Afrikaanse Taalmonument – The Afrikaans language monument in Paarl

Opened in 1975, it commemorates the semi centenary 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 organization that helped strengthen Afrikaners’ identity and pride in their language.

The monument consists of various tapering structures of a convex and concave nature, symbolizing the influences of different languages and cultures on Afrikaans itself, as well as political developments in South Africa.

Afrikaans Language Monument is located on a hill overlooking Paarl and designed by architect Jan van Wijk. The monument, shaped in a number of tall obelisk style columns of granite rock.