The South African Language Born in Argentina

Afrikaans is a Germanic language that surprisingly spread as far as Argentina. While it evolved in the Dutch Cape Colony, a unique dialect continues to be spoken by a distinct community in Patagonia today.

Most people associate Afrikaans strictly with Southern Africa, but a fascinating linguistic pocket exists in the town of Sarmiento, Argentina. This diaspora traces back to a group of Boer settlers who migrated to South America in the early 20th century to preserve their culture. Over generations, these settlers maintained their native tongue while adapting to their new environment. It remains one of the most unexpected linguistic connections between the African continent and South America.