Pronunciation: [vˈɛldz] (IPA) 
The word "velds" is a plural form of "veld" which is a term used in South Africa for grasslands. The pronunciation of "veld" is /vɛlt/, which means the 'e' sound is pronounced like "eh" and the 'l' sounds like "lt". However, when forming the plural form, an 's' is added to the end of the word, creating "velds". The pronunciation remains almost the same, with a slight emphasis on the 's' at the end, which sounds like "ss".
Velds, also spelled veld or veldt, is a term used to describe the vast grassy plains or plateaus that are predominantly found in southern Africa. Derived from the Afrikaans word for "field," velds are characterized by their expansive and open landscapes, often featuring low vegetation and scattered trees or shrubs.
These regions are typically found in arid or semi-arid environments, with hot and dry climates prevailing. Velds are renowned for their rich biodiversity and support a wide variety of wildlife, including herbivores such as antelopes, zebras, and wildebeests, as well as predators like lions and cheetahs. They are a vital habitat for numerous species and play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance.
The vegetation that flourishes in velds is mainly composed of grasses and occasionally interspersed with bushes and scrubland plants. This type of vegetation is well adapted to survive the harsh conditions of these open landscapes, where water scarcity and fire are common occurrences. Moreover, velds are also important for agriculture and livestock farming due to their fertile soils.
Velds are not only significant from an environmental perspective but also hold cultural and historical importance in the southern African region. They have served as hunting grounds and grazing lands for indigenous communities and serve as an inseparable part of their cultural heritage.
Overall, velds are emblematic of the vast and picturesque grasslands found in southern Africa, teeming with diverse life forms and shaping the identity of the region.
The word "veld" comes from the Afrikaans language, which is a Dutch-based creole language spoken in South Africa. In Dutch, "veld" means "field" or "plain". The word was borrowed into Afrikaans during the colonization of South Africa by the Dutch in the 17th century. The Dutch colonizers used the term to describe the wide open grassy landscapes that characterize much of the South African interior. Over time, "veld" has become a commonly used term in English to refer to such grassy plains, particularly those found in southern Africa. The plural form of "veld" is "velds", which is sometimes seen in English usage.
