Africander

/ˌæfrɪˈkændər/ noun

Definition

A person of European descent born in Africa, particularly South Africa; also, a breed of hardy cattle from South Africa.

Etymology

From 'Africa' plus the agent suffix '-ander,' modified from 'African.' Historically used to distinguish colonial-born settlers from those born in Europe, later applied to indigenous livestock.

Kelly Says

Africanderism became a complex identity—these were people born in Africa to European parents, identifying with the land but often seen as outsiders by both Europeans and native populations, creating unique cultural tensions reflected in South African literature.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

This historical term defaulted to masculine forms in colonial records. Women settlers and descendants were often erased or subsumed under generic masculine terminology in South African colonial archives.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'Afrikaners' or 'South African settlers' with explicit acknowledgment of women's roles when discussing this group historically.

Inclusive Alternatives

["Afrikaners","South African settlers of European descent"]

Empowerment Note

South African women of European descent played crucial roles in settlement and cultural formation but were systematically undercounted in 'Africander' historical records.

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