Why Learn Afrikaans?
Afrikaans is a unique and fascinating language spoken by millions of people, predominantly in South Africa and Namibia. Learning Afrikaans not only allows you to communicate with native speakers but also provides insight into the rich culture and history of the region. For English speakers, Afrikaans is relatively easy to learn due to its simple grammar and vocabulary. If you’ve already reached the B1 level and are looking to advance to B2, this article will guide you through the best books to help you achieve your goals.
Criteria for Selecting the Best B2 Afrikaans Books
When choosing the best books for learning Afrikaans at a B2 level, several factors should be considered:
Content Quality: The material should be accurate, well-organized, and up-to-date.
Language Level: The book should be specifically tailored for B2 learners, offering intermediate to advanced content.
Exercises and Practice: Practical exercises and quizzes are essential for reinforcing learning.
Audio Support: Pronunciation and listening skills are crucial, so books with audio components are highly beneficial.
User Reviews: Recommendations from other learners can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the book.
Top B2 Afrikaans Books to Consider
Here are some of the best B2 Afrikaans books that meet the above criteria and are highly recommended for learners aiming to improve their proficiency.
1. “Teach Yourself Complete Afrikaans” by Lydia McDermott
Content Quality: This comprehensive guide offers a structured approach to learning Afrikaans, covering grammar, vocabulary, and cultural insights.
Language Level: While it starts from a beginner level, it progresses to B2, making it a great resource for intermediate learners.
Exercises and Practice: Each chapter includes exercises and quizzes to test your knowledge.
Audio Support: The book comes with audio CDs to help you with pronunciation and listening skills.
User Reviews: Highly rated for its clear explanations and practical exercises.
2. “Colloquial Afrikaans: The Complete Course for Beginners” by Bruce Donaldson
Content Quality: This book offers a thorough introduction to Afrikaans, with detailed explanations and examples.
Language Level: Suitable for beginners to intermediate learners, it offers a solid foundation that can help you reach B2.
Exercises and Practice: Includes various exercises and practice dialogues.
Audio Support: Accompanied by audio CDs to aid with listening and pronunciation.
User Reviews: Praised for its practical approach and comprehensive coverage.
3. “Afrikaans Handbook & Study Guide” by Beryl Lutrin
Content Quality: This handbook is a go-to resource for Afrikaans learners, offering clear explanations of grammar and syntax.
Language Level: Designed for high school and university students, it is perfect for B2 learners.
Exercises and Practice: Contains numerous exercises, summaries, and practice tests.
Audio Support: No audio support, but the detailed explanations make up for it.
User Reviews: Highly recommended for its thoroughness and clarity.
4. “Essential Afrikaans Grammar: A Teach Yourself Guide” by Philip Holmes
Content Quality: Focuses on the essential aspects of Afrikaans grammar, making it a valuable resource for intermediate learners.
Language Level: Ideal for learners aiming to solidify their understanding of Afrikaans grammar at the B2 level.
Exercises and Practice: Includes practical examples and exercises to reinforce learning.
Audio Support: No audio component, but the focus on grammar is highly beneficial.
User Reviews: Well-reviewed for its clear and concise explanations.
5. “Afrikaans for Dummies” by Krige
Content Quality: Part of the popular “For Dummies” series, this book provides a user-friendly introduction to Afrikaans.
Language Level: Suitable for beginners to intermediate learners, it offers a gradual progression to B2.
Exercises and Practice: Includes practical exercises and quizzes.
Audio Support: Comes with an audio CD to help with pronunciation and listening skills.
User Reviews: Praised for its easy-to-follow format and comprehensive coverage.
6. “Afrikaans Made Easy: A Step-by-Step Guide” by Jaco Jacobs
Content Quality: This book offers a step-by-step approach to learning Afrikaans, with clear explanations and examples.
Language Level: Suitable for beginners to intermediate learners, it helps you gradually progress to B2.
Exercises and Practice: Includes various exercises and practice activities.
Audio Support: No audio component, but the practical approach is beneficial.
User Reviews: Highly recommended for its simplicity and effectiveness.
7. “Practice Makes Perfect: Basic Afrikaans” by Andre Odendaal
Content Quality: Part of the “Practice Makes Perfect” series, this book offers a practical approach to learning Afrikaans.
Language Level: Suitable for beginners to intermediate learners, it provides a solid foundation for reaching B2.
Exercises and Practice: Includes numerous exercises and practice activities.
Audio Support: No audio component, but the focus on practical exercises is beneficial.
User Reviews: Praised for its practical approach and comprehensive coverage.
8. “Afrikaans: A Complete Course for Beginners” by Lydia McDermott
Content Quality: This comprehensive guide offers a structured approach to learning Afrikaans, covering grammar, vocabulary, and cultural insights.
Language Level: While it starts from a beginner level, it progresses to B2, making it a great resource for intermediate learners.
Exercises and Practice: Each chapter includes exercises and quizzes to test your knowledge.
Audio Support: The book comes with audio CDs to help you with pronunciation and listening skills.
User Reviews: Highly rated for its clear explanations and practical exercises.
9. “Afrikaans Grammar You Really Need to Know” by Rosalie Gold
Content Quality: This book offers a thorough introduction to Afrikaans grammar, with detailed explanations and examples.
Language Level: Suitable for intermediate learners, it offers a solid foundation that can help you reach B2.
Exercises and Practice: Includes various exercises and practice dialogues.
Audio Support: Accompanied by audio CDs to aid with listening and pronunciation.
User Reviews: Praised for its practical approach and comprehensive coverage.
10. “Afrikaans Vocabulary for English Speakers – 3000 Words” by Andrey Taranov
Content Quality: This handbook is a go-to resource for Afrikaans learners, offering clear explanations of grammar and syntax.
Language Level: Designed for high school and university students, it is perfect for B2 learners.
Exercises and Practice: Contains numerous exercises, summaries, and practice tests.
Audio Support: No audio support, but the detailed explanations make up for it.
User Reviews: Highly recommended for its thoroughness and clarity.
Conclusion
Learning Afrikaans can be an exciting and rewarding journey, especially when you have the right resources at your disposal. The books listed above are some of the best options available for B2 learners, each offering unique features and benefits. Whether you prefer a structured course, a focus on grammar, or practical exercises, there is a book on this list that will suit your needs. By incorporating these books into your study routine, you will be well on your way to mastering Afrikaans and reaching your language learning goals.
Remember, consistency and practice are key to language learning success. Make a study schedule, stick to it, and make use of all the resources available to you. Good luck on your Afrikaans learning journey!
