diff --git a/math/R/Makefile b/math/R/Makefile
index 237bdd3618d6..aeb2410f3e58 100644
--- a/math/R/Makefile
+++ b/math/R/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,8 @@ RUN_DEPENDS=	gmake:devel/gmake # R packages may require GNU make
 # - Create ports for each of the recommended packages
 # - Create a meta-port for the recommended packages
 
-USES=		gmake iconv libtool localbase pathfix perl5 readline:port
+USES=		compiler:c++11-lang gmake iconv libtool localbase pathfix \
+		perl5 readline:port
 USE_LDCONFIG=	${PREFIX}/lib/R/lib
 USE_PERL5=	build