Pre-colonial Era Research Articles

Reconceptualising multilingualism on African radio: a multilingual accommodation theory

ABSTRACT Media organisations in radio broadcasting are gradually fine-tuning to accommodate multilingual socio-cultural identities. Africa presents unique challenges of lingual diversity which some of the media, particularly public radio have struggled to accommodate. This article advocates for multilingual accommodation on radio to foster more liberating and inclusive ways for multilingual speakers. It is a conceptual paper informed by the Afrikology perspective which we find more useful in tackling African issues from a more realistic perspective. Using radio as a medium of ethnic lingualism, we argue that Africans should tackle their own multilingualism issues. We chose radio because it is the most used medium of communication in Africa, reflective of grassroots social identities. We cite cases of multilingualism in Southern Africa to propose what we refer to as multilingual accommodation in radio broadcasting. The article argues that majority languages in Africa are not monolingualism but family languages of numerous dialects reflecting the co-existence of diverse ethnolinguistics in the pre-colonial era. We define multilingualism as abilities of co-existence in African contexts and the reflection of this co-existence in radio broadcasting. By multilingual accommodation, we suggest sustenance of multilingual programmes by radio hosts, guests and participants in both minoritised and majorised indigenous languages.

FOREST AND ITS RESOURCES IN PRE-COLONIAL MIZORAM

Northeastern Indias Mizoram state is landlocked and surrounded by Bangladesh on the west and Myanmar on the east and south. It shares boundaries with Manipur and Assam to the north, and with Tripura to some extent to the west. The hill forests are an essential resource that indigenous groups rely on for their way of life. Because of the biomass these trees produced and the occasional removal of those woods for farming, Mizorams livelihoods were formerly totally depended on those forests. More precisely, jhuming was the only source of income for the pre-colonial Lushai civilization, with some hunting and gathering providing additional support. Thus, forest land is a pivot around which the peoples lives revolve their hunting, festivals, farming, and migration patterns all center on the area they own. People in traditional societies rely heavily on wild plants for sustenance, medicine, and leisure. That was especially true during the pre-colonial era, when the majority of items used were made of vegetative materials that could be found in the nearby forest. The sociocultural resource domain appeared to be limitless to the early inhabitants. There was not much competition for space because of the incredibly low population density.

Indigenous Education System and Environmental Conservation Initiatives for Sustainable Development: Experiences from Nyamwezi in Uyui District, Tanzania

For centuries, African communities in their localities have co-existed with their natural environment in a harmonious manner leading to sustainability of both, the humans and the natural resources base. This co-existence is enabled by what is referred to as the indigenous environmental knowledge system. Indigenous knowledge has always been transferred from one generation to the next through norms, stories and cultural practices. This paper explores Indigenous Education systems and their implications to the conservation practices of the environment in Uyui district in Tabora region. The paper dwells on both primary and secondary data to provide insights on how Indigenous Education Systems embedded with traditional, initiation and local religious affiliation, have been used since time immemorial as one of the indirect initiatives of preserving, protecting and managing natural catchment forests. Random, Snowball and purposive sampling techniques were used to get a total of 120 respondents for this study. The study revealed that local communities in Uyui district have their system of knowledge affiliated with traditions, rituals and taboos which have been used to protect environmental and natural resources since the pre-colonial era up to the post-colonial epoch in Tanzania. The majority of respondents argue that the indigenous knowledge system was practical in protecting the natural resources in the local areas as it was embedded in the taboos, traditional rituals and religious beliefs. Failure or abandonment of the indigenous traditions has led to mismanagement of forest resources and other natural resources. The paper recommends both local and central government incorporate Indigenous knowledge and experiences in their endeavors of protecting and preserving the Environment in Uyui district in Tabora region for sake of sustainable development in Tanzania.

