Khoisan
/ˈkɔɪsɑːn/noun
A historical umbrella term for certain Indigenous peoples and languages of southern Africa, especially those associated with Khoekhoe and San communities.
Did you know?“Khoisan” is not the name of a single people or language family in the strict modern sense; many scholars now prefer more specific names because the category combines diverse communities and languages.
Etymological Timeline
Before 20th Century
Khoekhoe and regional usage
Khoekhoe; San
“Names associated with Khoekhoe-speaking communities and with various San peoples; “San” has a complex history and was often applied by outsiders as a broad label.”
1928
English
Khoisan
“A scholarly compound formed from Khoekhoe-related “Khoi” and “San” to group peoples and languages of southern Africa.”
20th Century
English anthropology
Khoisan
“A widely used umbrella category in anthropology and linguistics for Khoekhoe and San peoples and for languages thought to share certain features, especially click consonants.”
Late 20th Century
English linguistics
Khoisan
“The classification became increasingly controversial as researchers questioned whether the so-called Khoisan languages form one demonstrable genetic family.”
Modern English
English
Khoisan
“A historical or broad comparative label, often used cautiously and replaced where possible by specific community or language names.”