In the past few days I have Googled the Afrikaans spelling-related terms "kappie", "deelteken" and "diacritics" a number of times for different reasons and have been very surprised at the wide range of forums and websites on which questions and information about these terms appear – some related to how characters with these diacritics are formed on computers, others relating more generally to their use in Afrikaans writing.
I have very good news for you if you are one of those people looking for really valuable, practical help with all the above-mentioned things and with other aspects of Afrikaans spelling: a recent publication of mine, Diacs and Quirks in a Nutshell – Afrikaans spelling explained, covers the field fairly comprehensively, and does so in accessible English.
This is the first (and only) book of its kind and is long overdue.
This valuable guide to Afrikaans spelling is conveniently available in both print form and various e-formats for different e-readers.
Further information about this unique, and long overdue, guide to Afrikaans spelling can be found here.
Some comments of readers and reviewers
++ 8 February 2013 ... LATEST: Click here for a recent comprehensive review by a professional language practitioner and member of the SA Translators' Institute.
++ "A very useful and systematic reference guide for second-language users of Afrikaans who are not familiar with the underlying principles of Afrikaans spelling, the rules that apply and the correct use of the diacritics. All the challenging subject matter, exceptions and relevant rules are clearly and systematically explained and most important of all it is written in English. Indeed a must-buy for every South African, not only for those who need it for work purposes, but also for those who are intrigued by the language itself."
++ "A valuable, comprehensive, easy-to-follow, up-to-date guide for Afrikaans spelling rules and conventions. Highly recommended for use in the classroom, home and office.
++ "WHAT a fascinating book! It makes so much sense of what I have known but not known WHY. I can't wait to show it to my colleagues – it's a 'must-have' in every school."
++ "A valuable, comprehensive, easy-to-follow, up-to-date guide for Afrikaans spelling rules and conventions. Highly recommended for use in the classroom, home and office.
++ "WHAT a fascinating book! It makes so much sense of what I have known but not known WHY. I can't wait to show it to my colleagues – it's a 'must-have' in every school."