Inevitability of Politics in Ghana's Curriculum Development

The influence of politics is enormous and seemingly inevitable. Arguably, in the sphere of education, its impact is both subtle and transparent. This is a positional paper that explores the ideologies of people in power behind curriculum development and innovation in Ghana. The paper describes societies’ and government’s position in the documentation of learning experiences for students in Ghanaian schools. The politicization of Ghana’s curriculum can be traced to the precolonial era, and this phenomenon has never ceased to suffice. Among the major tenets where politics seem evitable include the formation of educational reform committees, presentation of subject matter/content, change in the political system and external influences/global agenda. The paper concludes that politics and education, for that matter curriculum, are two inseparable entities in that the former influences the planning, design, development, implementation and evaluation of the latter. Therefore, curriculum experts in Ghana should bear in mind that politics can distort the natural order of curriculum development.

Current State of Archaeobotanical Research in Ghana: On Diet, Food Resources and Research Perspectives

This review delves into the changes in food consumption patterns over time in West Africa, emphasising the significant role played by archaeobotanical studies. West African food consumption has been influenced by various factors such as economic, environmental, and external influences. Our initial studies focused on plant and animal domestication and the spread of grains. The arrival of Europeans in the 15th century brought changes in foodways, introducing new crops from the New and Old World. Some misconceptions about African food and agriculture have been challenged, accentuating the region’s diversity and resilience. The paper discusses the initial focus on economic factors and the domestication of plants, leading to a better understanding of the connection between food and society. Additionally, it dispels misapprehensions about West African cuisine and highlights the impact of the Atlantic trade on foodways. The study underscores the significance of interdisciplinary research in rectifying any biases surrounding Africa’s food history. Archaeobotanical research has shed light on the dynamic nature of African foodways, including the integration of American crops into local food traditions. However, knowledge of the extent of adoption and use of these crops during the precolonial era remains limited. More research is required to comprehend the adoption of American crops and the resilience of African food systems.

Cultural Character Analysis on Architectural Elements of the Chinese Temples’ Buildings before the 19th Century in Central Java

The research provided an in-depth exploration of the architectural nuances of pre-19th century Chinese temples in Central Java, Indonesia, emphasizing their cultural significance and relevance. A detailed examination of a range of temples identified unique architectural features that reflected a sophisticated synthesis of Chinese cultural elements and local Javanese traditions. Applying a qualitative method, the research integrated historical scrutiny with architectural analysis, meticulously examining stylistic attributes, construction methodologies, and decorative patterns typical of these temples. The key discoveries highlight an intricate amalgamation of traditional Chinese architectural principles with native materials and craftsmanship, culminating in a distinctive, hybrid architectural form. This fusion not only symbolizes the cultural convergence and assimilation between Chinese immigrants and the indigenous Javanese during the pre-colonial era but also underscores the role of these temples as pivotal preservers of Chinese cultural heritage in Java. Furthermore, the research contributes to a deeper understanding of the diversity within architectural practices and offers insightful perspectives on the historical and socio-cultural dynamics in Central Java. The novelty of the research is anchored in its focused examination of a historically and geographically specific context, its interdisciplinary and thorough approach, the revelation of a unique hybrid architectural style, and its significant insights into the cultural and sociological dimensions of Central Java’s architectural legacy.

Christian Education in Colonial and Post-Independent Zimbabwe: A Paradigm Shift

Since the arrival of Christianity in Africa during the pre-colonial era, one of the main characteristics of its spread has been Christian Education (CE). The achievements made thus far by missionaries and African Christian communities were based on the Church-based Christian Education programs that were put into place by churches created by missionaries. Education, let alone Christian Education, has a key role to play in the transformation of every society. The problem is that the type of Christianity and Christian Education introduced sought to uproot Africans from their identity, culture, and language. Christian Education has a crucial role in changing the perspective of citizens to one that is Euro-centric and in promoting effective discipleship and strong doctrinal allegiance among members of mainline churches. Even though Christianity has undergone meaningful change over time, its many manifestations still survive in diverse 21st-century societies. Christianity, just like African Traditional Religion, has permeated every sphere and life of the Zimbabweans. The prospects of Christian Education to foster a positive society’s transformation in Zimbabwe are great and accepted. Two types of Christianity were introduced to Africa: Afro-centric Christianity and Euro-centric Christianity.

