afrikander
Very Low Frequency (historical, specialized)Historical, Archaic, Potentially Offensive
Definition
Meaning
A person of European descent (especially Dutch) born in South Africa; specifically a South African of white, Afrikaans-speaking descent.
1. Historically, specifically a South African of Dutch, German, or Huguenot descent who settled before the British colonial period. 2. Often used to refer to a White South African whose first language is Afrikaans and who identifies with Afrikaans culture. 3. (Capitalised) An obsolete spelling of 'Afrikaner', now considered archaic or historical.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
'Afrikander' is an older, now largely obsolete spelling of 'Afrikaner'. Its use in contemporary contexts can be seen as dated or historically specific. In historical texts, it may refer specifically to the pre-20th century Boer population. Modern usage strongly prefers 'Afrikaner'. Use of the older form may unintentionally carry colonial-era connotations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant contemporary difference, as the term is largely historical. British historical texts (19th/early 20th century) are more likely to use 'Afrikander'. Modern American sources rarely encounter the term except in direct historical quotation.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term evokes 19th-century colonial history, the Anglo-Boer Wars, and early South African nationalism. It is not a neutral modern descriptor.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both. If encountered, it is almost exclusively in historical contexts or older literature.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[the/adj.] Afrikander + verb[preposition] the AfrikanderVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none specific to this archaic term]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical studies, colonial history, or philology discussing the evolution of the term 'Afrikaner'.
Everyday
Not used. Would be considered incorrect or odd.
Technical
Not used in modern technical contexts. Relevant only to historical or linguistic analysis.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The Afrikander farmers resisted British rule.
- He studied Afrikander pastoral traditions.
American English
- The Afrikander communities lived on the veld.
- It was an old Afrikander custom.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- In old history books, you might read about the 'Afrikander' people of South Africa.
- The 19th-century term 'Afrikander' has been completely superseded by the modern 'Afrikaner'.
- Contemporary historians note that the shift from 'Afrikander' to 'Afrikaner' in the early 20th century reflected a conscious political and cultural consolidation of identity.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'AFRIKAANS' -nder. The '-der' ending is the older, Dutch-influenced spelling for a person from a place (cf. Hollander). The modern version drops the 'd' (Afrikaner).
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A for this historical proper noun.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'африканец' (African person). 'Afrikander/Afrikaner' refers specifically to a white, Afrikaans-speaking South African, not to any African. The correct Russian equivalent is 'африканер'.
- The older spelling 'afrikander' may not be recognised; modern texts use 'африканер'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'Afrikander' in modern writing instead of 'Afrikaner'.
- Confusing 'Afrikander' with a general term for any South African.
- Misspelling as 'Afrikanner'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'Afrikander' be most appropriately used today?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'Afrikander' is an older, now obsolete spelling of 'Afrikaner'. The modern and correct term is 'Afrikaner'.
No, unless you are directly quoting a historical source or making a specific point about historical terminology. Using 'Afrikander' in contemporary prose would be considered an error or an affectation.
No. It refers specifically to white South Africans of Dutch, German, or Huguenot descent whose first language is Afrikaans. It is not a synonym for 'African'.
The change reflects the standardization of Afrikaans spelling in the early 20th century, moving away from direct Dutch orthographic influence ('-der' for an inhabitant) to a form more reflective of Afrikaans pronunciation.