Direkte and Indirekte Rede

Now let us have a look at Direkte and Inderekete rede:

1. Direct Speech (“Direkte Rede”):

Direct speech involves quoting someone’s exact words or speech using quotation marks (” “).

When using direct speech, we repeat the speaker’s words exactly as they were spoken, including any punctuation, and we enclose the quoted words in quotation marks.

Example:

Lisa sê, “Ek is honger.” (Lisa says, “I am hungry.”)

Jan roep, “Kom ons speel buite!” (Jan shouts, “Let’s play outside!”)

2. Indirect Speech (“Indirekte Rede”):

Indirect speech involves reporting or relaying what someone said without using their exact words.

In indirect speech, we usually change the verb forms, pronouns, and word order to fit the reporting context.

The introductory verb or phrase such as “sê” (says) or “vertel” (tells) is used to introduce the reported speech.

Example:

Lisa sê dat sy honger is. (Lisa says that she is hungry.)

Jan sê dat ons buite moet speel. (Jan says that we should play outside.)

When converting direct speech to indirect speech, some changes may occur:

Pronouns may change to reflect the speaker or person being referred to in the reported speech.

Verb tenses may change depending on whether the reported speech is in the present, past, or future.

Word order may change to fit the structure of an indirect statement. It’s essential to practice transforming sentences between direct and indirect speech. Kids need to engage in activities where they can practice converting sentences from direct to indirect speech and vice versa. This will help you become proficient in accurately reporting what others have said in Afrikaans.