When I first started this quest to learn Afrikaans, I obviously didn’t know anything. I didn’t know any words, phrases, cultural references, etc. So much of what I have learned has been listening to audio messages. I never really used audio messages before this, so it was a bit strange to get used to listening and creating them.
One of the best things about audio messages is that you can listen to them more than once. It is one of the best and most useful tools I have used in this entire experience. Eventually, I hope to make a collection of recordings to help me practice; kind of like audio flashcards.
Any language has an accent of some sort, often these are regional, but can also be more culturally intertwined as well. I want to sound as “Afrikaans” as possible when I speak Afrikaans. I understand there will always be little things that will give away my American-ness, but I want to strive for that accent. So, by learning and copying the sounds made when words and phrases are said aloud by native Afrikaans people, my pronunciation is largely influenced by their pronunciation.
I cannot tell you how many times I listen to voice notes and try to repeat what is said, exactly as it is said. Often times, I don’t know what I am saying, but the pronunciation practice still helps my tongue and mouth formulate muscle memory for words and sounds. I still do this, although now I understand more of what is being said.
The bottom line is that audio messages are my friends! I love them, I love getting them, I love using them, and they are ridiculously helpful.
Quest For Afrikaans 