Township Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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township
[ˈtaʊnˌʃɪp ]
Definitions
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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Examples of usage
- The residents of the township voted on the new zoning regulations.
- The township council meets every month to discuss community issues.
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.
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| 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.
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| shanty town |
A term for an area where the homes are made from materials like cardboard, tin, and plastic sheeting, usually reflecting extreme poverty.
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| 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.
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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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
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.
Origin of 'township'
The term 'township' has its origins in Old English, where 'tun' meant an enclosed piece of land or homestead, and 'scip' referred to a shape or condition. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to a small administrative division within a county or parish. In South Africa, the term took on a different connotation during the apartheid era, where townships were segregated areas for non-white residents. Today, the term continues to be used in various contexts to refer to different types of communities.