Afrikaans Spelling in MS Software and Aplications

Your question implies that the problem is primarily with First Draft. Have you tried their support site?

Hi, Jacques Du Rand

Word can use Afrikaans proofing tools without changing the whole Windows language, but Microsoft’s built-in Afrikaans dictionary may not be as current as specialist Afrikaans tools. Final Draft also relies on the language utilities already installed on the computer, so improving Word/Windows proofing is the right place to start.

Here are some suggestions you can try:

First, install the official Afrikaans Language Accessory Pack for Microsoft 365, then keep English as your display language. In Word, go to File > Options > Language. Add Afrikaans under Office authoring languages and proofing, but leave English as the Office display language. This should add Afrikaans spelling/proofing without turning the laptop interface into Afrikaans.

If the built-in Microsoft option is still too outdated, the better third-party route appears to be Afrikaanse SkryfGoed 6 from CTexT/North-West University. It is made for Microsoft Office and includes an Afrikaans spelling checker, grammar checker, thesaurus and hyphenator. It is not the same as changing Windows to Afrikaans. Just note that it is listed for Microsoft Office on Windows, not Mac, Office Online or tablet versions.

Note: This information is provided as a convenience to you. The app is not controlled by Microsoft. Microsoft cannot make any representations regarding the quality, safety, or suitability of any software or information found there. Please make sure that you completely understand the risk before retrieving any suggestions from the above app. 

It is also recommended that you add your own terms to Word’s custom dictionary as you work, especially names, slang, industry terms and screenwriting vocabulary. In Word, use File > Options > Proofing > Custom Dictionaries. This will not replace a proper Afrikaans dictionary, but it can reduce repeated false errors.

For Final Draft, check Tools > Spelling > Options and make sure the spelling language is set to Afrikaans if available. If Final Draft is only reading the system/Office dictionary, it should benefit from whatever Afrikaans proofing tool is installed at that level.

Thank you for your patience in reading, I hope this information has been helpful to you. 

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