Afrikaans Language Monument
The Afrikaans Language Monument () is located on a hill overlooking Paarl, Western Cape Province, South Africa. Officially opened on 10 October 1975, it commemorates the semicentenary of Afrikaans being declared an official language of South Africa separate from Dutch. Also, it was erected on the 100th anniversary of the founding of Genootskap van Regte Afrikaners (the Society of Real Afrikaners) in Paarl, the organisation that helped strengthen Afrikaners' identity and pride in their language. The monument was used as a filming location for the Twelfth series of Doctor Who. Structure The monument consists of various tapering structures of a convex and concave nature, symbolising the influences of different languages and cultures on Afrikaans itself, as well as political developments in South Africa, as follows: Clear West – the European heritage of the language Magical Africa – the African influences on the language Bridge – between Europe and Africa Afrikaans – the language itself Republic – declared in 1961 Malay language and culture (There is also an open stadium at the bottom of the structure where concerts and events are held) Plaque inscriptions On a large plaque at the entrance are two quotations from prominent poets writing in Afrikaans: –