south west africa: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (historical/political/geographical term)Formal, historical, academic, political
Quick answer
What does “south west africa” mean?
A historical geographical and political entity, the former name for what is now Namibia, specifically referring to the period when it was under South African administration (1915–1990).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A historical geographical and political entity, the former name for what is now Namibia, specifically referring to the period when it was under South African administration (1915–1990).
Can refer to the geographical region of southwestern Africa; used historically to denote the German colony (1884–1915) and later the League of Nations mandate/South African-administered territory.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both varieties, as it is a proper noun referring to a specific historical entity. No spelling or lexical variations.
Connotations
Evokes similar historical and political associations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both, confined to specific discourses.
Grammar
How to Use “south west africa” in a Sentence
The UN revoked the [mandate] over South West Africa.South Africa [administered] South West Africa.The struggle for [independence] in South West Africa.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “south west africa” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The UN demanded that South Africa withdraw from South West Africa.
American English
- The U.S. policy was to pressure South Africa on the South West Africa issue.
adjective
British English
- The South West Africa question dominated Commonwealth meetings.
American English
- He was an expert on South West African politics.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in historical context of mining or trade.
Academic
Common in history, political science, and African studies texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Used in historical documents, treaties, and UN resolutions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “south west africa”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “south west africa”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “south west africa”
- Using 'South West Africa' to refer to modern Namibia in non-historical contexts.
- Confusing it with South Africa.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Geographically, it refers to the same area. Politically, 'South West Africa' is the historical name for the territory before it gained independence as the Republic of Namibia in 1990.
The name changed upon independence to 'Namibia', derived from the Namib Desert, to signify a break from the colonial past and the creation of a new sovereign state.
It was a German colony from 1884 to 1915. After World War I, it was administered by South Africa under a League of Nations mandate (later a UN mandate, though South Africa's administration was controversial and illegal after 1966).
No. The only official name is the Republic of Namibia. 'South West Africa' is used only in historical reference.
A historical geographical and political entity, the former name for what is now Namibia, specifically referring to the period when it was under South African administration (1915–1990).
South west africa is usually formal, historical, academic, political in register.
South west africa: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsaʊθ ˌwest ˈæf.rɪ.kə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsaʊθ ˌwest ˈæf.rɪ.kə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific. Appears in fixed historical phrases like 'the question of South West Africa' (UN).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SOUTH WEST points to the location, AFRICA is the continent. It was the south-western part of Africa under foreign control.
Conceptual Metaphor
Often conceptualised as a PLACE UNDER ADMINISTRATION/CUSTODIANSHIP (e.g., 'South Africa held South West Africa').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary modern context for using the term 'South West Africa'?