cape dutch: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowHistorical, Academic, South African regional
Quick answer
What does “cape dutch” mean?
A historical term for the early form of the Afrikaans language, and for the Dutch settlers and their descendants in South Africa during the colonial period.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A historical term for the early form of the Afrikaans language, and for the Dutch settlers and their descendants in South Africa during the colonial period.
Refers to the vernacular form of Dutch that evolved in the Cape Colony from the 17th to 19th centuries, which later developed into modern Afrikaans. It can also refer to the architectural style (Cape Dutch architecture) and cultural heritage of that settler community.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term has identical meaning in both varieties, but its recognition is likely higher in British English due to historical ties with South Africa.
Connotations
Neutral/historical in academic contexts; may have colonialist or outdated connotations in general use.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both. It appears primarily in historical or linguistic texts. General public familiarity is low.
Grammar
How to Use “cape dutch” in a Sentence
[Language/Heritage] of + [Place/People]Characteristic/typical of + Cape DutchVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cape dutch” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The community gradually Cape-Dutched the local vocabulary.
- They Cape-Dutched the original place names.
American English
- The settlers Cape-Dutched their speech over generations.
- Linguists say the language was Cape-Dutched in isolation.
adverb
British English
- The house was built Cape Dutch style.
- He spoke a language derived Cape Dutch.
American English
- The farm was designed Cape Dutch.
- The text was written in a Cape Dutch influenced vernacular.
adjective
British English
- A beautifully preserved Cape Dutch homestead.
- Cape Dutch linguistic features are fascinating.
American English
- The Cape Dutch gable is iconic.
- She studies Cape Dutch manuscripts.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in heritage tourism (e.g., 'Cape Dutch wine estate').
Academic
Used in historical linguistics, colonial history, and architectural history.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be encountered in South African historical contexts or specific travel guides.
Technical
A technical term in linguistics for a specific diachronic stage of Afrikaans.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cape dutch”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cape dutch”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cape dutch”
- Using 'Cape Dutch' to refer to modern Afrikaans.
- Confusing it with the Dutch spoken in the Netherlands.
- Misspelling as 'Cap Dutch'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. Cape Dutch refers to the earlier, colloquial form of Dutch spoken in the Cape Colony from the 17th to late 19th centuries. Modern Standard Afrikaans, standardised in the early 20th century, developed from it.
Not as a living, unchanged language. Its direct descendant is modern Afrikaans. However, historical texts and records in Cape Dutch exist for study.
A distinctive style of architecture developed by the Dutch settlers at the Cape, characterised by whitewashed walls, thatched roofs, and ornate gables. It is a celebrated part of South Africa's architectural heritage.
For the language, 'Afrikaans' is the standard modern term. For the people and culture, 'Afrikaner' is more common for the period after the Great Trek. 'Cape Dutch' remains useful as a specific historical label.
A historical term for the early form of the Afrikaans language, and for the Dutch settlers and their descendants in South Africa during the colonial period.
Cape dutch is usually historical, academic, south african regional in register.
Cape dutch: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkeɪp ˈdʌtʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkeɪp ˈdʌtʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the CAPE of Good Hope where DUTCH settlers developed their own language.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A LIVING ORGANISM (it evolved from Cape Dutch into Afrikaans).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'Cape Dutch' primarily understood as today?