The Fallist student movements in South Africa (2015-2016) ignited intense debates about language and exclusion at Stellenbosch University. This ethnographic research explores the complex social dynamics at the university, revealing how language and race intertwine, fracture, and sometimes even bridge divides. Drawing on interviews, observations, and conversations, the study uncovers the historical roots of persistent segregation between white students and their Black, Coloured, and Indian peers. It also highlights English’s privileged status as a gateway to international opportunities, particularly for white Afrikaans-speaking students considering emigration.