The fundamental causal factors and persistence of women's marginalization in Nigeria: a challenge to the Nigerian State, 2007-2010.

The topic of Nigerian women’s marginalization has been thoroughly covered in a lot of current literature, but there is still a gap as seen by the scarcity of academic discourses on the underlying causes of gender power differences and the resulting disadvantages for Nigerian women. In this light, the paper explores the causes and historical evolution of the social, economic, and political factors in Nigeria working against women’s empowerment. This is in the context of the obstacles these forces posed to achieving the goals of President Yar’Adua’s Seven-Point Agenda, as they affected women’s empowerment. This paper explores how sex roles, biological disparities, and some historical events interact to explain why women have been disadvantaged in Nigeria since the pre-colonial era. Given the lackluster antecedents to the needs for gender equity of the Nigerian female gender, the paper asserts that the ramifications of women’s historical marginalization provide a significant challenge to Yar’Adua’s administration, and to date, the plight of Nigerian women has remained the same, more or less.

Scoping review of African health histories: a protocol

IntroductionThe history of African health is closely entwined with the history of the continent itself—from precolonial times to the present day. A study of African health histories is critical to...

A Discourse on Individuals Value for Herbal Medicine in Asante since the Pre-Colonial Era

This study highlights the transitions that indigenous medicine and indigenous medical practices have undergone in Asante. It uses a qualitative approach anchored on both primary and secondary sources. The primary data sources include interviews and documentary data derived from reports in historical archives. Anchored on rational choice contingent upon social change, it reviewed existing literature. It filters the transitions that herbal medicine in particular has undergone from the earliest times to the twenty-first century. The responses from interviewees and experts were corroborated with secondary sources. It highlighted the fact that indigenous medicine and herbal medicine in particular have seen changes over time and have been perceived differently at different times. It concludes that based on the evolving government policies on herbal medicine; it is anticipated that it will have a glowing future in Ghana and its full-fledged integration with the orthodox system in a modern healthcare setting is attainable. To achieve this end, the rational choice of practitioners in the herbal medicine milieu should be to build a formidable interest group that can influence government policy in their favour.

The Economy of Wudil Territory in Pre-Colonial Era

Studies on the economies of the towns and villages that made up Kano region's economy have not been exhausted. It is against this background that this paper examines the economy of Wudil territory in the pre-colonial era as a contribution to the continuous study on the economy of Kano region. The paper argues that agriculture was the mainstay of the economy of the area. However, other economic activities such as smithing, weaving, dyeing, leather work, pottery were equally practiced in the area. The paper also argues that these economic activities contributed to the economic development of the area in particular and Kano region in general during the period under review. The paper relies on oral interviews, archival materials and other secondary texts. The paper concludes that the development of these economic activities in the area, promoted the emergence and development of markets and traders. This led to the development of trade and commerce in the area.

Witchcraft imputations and the tort of defamation in Ghana

Witchcraft beliefs have been the cause of some of the cruellest crimes against vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly, in many African societies since the pre-colonial era. People accused of being witches are often subjected to all manner of mistreatments – ostracism/banishment, discrimination, physical assault or torture, lethal violence and so on. However, there are rare instances where the hunted (the accused witches) turn the tables on the hunters (their accusers) with claims of defamation, but such legal battles tend to be complicated. The present study explores the Ghanaian courts’ attitude towards witchcraft-related defamation claims/lawsuits, examining how they have navigated the complex and often confusing system of legal pluralism since the 1970s. It establishes that mere insults and name-calling, including witchcraft accusations, are generally not actionable under the received common law. However, under the Ghanaian customary law, insults and name-calling that impair or are likely to impair one's dignity are actionable per se. The paper notes that the courts in Ghana at times apply the principles of both customary law and the received common law when dealing with witchcraft-related defamation claims.

