About us
The Afrikaanse Taalmonument
(Language monument)
“Afrikaans is like the Gariep River with numerous streams that run to the main stream. It is important to strengthen all these streams to confirm Afrikaans as an inclusive language.” – ATM director, Michael Jonas, following Neville Alexander, language activist and veteran in the fight against apartheid.
This iconic and unique sculpture on the picturesque Paarl Mountain, celebrates and represents the origin of Afrikaans, one of Africa’s youngest languages, that was created thanks to the intermingling of people from Africa, South-East Asia and Europe. Inspired by the natural environment and the descriptions of the language by Afrikaans writers, the architect designed a striking and symbolically shrouded monument that complements the indigenous fynbos biome. Water, rock and diverse language roots become one to form an ever-evolving language tree, solidly rooted in Africa.
Although Afrikaans originated and evolved centuries ago across large parts of Southern Africa, important events took place in Paarl for the sake of the formal recognition of the language. Today, the monument serves as a visible beacon of hope for the development and recognition of all African languages. This institution promotes better relationships between Afrikaans and other indigenous languages through inclusive educational programmes and multicultural activities.
The Afrikaanse Taalmuseum
(Language museum)
Although Afrikaans (from/belonging to Africa) originated and evolved centuries ago across large parts of Southern Africa, important events took place in Paarl for the sake of the formal recognition of the language, thanks in particular to the Genootskap van Regte Afrikaners (GRA) – the Fellowship for True Afrikaners – founded in 1875 in this restored, historic house that now houses the museum.
The history and diversity of Afrikaans are impressively displayed in the various exhibitions with one of the highlights being the original printing press where the first Afrikaans newspaper in the world was printed. Interactive displays further enhance this remarkable museum. Visitors can, among other things, test their knowledge of idioms, view examples of the oldest Afrikaans in Arabic script and experience the adventurous journey of Afrikaans music – from the “rieldans” to rap.
Vision, mission and values
Our vision
Our mission statements
To digitalise information to conserve it better and increase access to it.
To create an environment in which different Afrikaans role-players interact with each other to achieve social cohesion.
To reach out to other language communities and entities through educational programmes and cultural activities.
To research ‘ignored’ or displaced histories of Afrikaans and sharpen its focus on African knowledge-learning systems as part of a larger decolonisation process.
To promote mutual respect and tolerance between members of the Afrikaans language community to facilitate a stronger shared cultural identity.
To manage the ATM according to sound and transparent financial and administrative management principles that will establish the entity as a leading and recognised role-player in the heritage sector.
To protect and conserve the diverse language heritage, cultural-historical buildings and heritage sites of Afrikaans.
To empower various cultural groups through workshops and programmes.
To empower the staff and greater community.
Our objective
Our values
Being tolerant and respectful in dealing with cultural groups and other indigenous languages.
Striving for excellence in our work environment, as well as in what we offer to the public.
Contributing to the empowerment of the South African society.
Being creative and innovative in terms of the programmes and activities we offer.