Find your Afrikaans tutors near me in Newcastle

Afrikaans Lessons in Newcastle

Situated in the beautiful Midlands of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Newcastle is a town of historical importance, specifically so for anyone who has an interest in the Anglo-Boer War and the numerous battlefields in the region. The town also played a major role in the coal and wool industries, and is situated close to the very busy N3 route between Johannesburg and Durban.  

If you’ve never spoken Afrikaans before, or heard it spoken, it would be good for you to enrol in an Afrikaans lessons for beginners. In such a course, the basics (fundamental aspects) of the language will be taught and the learning thereof consolidated. Afrikaans language lessons, at a more advanced level, can then follow. While you’re enjoying the warm climate of the region, you may be inspired to learn Afrikaans, a language much-encountered throughout South Africa. It is used by large numbers of people all across the country, if not as a first language, then as a second language.

You can access Afrikaans classes either online or by visiting a language school or tutoring service which offer physical classes. The options available to you would also include private and state-run schools, private individuals and learning centres.

The way you choose to learn will really be a personal thing, one that’s compatible with your needs, discipline and learning style. It’s entirely up to you!

Why Study Afrikaans?

Given that it is so widely used in South Africa, it makes sense for you to learn it - also because it can have so many applications. Children can choose to learn it at school as a first- or as an additional language, from grade 2 until they finish school at matric (grade 12) level. It, currently, fills the slot of the language most children choose as a First Additional Language (FAL) at high school.

Students, at varsity or college level, may pursue a course of study in Afrikaans for the purposes of business or because they want to pursue a career in journalism. Nowadays, you can also write Afrikaans blogs, which will entertain or provide information to Afrikaans subscribers (ex-pats) across the globe. Many people, who have to be represented in a court of law, may require an interpreter who is proficient in Afrikaans. Various publishing houses also require persons who speak Afrikaans to translate books, documents, publications and advertisements. School textbooks in various subjects, must, of necessity, also be translated to make subject material available in all of the eleven official languages of South Africa.

Afrikaans in Newcastle

On average one can expect to pay a tutor anywhere between R30 to R300 per hour for Afrikaans lessons. The price is dependent on several factors:

• Whether the tutor has to travel or not
• The frequency and duration of the lessons
• The experience and qualifications of your tutor

Almost all of Superprof tutors offer the first lesson free of charge. This gives you, the student, the opportunity to ‘check them out’, before you decide on your ideal tutor.

Why Afrikaans Lessons in Newcastle?

You will make rapid progress with an experienced tutor, who is an Afrikaans first language speaker, by your side. You will have the freedom to select the tutor according to your budget, availability and location.

Can You Learn Afrikaans Online?

Yes. There are numerous sites at your disposal. Several tutors will travel to your home and conduct lessons there. However, with the advances in technology and virtually ‘free’ online access to apps like Google Meet and Zoom Meetings, conducting classes online has never been easier. You will be able to access your tutor via either your laptop or cell-phone, all from the convenience of your home. Doing classes online makes it easy for you to schedule classes to fit into your schedule – your tutor simply has to be available at the time that you are.

The various colleges, available to you, generally are TVET colleges or FET colleges. These colleges offer technical and commercial subjects (such as bookkeeping or accountancy). Your best options still appear to be via a private tutor, language school or tutoring service, either directly or via the Internet.

Locating Your Tutor in Newcastle

The Internet is really a wonderful resource – if judiciously used! One can find virtually anything with just the appropriate key words. Type in Afrikaans tutor in Newcastle Kzn and, within a few seconds, you will have several pages of websites to choose from.

Firstly, UNISA (the University of South Africa) has a campus in Newcastle. However, students generally work from home and only utilise the campus for administrative support and to make use of the library, for purposes of research. Once the research has been concluded, the student completes and submits assignments and written tasks via the Internet.

One online language tutoring service aims to connect students with the best first language teachers. The site also offers students tricks, tips and a unique way to learn Afrikaans and improve their language skills. It also has a blog where students are motivated or given advice.

Amongst those advertising, you will find highly qualified, screened tutors who are willing to travel. One tutor, who offers very low rates of between R10 and R20 per hour, is willing to travel up to 50 miles (80 km).

Superprof has a growing number of tutors available to you. A low rate of R150 per hour is very enticing, especially since beginners and advanced learners can all be accommodated.

To learn a new language is definitely not an overnight thing. It will take time! That is why you have to be in it for the long haul. You have to clearly identify why you want to learn Afrikaans. Keep this goal in mind, especially when you feel that things are becoming difficult or tough.

So, keep the discipline. Stay strong! A well-informed experienced tutor will keep you on track and motivated to overcome any challenges that may come your way. Don’t shy away from practising speaking Afrikaans. At first, you will sound strange to yourself, but a good tutor will encourage you as s/he’s heard many others attempting the language for the first time! Moenie die handdoek ingooi nie! Aanhouer wen!