What Was South Africa Called in 1914: Historical Names and Languages

Introduction

In 1914, the
Union of South Africa, as it was officially known, was a significant political and administrative entity in Southern Africa. The terminology used to refer to this country was different then compared to today, reflecting the linguistic and cultural contexts of the time.

During the early years of the Union, the language landscape was different from what it is today. In this article, we will explore the various terms and languages used at that time, providing a comprehensive understanding of the terminology and linguistic landscape of South Africa in 1914.

Monikers for the Union of South Africa

The Union of South Africa

The official name of South Africa in 1914 was the Union of South Africa. This term was widely used and recognized during the early years of the Union. The name reflected the country's governance as a single entity, made up of four provinces: the Cape Province, Natal, the Transvaal, and the Orange Free State.

Afrikaans: The Emerging Language

A key linguistic development during this period was the rise of the Afrikaans language. As a daughter language of Dutch, Afrikaans began to gain prominence and official recognition in South Africa. While Dutch remained the dominant language, Afrikaans was gradually becoming more prevalent, particularly in the southern and western parts of the country.

The evolution of the country's language policy can be observed through the names used to refer to the Union. While the official name remained Union of South Africa in English, in Afrikaans the country was referred to as Unie van Suid-Afrika.

Subtleties in Language Usage

English Revisions

It is worth noting that the official name of the country in English was Union of South Africa. However, there were minor variations in how the country was referred to. Some early references might have used The Union of South Africa, which provided a more formal title. This variation in naming conventions can be attributed to the grammatical structures in English at the time, where the definite article before the name was common in formal or official contexts.

Even within English, the name Union of South Africa was often abbreviated to simply The Union by government institutions and official documents. This allowed for brevity in communication, which was a common practice in the early part of the 20th century.

Dutch Influence

In the early days of the Union, the parent language, Dutch, was still the official language. Therefore, the country was also known in Dutch as de Unie van Zuid-Afrika. Although the Union was officially established under a British model of governance, the strong cultural and linguistic ties to the Dutch-speaking regions of South Africa were evident in this naming convention.

Conclusion

The name and terms used to refer to South Africa in 1914 reflected the linguistic and political context of the time. From the formal Union of South Africa to the more colloquial The Union of South Africa, and the Afrikaans term Unie van Suid-Afrika, the country's identity was shaped by a blend of British and Dutch influences.

Understanding these naming conventions provides valuable insights into the historical and cultural development of South Africa. By exploring the evolution of the country's name and the languages used, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complex interplay of cultural and linguistic factors that have shaped South Africa over the past century.