Die nuwe AWS in die praktyk: 'n gebruikersoorsig na twee jaar

Abstract

English Title: The Afrikaanse Woordelys en Spelreëls in Practice: A user's view after two years of use

English Abstract

A language practitioner takes a critical look at the eighth improved edition of the Afrikaanse Woordelys en Spelreëls, the authoritative Afrikaans spelling list and spelling rules, after using it intensively for two years. The first impression contains many confusing typographical errors, but these have for the most part been corrected in the second. In many respects the Eighth Edition is an improvement on its predecessor; the rules are explained more comprehensively and the spelling list and abbreviations list are greatly expanded. The spelling list contains more information for the user, for example more diminutives, degrees of comparison, attributive past participles and certain compounds the styling of which often presents problems for writers of Afrikaans. However, some of these rules create problems: they complicate established usage unnecessarily, are formulated inadequately and are difficult to apply in practice, and the examples are too simplistic. The list also contains many apparent inconsistencies the ordinary user may find incomprehensible and confusing. The conclusion is that, while the publication is in many respects more user-friendly than its predecessor, it lacks the necessary consistency and cohesion. Many shortcomings could have been eliminated if the complete draft had been submitted to language practitioners to use and evaluate in practice.

Keywords: abbreviations, comprehensive explanations, degrees of comparison, diminutives, editing, expansions, inconsistencies, index, language designations, link phonemes, new rules, new words, numerals, overall impression, past participles, proper-name rule, separated compounds, spelling list, spelling rules, terms, vulgar fractions