Evolvement of Syncretic Music: the Aesthetic Values of Malaysian Popular and Traditional Music

"Malaysian music was influenced by British, Portuguese, Indian, and Chinese cultures, which created syncretic music. Aesthetics values strengthen the existence of syncretic music by molding taste and interest among the listeners. It somehow creates various feelings whether to appreciate, accept, or against the music, further developing musical preferences among individuals. Exploring aesthetic values in popular and traditional music is crucial as many cultures have influenced Malaysia due to colonization, trading, wedding, and migration. This paper reviews on Malaysian syncretic music, the aesthetic values in Malaysian popular and traditional music, and the influence factors of Malaysian music. It is found that there was a confluence of various intercultural musical elements in the early era, while assimilation has taken place due to traditional Malay rhythmic patterns and traditional folk themes. This led to the Malaysian conception of music and musical composition, creating the idea that Malaysian music has drastically expanded its artistic resources since the pre-colonial era. We also found communities living in the pre-modern or modern era have different unique taste in the aesthetic characteristics. Despite this, most remote communities are compelled to participate in postmodernity in some way due to the globalization of media, capital, and mobile networks. These combinations result in many theories, concepts, and discourses that enrich aesthetic values in Malaysian syncretic music. Keywords: Syncretic music, culture, Malaysian music, aesthetic, music assimilation, traditional music"

Evolution of education at the secondary school level in India with mathematics in and out of focus

The educationists and the statesmen of different eras have casted mathematics education in different forms, and it has swayed to and from the elites to the commoners several times. The vision of the educationists always took tolls on mathematics curriculum, which survived the maximum change during the past one century. Several unorganized or partially organized ventures of mathematics education planning were seen in the pre-colonial era whereas the colonial period displayed some extremely organized, target-oriented decisions regarding the education system as a whole, taking mathematics in and out of focus. In this article, we have focused on the change in mathematics curriculum at the secondary school level in India.

Reminiscences of Kothas: Exploring Spatial Intimacies in Ruth Vanita’s Memory of Light

This paper aims to study the representation of same-sex desire in Ruth Vanita’s Memory of Light (2020) and analyze how the socio-spatial dynamics of the kotha helps to reconstruct female-to-female intimacy and convey a different idea of community and a sense of belonging in history. The novel, which traces the relationship between two courtesans, is also a recreation of the pre-modern Lucknow and its vibrant kothas with distinct architectural features. Beyond its overt function of entertaining the male patrons, the kothas as all-female establishments also served as a space of security and intimacy for women. The paper outlines the politics of situating same-sex desire in the historical backdrop of pre-colonial era. It uses concepts from Feminist Theory, Cultural Geography and Memory Studies, to examine the importance of kothas as a material and an ideological space, in facilitating discourses on gender variance, intimacy, and friendship that entered the cultural production of the time. In particular, the analysis intends to emphasize the frequent entanglement between the spatial features and women’s intimate practices as a distinct way of articulating same-sex desire that dissolves the binary understanding of hetero/homosexuality. Therefore, by insisting on the remembrance of kothas, the paper delineates how the ‘memory of places’ carves out two functions in the context of lesbian politics. On the one hand, it generates a ‘symbolic continuum’ to the history of women loving women to reframe postcolonial categorical understanding of ‘lesbian’ in contemporary times, and on the other, by infusing strategic use of metafictional elements, it emerges as a subversive mode of narrating stories of same-sex love while negotiating with the historical erasure of spaces of female-to female desire.

