Demonstrating the values at the heart of SPU’s academic mission, alumna and current master’s student Ms Bridgette Bernice Brandt has achieved a remarkable milestone in the linguistics sector. She has been appointed to serve on the esteemed Language Commission Board of the Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns (SAAWK) for a three-year term. The Language Commission is responsible for updating, maintaining, and finalising the Afrikaans Wordlist and Spelling Rules, contributing to the continued development of the standard variety of Afrikaans through careful curation of the language.
From a young age, Ms Brandt had an insatiable curiosity for words and language, “I remember asking my mother to borrow books from the library because of my love for reading, and I became especially intrigued by words I didn’t understand” she highlights. This love and curiosity progressed throughout her schooling years where the passion was further fuelled by her high school Afrikaans teacher who always encouraged her to participate in debate and spelling competitions to expand her vocabulary, reminding her of the potential she has in linguistics.
In 2019, Ms Brandt enrolled to study for a Bachelor of Arts degree at SPU, dedicated to learning more about linguistics. As she progressed with her studies, her fascination in the Afrikaans language grew and she excelled in the Afrikaans module, earning recognition as a top student in Afrikaans, in her third year. After completing her undergraduate studies, she was accepted into the Bachelor of Arts Honours in Languages (Afrikaans) programme. Her research project “Occurrences of misunderstandings in Namaqualand Afrikaans” delved deeper into understanding the language, with a specific focus on analysing Anzil Kulzin’s Namaqualand Stories (2015), through a pragmatic lens. “I passed my research project with an 81% distinction in 2023, which I consider a significant milestone in my academic career,” highlighted Ms Brandt.
Her appointment to the Language Commission Board for a three-year term, from February 2025 to December 2027, marks a significant milestone in her academic and personal journey, a role that enables her to contribute meaningfully to a cause close to her heart. This achievement resonates deeply with SPU’s mission to graduate competent citizens who engage critically with society to foster development. In her work on the Language Commission, Ms Brandt will embody SPU’s commitment to community engagement and social justice and strives to uphold SPU’s values of diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that all dialects of Afrikaans are represented and celebrated.
Ms Brandt expresses her heartfelt gratitude to her supervisors, Dr Marga Stander, Prof Victor Teise, Dr Fredericks Botha and Dr Felix Awung, for their unwavering support throughout her academic journey. Their expert guidance, encouragement, and mentorship have been instrumental in shaping her growth as a researcher. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the privilege of working with such knowledgeable and passionate mentors,” she acknowledges. “Their impact extends beyond my academic achievements, as they have inspired me to give back to the academic community and promote language diversity, particularly for underrepresented dialects.”
Ms Brandt’s passion for linguistics is deeply personal, rooted in her upbringing and connection to the Afrikaans language. “Growing up, speaking Afrikaans at home and in my community has profoundly shaped my identity,” she shares. “Afrikaans is not just a language I speak, it’s central to who I am. It’s the language I dream, think, and speak in.” This personal connection motivated her to apply for a position on the Language Commission, driven by a desire to preserve and promote her beloved language. By doing so, she aims to ensure that Afrikaans, particularly its underrepresented dialects, receives the recognition and respect it deserves.
SPU proudly celebrates her success, and we look forward to witnessing the impact she will make in the Language Commission board.
