afrikanerism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowAcademic, linguistic, specialized, historical.
Quick answer
What does “afrikanerism” mean?
A word, phrase, or linguistic feature characteristic of or borrowed from the Afrikaans language, particularly as used by Afrikaners.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A word, phrase, or linguistic feature characteristic of or borrowed from the Afrikaans language, particularly as used by Afrikaners.
The adoption or use of an Afrikaans term in another language, especially South African English. Also refers to cultural or political characteristics typical of Afrikaners.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally rare and specialized in both varieties. Its usage is almost exclusively tied to discussions of South African language, history, or politics.
Connotations
Neutral to technical linguistic term. Outside of academic contexts, it may carry historical or political weight related to apartheid-era Afrikaner dominance.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency globally. Slightly higher likelihood of encounter in academic texts on sociolinguistics or South African studies.
Grammar
How to Use “afrikanerism” in a Sentence
The [term] is a clear Afrikanerism.Linguists have catalogued numerous Afrikanerisms.He identified the phrase as an Afrikanerism.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “afrikanerism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in linguistics, cultural studies, and South African history papers. E.g., 'The paper analyses lexical Afrikanerisms in South African English.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation outside of South Africa or specialized circles.
Technical
A technical term in lexicography and sociolinguistics for classifying loanwords and cultural influences.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “afrikanerism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “afrikanerism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “afrikanerism”
- Misspelling as 'Africanism' or 'Afrikanism'.
- Using it as a synonym for any South African cultural trait, rather than specifically linguistic ones.
- Incorrect plural: 'afrikanerismes' (correct: 'afrikanerisms').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Afrikanerism' specifically relates to the Afrikaans language and culture of Afrikaners (a South African ethnic group). 'Africanism' is a much broader term referring to features or influences from the continent of Africa or its diverse cultures.
Yes, but less commonly. Its primary meaning is linguistic. In extended use, it can describe cultural, social, or political practices characteristic of Afrikaners, but this usage is more specialized and often appears in historical or sociological contexts.
No. It is a low-frequency, specialized term. The average English speaker will likely never encounter or need to use it unless studying South African linguistics or history.
'Apartheid' itself is a major example—an Afrikaans word adopted globally. More everyday examples in South African English include 'braai' (barbecue), 'bakkie' (pickup truck), and 'lekker' (nice, good).
A word, phrase, or linguistic feature characteristic of or borrowed from the Afrikaans language, particularly as used by Afrikaners.
Afrikanerism is usually academic, linguistic, specialized, historical. in register.
Afrikanerism: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæf.rɪˈkɑː.nə.rɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæf.rɪˈkɑː.nɚ.ɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “There are no common idioms containing 'afrikanerism'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: AFRIKAANS + '-ism' (a characteristic feature) = AFRIKANERISM - a feature from Afrikaans.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A TERRITORY (borrowings/influences are imports or features of a landscape).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'Afrikanerism' most precisely used?