Challenges for anthropology in the African Renaissance
Loading...
Date
2000
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Namibia Press
Abstract
It ts generally accepted that language aiXI culrure are closely hnkod. It is interesting to note rhat
while a definition of language seems self-evidem, the term 'culru.re' -although used extensively -
is seldom clearly defined. In order 10 discuss the Teaching European Language and Cullurt
agawt the background of 'African RenaiSsance' the conc:ept of 'culrure' needs to be clearly
defined. Particularly sinc:e the African Renaissance, as will be discussed later. is based upon a
shilt m COn'iCIOusness Seen from tlllS perspecuve teaehmg European languages and culrure is
part of development witllin the 'African Renaissance'.
For the purposes of this paper Hofstede's (1993) concept of culture will be used. He maintains
that everyone, during the course of his or her life acquires certain mental, emotional and
behavioural patterns that he also calls "mental software" {ibid.: 18). The ever-changing social
environment influences this "mental software" or culture. l11is means that in principle any
person could discard certain panerns and replace them with new ones. But, says Hofstede, this is
normally a complex and difficult process aiXI thus nor reall)ed very often. Hofstede's concept of
culture inregrates the so-<:alled 'high culture' with the 'everyday culture' and pertairu to the past
as well as to the comemporary. 'High culru.re' refers tO luerature, mus1c and art whereas
'everyday culru.re' includes eating habits, greeting riruals and hygene. Due to the fact that the
individual has the ability and possibility of choosing which panerns he or she wants to make his
or her own, culture ts not necessarily synonymous w1th nauon any longer
Description
Keywords
Teaching, Challenges, Anthropology, European languages, Renaissance
Citation
Zappen-Thomson, M. 2000. Callenges for Antropology in the African Renaissance: Teaching European Languages and Culture Against the Background of African Renaissance. Namibia: University of Namibia Press.