Die Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns: Verlede, hede en toekoms

Abstract

Die Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns (SA Academy for Science and Arts) was founded in Bloemfontein in 1909, primarily as a language society for the promotion of the Dutch language in opposition to English. Shortly afterwards the focus shifted to Afrikaans, which was recognized as an official language in 1925 and after 1994 became one of eleven official languages of the country. The “Akademie” is still dealing with issues on language, especially Afrikaans. One of its prime publications is the standard publication on spelling and grammar of Afrikaans. The Akademie is deeply involved in issues and publications on language at universities and educational institutions, it publishes two accredited scientific journals in human sciences and natural sciences and faces a tough challenge to protect the status of Afrikaans within these fields. With the support of Afrikaans academics the Academy strongly believes in its future and survival well beyond its first centenary in 2009.