Adralés

Adralés is a term used in some dialects of Occitan, particularly those spoken in the Languedoc region of France. It refers to a young male goatherd or shepherd, typically under the age of 16. The word often carries connotations of rustic simplicity and a connection to rural life. While "berger" or "pastre" are the more common and general terms for shepherd, "adralés" specifically denotes a younger, often apprentice-level, herder. The term can also be used more broadly to describe a young person who tends livestock in a mountainous or rural environment. The etymology is uncertain, but theories suggest possible connections to older Occitan words related to tending animals or to specific geographical features associated with herding. Its use is increasingly rare as traditional shepherding practices decline.