English: Regarding language policy, the new South African Constitution (1996) recognised
eleven official languages while clearly stipulating that measures should be put in place
to raise the historically diminished usage and status of the indigenous languages.
This
article analyses the expectations and vigilance of white Afrikaans speakers regarding
the future status and use of their language and the sensitivity and antagonism
of
the new rulers concerning any signs and remains of a colonialist past. The ANC’s
attempt at enforcing unilingualism is analysed, as well as how concessions had to
be made on both sides.