Funny Afrikaans Mom-Daughter Exchange on ‘Open the Door’ Goes Viral in South Africa, Shares Video

• An Afrikaans conversation between an English mother and her daughter left many people cracking up in laughter
• The pair argued over the phrase means "open the door" in one of South Africa's official languages
• Social media users were amused as they took to the comments section to crack jokes
• Briefly News spoke to lay counsellor and emotional support expert Astrid Daries on the importance of a healthy bond between mother and daughter

A humorous exchange between a mother and her young daughter has captured the attention of many people in South Africa over their amusing moment.

Afrikaans chat between English mom and daughter

The mother shared the video of the funny encounter under the handle @nurigallow, where she showcased how she and her daughter argued over the phrase means "open the door" in Afrikaans, which left many people cracking up in laughter.

In the video, the mother and her daughter can be seen in a car as they have a fun conversation in one of South Africa's 12 official languages.

This lighthearted moment highlights the complexities and joys of multilingualism in South Africa. While English often dominates in education and media, many South Africans grow up with multiple languages, leading to playful misunderstandings and endearing moments. Such instances not only entertain but also underscore the importance of preserving and celebrating the country's rich linguistic heritage.

Wholesome video goes viral

The viral video has resonated with many, sparking conversations about language, identity, and the humorous side of parenting. It's a reminder that, even in a world filled with challenges, moments of laughter and connection can bridge divides and bring communities closer together.

Watch the video of the heartwarming moment between the mother and her child below:

Importance of the mother-daughter relationship

Emotional support expert Astrid Daries explains the following:

"A strong mother-daughter bond fosters emotional security, self-esteem, and effective communication. This relationship shapes a daughter’s understanding of trust and love, influencing her future relationships and personal growth. Nurturing this connection builds resilience and lifelong support for both."

SA jokes on mother and daughter moment

The online community reacted as they flooded the comments section, expressing their thoughts, while some poked fun at the mom and her daughter, saying:

Mishka said:

"The blind leading the blind."

Mev.Pret added:

"I'm an Afrikaans teacher - I would accept "geopen."

kimmygirl02 wrote:

"Maak oop die Dier "deur" literally did a afrikaans session with my Grade 10 earlier sooo get this."

Alicia shared:

"Why do. They put ge in front of everything, all English people do that."

MaxineAshleigh commented:

"My life right now as an English mom and my daughter in Afrikaans school, guys, pray for us."

dis_net_sy expressed:

“ Is die kar oop gesluit ? “Don't worry, Afrikaans people do this when we try to speak English sometimes as well, because we all try to translate something directly, whether it be from Afrikaans to English or English to Afrikaans."

Zade simply said:

"My kids exactly."

Tips for mastering the Afrikaans

Learning Afrikaans can be challenging, but with the right approach, it's entirely achievable. Afrikaans evolved from a Dutch dialect spoken by Dutch settlers in South Africa during the 17th century. It is also spoken in Namibia, and to a lesser extent in Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Argentina, where a group in Sarmiento speaks the Patagonian dialect.

According to Superprof, its grammar is fairly straightforward compared to other languages, especially for English speakers, as it shares many similarities. However, mastering pronunciation and understanding regional dialects can pose challenges.

Experts suggest the following strategies to effectively learn Afrikaans:

1. Immerse yourself: Engage with Afrikaans media such as TV shows, movies, and music to familiarise yourself with the language's rhythm and pronunciation.
2. Use language apps: Apps like Mondly and Ling offer structured lessons that can help build vocabulary and grammar skills.
3. Practice speaking: Regular conversation practice, even with other learners, can greatly improve fluency.
4. Set realistic goals: Aim for consistent daily practice, even if it's just 15–30 minutes, to gradually progress.

3 Briefly News articles about moms

• A 27-year-old woman proudly showed off the house she bought for her mom, which she renovated and furnished, inspiring many social media users.
• A young mom with superfetation twins shared that she carries them in a small bathtub when she has to go to the clinic, and Mzansi offered to help her.
• A student mom took her baby with her to the lecture when she did not have a babysitter, and many students flocked to her, admiring her cute baby.

Hilary Sekgota, human interest head of desk at Briefly News, contributed to this article.

Source: Briefly News