ISSN 2224-7912.  https://doi.org/10.17159/2224-7912/2025/v65n3a3.

This study examines how the use of language varieties influences the experiences of individuals with plain-language documents. Since plain-language documents are written in the general variety of Afrikaans, it can be assumed that speakers of varieties of Afrikaans that are similar to standard or general Afrikaans¹ have better experiences with plain-language documents than those of other varieties. This raised the question of whether home language speakers of other varieties of Afrikaans would have more negative experiences with plain-language documents and whether incorporating multiple varieties into plain-language documents could lead to more positive experiences. Sociolinguistic studies indicate that language varieties influence interpretation and reception of written documents (Pienaar, 2002:15). This study investigated whether adapting plain-language documents to include multiple Afrikaans varieties would result in a more positive user experience. Qualitative interviews were conducted with ten respondents. Respondents were selected through convenience sampling, with a specific focus on the representation of diverse Afrikaans varieties. Six participants spoke Kaapse Afrikaans, two spoke Namakwalandse Afrikaans, and two had transitioned from Namakwalandse Afrikaans to Kaapse Afrikaans. Respondents reviewed three versions of a few paragraphs from an informative document explaining how to support a new mother; "Ondersteuning vir moeders [sic] ondersteuning vir jou". One version was written in standard Afrikaans, one in Kaapse Afrikaans, and one in Namakwalandse Afrikaans. Expert writers intralingually translated these versions in the respective varieties. Respondents were interviewed about their experiences with the texts. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, and the data were analysed manually to identify positive, negative and neutral responses. The results of the study produced several key findings regarding the impact of different Afrikaans varieties on the experience of plain-language documents. Overall, respondents had positive experiences with the standard Afrikaans plain-language version, largely because they were familiar with this variety in written form. This also enhanced understandability. However, some respondents were neutral, as they were accustomed to this variety and did not find it unusual. Despite the use of plain language in the text, some complex words, such as "geboortemetgeselle" (birth companions), were regarded as challenging to understand. Regarding the Kaapse Afrikaans version, home language speakers of Kaapse Afrikaans generally responded positively, as they felt the version aligned with their personal circumstances and flowed more naturally. However, some had concerns about spelling and word choices, reflecting the lack of standardisation in Kaapse Afrikaans. Additionally, some respondents who used Namakwalandse Afrikaans viewed Kaapse Afrikaans as inappropriate or carrying negative connotations. Others, especially those unfamiliar with it, found the use of Kaapse Afrikaans confusing and more difficult to understand. Most respondents with home language Kaapse Afrikaans had a positive experience with the Namakwalandse Afrikaans text. They recognised elements of the language due to their interactions with Namakwalandse Afrikaans home language speakers. They particularly enjoyed the pronunciation and metaphors, which enriched their reading experience. However, some Kaapse Afrikaans respondents struggled to understand the text due to unfamiliar words and phrases, which required more effort to read. Other respondents found the language too complex as it contained advanced or uncommon words. Respondents struggled with the Namakwalandse Afrikaans version because they were not frequently exposed to it. Even home language Namakwalandse Afrikaans respondents noted that some words were becoming obsolete, and while the language could seem amusing, it was not suitable for written communication. These findings highlight the complexities of incorporating language varieties into plain-language documents. While there are clear benefits to using different varieties, challenges, such as reduced understanding and unfamiliarity, must be carefully managed. Plain-language writers must work closely with speakers of these varieties and clearly define the variety of the target audience. Standardising these varieties could also facilitate their use in written formats.

Palabras clave : plain language; varieties; standard Afrikaans; Kaapse Afrikaans; Namakwalandse Afrikaans; experience; positive experience; negative experience.

        · resumen en Africano     · texto en Africano     · Africano ( pdf )