Colonial State and the Transformation of Inter-Ethnic Conflicts in Uasin Gishu County Up to 1963

Inter-ethnic hostilities have persisted over a considerable duration on a worldwide scale, originating from socio-economic and political issues. Ethnic conflict has been extensively documented in several African countries throughout the continent, spanning from the pre-colonial era to the colonial period. The occurrence of this ethnic conflict can be attributed to the policies implemented by the colonial state. Hence, the principal aim of this research was to document and examine the extent of the colonial state's engagement in the endeavor of mitigating inter-ethnic conflicts in Uasin Gishu County, particularly during the era preceding 1963. The primary objective of this study was to examine the impact of the colonial state on the development of inter-ethnic conflicts in Uasin Gishu County, specifically focusing on the period leading up to 1963. The research employed a historical methodology, incorporating primary and secondary data sources. The study incorporated a diverse range of primary data sources, such as annual reports, conclusions derived from appointed commissions, interviews conducted with key stakeholders, court judgments, and official government statistics. In addition, the study incorporated secondary materials. The sources encompassed a heterogeneous array of materials, including printed books, scholarly papers, and unpublished archival documents. The study was positioned within the existing body of literature by incorporating these sources. Land alienation and the subsequent establishment of settler farms coupled with setting up squiredom labour served to inadvertently lay the foundation for inter-ethnic friction. The study posits that the implementation of a holistic strategy that encompasses various actors from both the public and private domains is necessary to effectively tackle the root causes of disputes and avert their recurrence in subsequent instances. Simultaneously, it is imperative to enhance regulations to dissuade the political class from employing land issues as a tactic to incite ethnic differences and escalate tribal wars within the designated region. The output of this research is expected to have a positive impact on various stakeholders, such as historians, policymakers, political bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and religious institutions. The aforementioned findings have the potential to make a significant contribution to the promotion of peace and justice in Uasin Gishu and similar contexts.

African Vernacular Symbols of Black Intersex Children in Sinethemba Ngubane's Installations (2007-2016)

African Vernacular Symbols of Black Intersex Children in Sinethemba Ngubane's Installations (2007-2016)

The evolution of strategic communication: practices and reflections in Nigeria

Strategic communication, an intentional and purpose-driven communication aimed at achieving specific goals, is gaining traction in Nigeria. This paper examines the growth and development of strategic communication in Nigeria across three historical epochs. While previous studies on communication management in the country have been limited to the colonial era, this study traces the origin of strategic communication in Nigeria from the precolonial era to the present day. Despite the Western-centric view of strategic communication, this study highlights the various communication strategies, such as rhetoric, symbolography, town-criers, Roko, Ewi, proverbs, idiophones, and music, that were utilized in precolonial times. The arrival of colonialists only modernized the process and introduced new mediums of communication. Modern factors such as WWII, nationalism, regional politics, civil war, Boko Haram Insurgency, and politics have also influenced the development of strategic communication. The paper recommends more research and courses on strategic communication in Nigeria to continue building a better understanding of its role in national security and conflict management.

The African Novel of Ideas: Philosophy and Individualism in the Age of Global Writing

The African Novel of Ideas: Philosophy and Individualism in the Age of Global Writing

Traditional Medicine and Healing in The Bamenda Grasslands of Cameroon Since Pre-Colonial Times

Traditional medicine and healing has been part and parcel of the communities and peoples of the Bamenda Grasslands of Cameroon since pre-colonial times and has stood the test of time. Traditional medicine and healing in the Bamenda Grasslands was sustained through constant practice, tolerance, research and innovation. If the Bamenda Grasslands is popular in Cameroons social settings, it is largely due to the influence of traditional medicine. It is in this context that this paper seeks to examine traditional medicine as a measure in disease treatment within the Bamenda Grasslands since the pre-colonial era. The paper further probes into the dynamics of Bamenda Grassfields traditional medicine. It builds on primary and secondary data to show that traditional medicine and healing helped in no small way in the treatment of prevalent diseases and contributed to the welfare of the people of the Cameroon Grasslands.