Afrikaans is a West Germanic language that originated in South Africa. It evolved from the Dutch spoken by settlers in the 17th century and has influences from various languages, including Malay, Portuguese, and indigenous African languages. Today, it is one of the official languages of South Africa and is spoken by millions of people. The language is known for its relatively simple grammar and vocabulary, making it accessible to learners. Afrikaans is primarily spoken in South Africa and Namibia, and it plays a significant role in the cultural identity of the Afrikaner community.