Charlize Theron recently landed in heated water after stating that her native language, Afrikaans, is a “dying language” spoken by only “44 individuals.”
In addition to criticizing her, the PanSALB stated that Charlize Theron is held in “great respect by the nation of her origin” and requested that she use her position to underscore the importance of speaking in one’s mother tongue in public:
“We urge her to respect the constitutional mandates that promote social cohesion and to continue the commendable work of using her platform to highlight critical socioeconomic issues affecting the continent, including the importance of participating in public life in one’s mother tongue.”
Following her statements, a prompt backlash ensued, with many taking to Twitter to refute her assertions.
South African actor-director Tim Theron commented on Charlize Theron’s podcast comments on Instagram, writing:
“We are incredibly pleased of Charlize and all that she has achieved… But we’re also proud of our diversity and magnificent official languages, one of which is Afrikaans.”
In addition, he stated that millions of individuals spoke Afrikaans at home.
It is neither a ‘dying language’ nor spoken by only 44 individuals. It is spoken by millions of people, new melodies and poems are written every day, films are produced, etc.”
In the coming days, it remains to be seen if Charlize Theron will address the issue and respond to the indignation in light of the continued influx of comments.
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