Definition

1. Noun:

   • A white native of Cape Province who is a descendant of Dutch settlers and who speaks Afrikaans: An "Afrikaner" is a member of a South African people of predominantly Dutch descent, forming a distinct cultural and linguistic group.

2. Adjective:

   • Belonging or relating to white people of South Africa whose ancestors were Dutch or to their language: The adjective form describes something connected to the Afrikaner people, their culture, or their language, Afrikaans.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The museum detailed the history of the Afrikaner settlers in the 19th century.
  • He is an Afrikaner whose family has lived in South Africa for generations.

• Adjective:

  • They are an Afrikaner couple from Pretoria.
  • Afrikaner traditions were prominently featured in the festival.

Advanced Usage

• Historical and Cultural Context: The term "Afrikaner" is deeply tied to the history of South Africa, particularly the Great Trek and the establishment of the Boer republics. It carries significant cultural and political weight.
• "Afrikanerdom": Refers to the collective identity, community, or nationalism of the Afrikaner people.
  • The concept of Afrikanerdom was central to 20th-century South African politics.

Variants and Related Words

• Afrikaans (noun/adjective): The language descended from Dutch, spoken by Afrikaners.
  • She speaks fluent Afrikaans.
• Boer (noun): A historical term, often used synonymously with "Afrikaner," specifically referring to farmers and the settlers of Dutch descent. It is associated with the Boer Wars.
  • The Boer forces fought against the British Empire.

Synonyms

• Boer (noun, historical): Especially when referring to the early Dutch-speaking settlers and farmers.
• South African of Dutch descent (noun phrase): A descriptive synonym.

Notes on Meaning

• The term specifically refers to the white, Afrikaans-speaking population descended primarily from Dutch, and to a lesser extent German and French Huguenot, settlers. It is an ethnic identifier.
• It is distinct from simply being a white South African, as it implies a specific cultural, linguistic, and historical heritage.

Adjective

1. belonging or relating to white people of South Africa whose ancestors were Dutch or to their language
   • an Afrikaans couple
   • Afrikaner support

Noun

1. a white native of Cape Province who is a descendant of Dutch settlers and who speaks Afrikaans