Kraaling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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kraaling
[ˈkrɔːlɪŋ ]
Definition
farming, livestock
Kraaling refers to a type of enclosure for holding livestock, particularly in Southern Africa. It is traditionally constructed with wooden poles, thorn bushes, or even natural barriers to keep animals contained and safe from predators.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The farmer built a kraal to protect his goats from wild animals.
- In the evening, the cattle were herded back into the kraaling.
- Families in rural areas often gather around the kraal to socialize after a long day.
Translations
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Origin of 'kraaling'
The term 'kraal' comes from the Dutch word 'kraal', which means 'enclosure' or 'corral'. It was adopted into English in the context of African farming and livestock practices. The development of kraals can be traced back to indigenous pastoralist societies in South Africa, where they were used for thousands of years to protect livestock. These structures were crucial for safety and organization within their agricultural practices. As European settlers arrived, they observed and adopted these traditional methods, further integrating the word into the English language. Today, 'kraal' represents not just a physical structure, but also the cultural practices surrounding livestock management in Southern African communities.