Township: meaning, definitions and examples

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township

[ˈtaʊnˌʃɪp ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

local government

A township is a small area or district in a county or parish, forming the unit of local government.

Synonyms

district, municipality, parish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
township	This term is mostly used in the United States and South Africa to describe a subdivision of a county or a small city or town. It can refer to either a rural area or a small town, depending on the country. She grew up in a small township outside of the city. The township council is responsible for road maintenance.
district	This term refers to an area marked out for administrative purposes. It can be used both in urban and rural settings and often signifies a division within a larger city or region that has specific administrative, political, or educational functions. The school district decided to close the schools due to the snowstorm. He works in the financial district of the city.
parish	This term is most commonly used in Louisiana in the United States, where it serves as the equivalent of a 'county'. It also has strong religious connotations, referring to a local church community. She was baptized in the local parish church. The relief efforts will be coordinated through the parish offices.
municipality	Typically used to denote a city or town that has its own local government. It is a formal term often used in legal or administrative contexts. The municipality is planning to upgrade the public transportation system. A crowd gathered outside the municipality building to protest.

Examples of usage

The residents of the township voted on the new zoning regulations.
The township council meets every month to discuss community issues.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

South Africa

In South Africa, a township is a segregated residential area that was reserved for non-white residents during the apartheid era.

Synonyms

ghetto, settlement, shanty town.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
township	A term often used in South Africa to describe underdeveloped urban living areas that were historically reserved for non-whites during apartheid. It also can refer to administrative divisions in some countries. The government is investing in township infrastructure. Many residents of the township commute to the city for work.
settlement	Refers to a place where people establish a community. It can refer to new communities in previously uninhabited areas, or to communities established by immigrants. The settlers established a new settlement in the valley. Authorities are discussing the potential for new settlements on the outskirts of the city.
shanty town	A term for an area where the homes are made from materials like cardboard, tin, and plastic sheeting, usually reflecting extreme poverty. The shanty town grew rapidly as more people moved to the city seeking jobs. Living conditions in the shanty town are very poor.
ghetto	A term with a negative connotation used to describe a part of a city, especially a slum area, where minority groups live, often in poor conditions. Many families in the ghetto struggle with poverty. The neighborhood was referred to as a ghetto due to its rundown buildings.

Examples of usage

Many black South Africans were forced to live in townships under apartheid.
Townships in South Africa still face challenges related to poverty and crime.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term 'township' has roots in Medieval England, referring to a section of land governed by a local authority.
During the colonial period in America, townships were established as a way to organize settlers and manage land.
In South Africa, the term takes on a complex history, referring to areas designated for black residents during the apartheid era.

Civic Structure

In the United States, townships serve as a form of local government, often responsible for services like road maintenance and zoning.
There are typically two types of townships in the US: civil townships and charter townships, each with different governance and responsibilities.
Some states allow townships to provide local functions, such as fire or sanitation services, making them key players in community management.

Global Perspective

In Canada, townships are often used to designate rural areas, impacting property rights and land use planning.
Many countries use the concept of townships to define administrative divisions, influencing local governance and community engagement.
Townships in India often reflect cultural and historical practices, showcasing diverse governance structures across states.

Cultural Significance

In literature and film, townships can symbolize a sense of community, belonging, and the complexities of local governance.
The portrayal of townships can reveal social dynamics, particularly in countries with layered histories, such as South Africa.
Community events and local meetings in townships foster connections among residents, highlighting their role in social cohesion.

Educational Importance

Townships can serve as case studies in sociology classes, illustrating how communities are structured and governed.
Understanding townships helps students learn about civic responsibility and local governance.
Projects in township areas can provide opportunities for hands-on learning about service, citizenship, and community improvement.

Translations

Translations of the word "township" in other languages:

🇵🇹 município

🇮🇳 नगरपालिका

🇩🇪 Gemeinde

🇮🇩 kotapraja

🇺🇦 селище

🇵🇱 gmina

🇯🇵 町

🇫🇷 commune

🇪🇸 municipio

🇹🇷 kasaba

🇰🇷 읍

🇸🇦 بلدة

🇨🇿 městys

🇸🇰 obec

🇨🇳 镇

🇸🇮 občina

🇮🇸 sveitarfélag

🇰🇿 қалашық

🇬🇪 სოფელი

🇦🇿 qəsəbə

🇲🇽 municipio

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,184, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

...
4181 mercy
4182 conceived
4183 visiting
4184 township
4185 maturity
4186 simulation
4187 hide
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