The town of Paarl has a monument dedicated to the language of Afrikaans. On our short sojourn to Cape Town I had the pleasure of visiting the Paarl Golf Course or the Boschenmeer Golf Estate. It was raining and therefore did not allow me the chance to take photos of the course, but on my return to Cape Town I spotted this monument and went for a quick visit.
A monument full of symbolism giving recognition to the roots of the language itself. it was designed by Jan van Wijk, who with a bit of research appeared as one of South Africa’s top architects, who in his time was involved in many monument designs. (Now that I did not know.)
His ashes after his death in 2005 were interred in a boulder where he and his wife would sit and rest when visiting the site of the monument.
Unveiled on 10th October 1975, it is now visible from many of the surrounding roadways that pass the town of Paarl.
The symbolism of the monument goes something like this… the influence of (Europe) Dutch, German, French and English are shown such…. (horrible day for photography but I’ve done my best.)
The influences of the Malay, Malay-Portuguese and Arabic (Asia) …
The Khoi languages of isiXhosa, isiZulu and seSotho (Africa)….
“The bridge” represents N.P.van Wyk Louw’s influence in the design….
“The growth of Afrikaans” influenced by C.J. Langenhoven words… (the tallest one)
and then the Republic of South Africa – the birth place of Afrikaans….
Within the tallest piece, which is of a hollow construction, representing the the growth of the language, is a small water feature that makes the most magnificent sound created within the structure….
Just some other photos to try and put all the pieces together in one photo, not an easy thing as this monument is huge….
From the top of the hill is some of the most brilliant views of the surrounding landscape… but due to bad weather I can only post one that gives you an idea… (I’m no landscape photog..) agricultural lands surrounding a mountain covered in snow… (you can’t see the snow for clouds)
I’m in hospital, so might not get round to answering any comments till out of there… but with he abilities of Word Press, I can publish this post whenever I want, irrespective of where I am… (I promise this is not from a hospital bed)
The Photographic Journey of bulldog. 
I can’t say that the monument is beautiful, but it’s truly impressive and very bold – but your last image is breathtaking.
I also found it a bit over bearing but it has all the meanings built in… could have been in on a smaller scale if you ask me…
Just beautiful. Inspiring. Amazing concept – of course it would have to be huge – solid – able to be walked around in – and with water placed right where it is. Your description flows along with your photographs. Well done.
Thank you … a great discovery for me…
Language acquisition and how the brain learns to read/interpret symbols – and learn foreign languages fascinates me. Was involved with that research for a while. This huge sculpture’s design is the perfect symbol for all of it. Just beautiful. Thanks again for sharing – would have never seen it otherwise – and that would have been a loss
your language is rich, and the structure captures its richness and grandeur. I hope you are well and good now. somehow I did not see your posts in my reader hence this late visit. 🙂
What gorgeous architecture. And your landscape is gorgeous. I think the weather adds to the landscape. I hope you’re doing okay.
I find this monument fascinating … and the closing pic is awesome, so the off-weather day came through. More importantly, strength to you during your recovery.
Praying you are all right, Dear Friend. You are in my thoughts.
This was a fascinating post Bulldog but I am concerned about you. Sending up prayers for you and Linda.
Oh, no, not again, Bulldog:( We missed you, so we came over to see if there’s something wrong. Hope you’re okay. Sending Healing Pawkisses. Get well soon, my furriend 🙂
Very beautiful monument, Bulldog. Hope all is well with you?
I hope you are being nice to your nurses…or if you’re already home…nice to Linda…which you should do every single day! 🙂 Thinking of you and sending prayers for a good resolution….
Get well soon mate.
Hope you are okay Bulldog. I was fascinated by this post and what you shared, learnt something here today. I think the photos are more spectacular with the gloomy backdrop, gives even more meaning, and that landscape one is breathtaking. See you soon 🙂
I hope you are okey but this post is fascinating.
Beautiful photos, Rob. Best of luck with the hospital stay and I hope you’re feeling well and healthy and out soon xxxx
That is an amazing monument and you explained it so well for us. Wishing you well, hopefully you are not in hospital any more!
They are wonderful images and I especially like the last one. I hope you are getting better!
Get well soon BD!
Beautiful! I’ve never actually been to this particular monument – thanks for sharing.
Are you okay?
Not a landscape photog?!?! I bed to differ. That is stunning! Feel better Bulldog.
Rob, please stop complaining about weather conditions as an excuse for the picture qualities. The quality you have captured in those photos has added to the meaning of the subject. I love the simplicity and majesty of each structure, and the view at the end is breathtaking.
Hospitals are no place for talented writers and photographers. So I hope the reason you were there ends in a happy way. Is Linda alright???
Love to both of you; see how your followers care about you?
Rob, I love the way you’ve captured it! Wish you the best of luck in hospital. Is it your eyes? Let us know how you are doing…
Interesting post and beautiful countryside. Get out of that hospital as soon as possible Bulldog.
What a fascinating post about this amazing structure, I love the symbolism.
This is an amazing monument. You did very well with your images of it, bulldog. I love your landscape pic too. Being in hospital isn’t good. Wishing you well and out of there very soon. xx
Superb capture of those monumental stones. No doubt it was hard, but did extremely well.
(Love the new shade of blue on your blog – seems to be easier for my poor eyesight to read the white print).
I do hope you and Linda are both doing well. The mere idea of hospital always gets our thoughts stirred–you know how that goes. 🙂 This monument is really special. I am very fond of this kind of landscape art/architectural monument. The sheer size and the use of boulders and natural elements always really pleases my senses. I think your photos are grand, but I do understand that to capture the best of it you probably needed to be in a helicopter!
Hurry out of that hospital bed Bulldog 🙂 Thanks for the view!
Very cool post, bulldog. Please get well and get your butt out of bed as soon as you can, my friend!
Russ
Hope you come out of all your tests with an A+ score 🙂
This looks just like the memorial for the concentration camp Struthof in France for members of the European resistance who were incarcerated there. I wonder if it is the same architect? I will check. Beautiful work~
The monuments are really unique and interesting. I really enjoyed the photos.
Thank you so much Charlie… found you hiding in my spam box… thanks for the comment…
Sending well wishes your way……. 🙂
Wonderful pictures (with an eery feel to them). Loved your commentary, as well. I am continuing in prayer, Dear Friend, as are my kiddos. Please keep us posted! ~Hugs sent to you and Linda~
Wonderful photographs and monument place dear Rob, but the last one fascinated me, what a great view… I hope and wish everything is fine for you dear, Thank you, love, nia
Sei in ospedale?? Spero solo per un controllo, niente di serio…..
umm forse ho capito male io, se è così scusami.
Un caro saluto, Pat
I hope all is well!
That last photo is really beautiful.As soon as I read Paarl, I thought of Paarl Port, a wine that ws our favourite for many years.