The word "Africander" is a noun used to refer to a breed of cattle originally bred in South Africa. It is pronounced [æf.ɹɪˈkændər] with the stress on the third syllable. The first two syllables are pronounced like the word "africa" and the third syllable rhymes with "lander." The spelling of the word comes from Afrikaans, the language spoken by the Boers (Dutch settlers in South Africa), which influenced the development of the word.
Africander, also spelled Afrikaner, refers to a person of South African descent, particularly of Dutch, German, or French Huguenot origin. The term specifically denotes individuals who are native to South Africa and are predominantly of European ancestry, particularly those descended from the Dutch settlers who arrived in the Cape of Good Hope during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Historically, the term "Africander" emerged as a distinct ethnic group, separate from the broader category of "African" which encompassed indigenous populations. The Afrikaners developed a unique culture and language known as Afrikaans, which evolved from Dutch with influences from other European languages and indigenous African languages.
The Afrikaner community played a significant role in South African history, particularly during the apartheid era, where they were the main proponents of the policy. However, it is important to note that the term "Africander" can also refer to individuals who do not possess European ancestry but have adopted Afrikaans as their first language, primarily communities of mixed-race origins commonly known as "Coloured" in South Africa.
Today, the term "Africander" may be used to describe individuals who identify strongly with their Afrikaner heritage, culture, and language. It represents a significant segment of the South African population and has influenced various aspects of the country's politics, literature, and arts.
The word "Africander" can refer to two different meanings:
1. Africander (noun): In this context, the term specifically refers to a breed of cattle native to South Africa, also called Afrikaner or Afrikander.
The etymology of the term "Africander" (used to describe the cattle breed) derives from the combination of "Africa" + "ander", where "ander" comes from the Dutch and Afrikaans word "ander", meaning "other" or "different". Hence, the term "Africander" suggests cattle that are different or other than those found elsewhere, highlighting their South African origins.
2. Afrikaner (noun): In this context, "Afrikaner" refers to a specific ethnic group in South Africa, primarily of Dutch, German, and French Huguenot descent.