In case you missed it, Charlize Theron recently had a bone to pick with Afrikaans. Now, South Africans from near and far are weighing in on whether it’s time for Afrikaans to retire.
Beyond the ’44 people’ who still speak the language (per Miss Theron), most South Africans were divided in their reactions to Charlize’s take.
Why did Charlize drag Afrikaans?
Speaking to The SmartLess Podcast, the A-list actress was asked about her accent. This led her to talk about her mother tongue (Afrikaans) and how she believes it’s “definitely a dying language.” Not to mention, per Charlizopedia, there are 44 people still speaking it.
An exaggeration? Sure, but not everyone saw it so kindly.
Some locals who were not part of the famous 44, found themselves nodding in agreement. Others dubbed her the dark horse that would bring the language to its knees. And then there were those who were ready to cancel Charlize, finish and klaar– a word that may soon sit with ancient hieroglyphics.
We went through some of the funniest (and angriest) thoughts on Twitter, so you don’t have to. Here’s what users had to say:
“Only thing dying is her career… Of soos hulle se in Afrikaans, ‘voetsek’.”
“We have always been proud of Charlize but the SA Afrikaans speaking community of millions not 44 are shocked and disappointed by her tactless remarks. Just shows money makes you funny.”
“Has Charlize Theron joined the EFF? I think fighters gave her a beret and now she says Afrikaans is only spoken by 44 people in SA and isn’t a helpful language. Wat gaan aan?”
“I hope @CharlizeAfrica comes back to South Africa soon. There will be at least 44 Afrikaners waiting for her at the airport just for a welcome treat or two.” (Translated from the ‘dying language’).
“Oh my soooul you guys clearly don’t understand what she’s saying. she’s clearly just throwing a number out there to exaggerate her point. no other country (except South Africa) on the planet speaks Afrikaans. its not exactly a THRIVING language, friends. #CharlizeTheron.”
“People please, I can’t anymore. I’ve been laughing too much today. But according to #CharlizeTheron ‘s calculation’s #Afrikaans is a dying language. To be a part of the remaining few is a blessing.”
“How did Charlize Theron come up with that number?”
“Imagine 44 people trying to cancel a whole charlize theron.”
“I think Charlize Theron‘s next movie will be titled ’44’.”
“It took a Hollywood star #CharlizeTheron to challenge an issue that has been bugging all indigenous people of South Africa. We are cowards indeed.”
“#Voetsek #CharlizeTheron, you need a calculator. In the #westerncape alone, more than 3.5 million speaks #Afrikaans.“
“Not 44 people in South Africa trying to fight the whole of SA over what Charlize Theron said. If it’s dying, it’s dying allow Afrikaans to rest in peace.”
This has to be one of my favourite meme from the 44 people who speak Afrikaans #CharlizeTheron 😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/gqwGHiFMFu
— lucky2plus3 (@Lucky2plus3) November 18, 2022
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