Afrikaans Language Museum and Monument celebrates 40th Anniversary

On 18 April 2015, the International Day of Monuments and Sites will be celebrated in Paarl on the 40^th anniversary of the Afrikaans Language Museum and Monument. The theme of the event is 40 years old, 40 years young.

All over the world, events are held on this day to make people aware of their diverse cultural heritage, as well as the importance of preserving and protecting it.

According to Isabeau Botha, the manager of the Monument, the symbolism of this particular icon is often misunderstood. “The Language Museum and Monument symbolises the origins and legacy of Afrikaans, one of the world’s youngest languages, which will be 90 years’ old this year. Over the past 40 years, the monument has become a popular destination for culture, nature and fun, with a record number of more than 70 000 visitors last year,” she said.

A variety of free activities will be offered at the Language Museum and Monument on 18 April. Booking is essential.

• The Monument’s new bookshop, Die Boekrak, will officially be opened at 11:00. The shop sells good quality second-hand books, mostly Afrikaans, as well as 40 selected new titles. At the launch, publisher Melt Myburgh will give a talk about the reprint of Boererate, the popular guide by Danie Smuts.
• Visitors can view the first phase of a new exhibition to be opened in the Visitor Centre later this year.
• Free guided tours of the monument are scheduled for 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00 and 14:00.
• Visitors can help plant 40 plants in the Monument garden between 9:00 and 14:00 and are invited to sponsor a tree or other plant. For every donation of R100 or more, a board will be made with the sponsor’s name and the common name of the plant.

For enquiries and bookings, the Paarl Language Museum and Monument can be contacted directly on 021 863 4809/0543 or via email: kommunikasie@taalmuseum.co.za.