Afrikaans Language Monument, Stone monument on Paarl Mountain, South Africa.
The Afrikaans Language Monument is a monument on Paarl Mountain in South Africa, formed by several granite columns of different heights. The columns are linked by curved stages and a central arch rises above a water pool.
The monument was opened in 1975, fifty years after Afrikaans was recognized as a separate official language alongside Dutch. The opening marked a milestone in the history of the language in South Africa.
The three tall granite columns symbolize European influences on the language, while three rounded structures represent African contributions. Visitors can walk through the site and observe the different elements that together show how Afrikaans came into being.
Gardens with walking paths surround the site and an open-air amphitheater is used for events. From the grounds, there are wide views over the Western Cape landscape.
The three columns decrease in height upward to show the diminishing influence of European languages. The three rounded elements grow larger to represent the increasing contribution of African languages.
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