Figurative language: springbok
Learning Objective
We are learning how to use and identify figurative language.
Context: springbok
Credit: BBC One - Africa. This clip may not work on some devices; please see our Help page.
Clip Description
The springbok is the national animal of South Africa. They are fast sprinters, reaching speeds of 80 km per hour. When they run, they repeatedly bound and leap high into the air with stiff extended legs, reaching heights of over 3 metres. Their name comes from this ‘springing’ motion, a motion commonly referred to as ‘pronking’. These highly adaptable herbivores can be found throughout southern Africa in dry, barren areas and open grassland plains.
In this fascinating clip, both male (rams) and female (ewes) springbok can be seen pronking in the African savannah. It would appear that this unusual behaviour is purely a show of excitement and enjoyment as they realise that there is a new carpet of grass shoots to graze upon. However, can you think of any other reasons why a springbok might choose to pronk? Now watch the clip.
Word Challenge
Can you make a list of strong verbs that accurately describe the movements of the springbok?
e.g. bounded, pranced, frolicked, …