2006-12-30 23:03:33 · 13 answers · asked by Luke lukenson 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
Because those are the two most used language.
2006-12-30 23:05:29 · answer #1 · answered by Rev. Two Bears 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A passport is exactly that, a document that allows you to pass through a port, and thus leave or enter a country. Originally the Pope controlled all such documents, but with the rise of diplomacy and kingdoms during the Reformation, French was adopted as the official language of diplomacy.
When we (UK) defeated the French in 1818, the first attempt to police the world was established, by the British, thus in all former areas of British rule, the official documents are in English, and French.
South Africa was originally an English controlled area, thus, even if your descendants are Boer, you will still have a English/French passport.
Ironically, English is the most widley used second language in the world, but French has declined to such an extent, that it would be better served by putting Han Chinese, Spanish or Arabic on the passport.
2006-12-30 23:09:22 · answer #2 · answered by DAVID C 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes but you may happen to visit a country where they speak French.....and not English like SA.
So the details in French on your passport is ment for those who speak and can read only French :)
2006-12-30 23:06:34 · answer #3 · answered by Sonu 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi,
I have instructions for the assembly of a Christmas game in seven languages. The English bit does not make sense, as it was probably written by a Korean. Translating the French section, the thing is now all backwards.
I shouldn't worry about it.
Happy New Year,
Bob
2006-12-30 23:17:01 · answer #4 · answered by Bob the Boat 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You won't get help with cases like that on a Friday at the department of home affairs ! Are you relocating or visiting France ? That makes a differance ! If you go as tourists you only need a S.A passport . Good luck !
2016-05-22 23:22:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Reason is, that French used to be the official language in the world, roght before english.
2006-12-30 23:15:27 · answer #6 · answered by farcity79 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I'm not mistaken, English is an official language of S Africa. As for French, traditionally, it's the language of diplomacy.
2006-12-31 13:19:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
A vestige of colonialism. French is still widely spoken throughout the world, especially in Africa, and is a common 'second language'.
2006-12-30 23:07:29 · answer #8 · answered by mickingundagai 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You may not speak french ..but there are many french speaking nationals in South Africa ...I believe all or most all whits are French descendants
2006-12-30 23:15:48 · answer #9 · answered by JJ 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My guess is they didn't make the passport for you. Maybe, just maybe, they assumed you already knew who you were. I'm thinking they put it in French so that the officer who DOESN'T know who you are can understand the passport.
You're excused.
2006-12-31 00:46:42 · answer #10 · answered by your_name_here 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