South Africa around
1980

“Coloured” and Asian cultures

“Coloured” culture

In 1980 there were four ethnic groups in South Africa: Whites, Blacks, Asians and those of mixed race called “Coloured”. ‘Coloured’ people were children who were born from marriages between Blacks and Whites when Europeans first arrived. Most ‘Coloured’ spoke Afrikaans and were better educated than Black people but less educated than White people. Members of the same family could be classified as Whites, Coloured or Blacks. There was no unique ‘Coloured’ culture, some groups were closer to Whites, others to Asians and still others to Blacks.

Asian culture

People from China and others from Asian countries formed a small part of the South African population, but they brought a rich culture. Although some learned Afrikaans and English at school and used it every day, many people continued to use their traditional language(s) and practice traditions.

Author Marianne Giguère

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