Indilinga: African Journal of Indigenous Knowledge Systems最新文献

{"title":"Xhosa male initiation and teaching of moral values: an exploration of the role of traditional guardians in teaching the initiates","authors":"L. Ntombana","doi":"10.4314/INDILINGA.V8I1.48245","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/INDILINGA.V8I1.48245","url":null,"abstract":"This article discusses the role of Xhosa male initiation practice in the teaching of moral values and the part played by the amakhankatha (traditional guardians) in the practice. Xhosa male initiation is regarded as a rite of passage since it has a historic role in building up the moral lives of boys as they graduate to manhood. Amakhankatha are identified both from literature and the research findings as major role players in the teaching of the initiates. A shift in the approach to teaching moral values and in the practice of initiation has resulted in the death of many initiates as well as the misbehaviour of the amakrwala (new men). The author suggests that initiation practices should be redefined in order to play a positive role in building the moral fibre of Xhosa society, as it was intended in the past. As part of the solution to the problem the author suggests an informal curriculum in order to empower the amakhankatha, who will in turn teach the initiates. This curriculum comprises topics such as HIV and AIDS, crime, women abuse and what it means to be a responsible man.","PeriodicalId":151323,"journal":{"name":"Indilinga: African Journal of Indigenous Knowledge Systems","volume":"40 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"124566108","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Managing Agricultural Indigenous And Exogenous Knowledge Through Information And Communication Technologies For Poverty Reduction In Tanzania","authors":"P. Ngulube, E. Lwoga","doi":"10.4314/INDILINGA.V8I1.48258","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/INDILINGA.V8I1.48258","url":null,"abstract":"This article addresses the extent to which information and communication technologies (ICTs) may be used to manage agricultural indigenous knowledge (IK) to alleviate extreme poverty and halve hunger in the rural areas of Tanzania. It also discusses ways that ICTs can be used to introduce exogenous knowledge into the local communities in order to reduce hunger and poverty. The advent of ICTs provides a window of opportunity for developing countries to harness and utilize IK to their advantage. Access to, and use of, ICTs provides new and faster ways of delivering and accessing information and knowledge that may improve productivity in a wide range of sectors, including agriculture. Access to information and knowledge may give Tanzania the possibility to reduce poverty and increase agricultural productivity. The rural population of Tanzania is not only deprived from accessing global knowledge on agriculture, but it also lacks opportunities to share its own IK. Research shows that the use of exogenous knowledge together with IK systems may improve farming activities. Recommendations are given on how IK may be effectively managed through ICTs in Tanzania","PeriodicalId":151323,"journal":{"name":"Indilinga: African Journal of Indigenous Knowledge Systems","volume":"435 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"132493870","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cross Cultural Dilemmas In The Management Of HIV/AIDS: The Role Of African Traditional Healers","authors":"Jane Mufamadi","doi":"10.4314/INDILINGA.V8I1.48238","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/INDILINGA.V8I1.48238","url":null,"abstract":"The article is based on the study which sought to investigate the role that African traditional healers can play in the care and management of HIV/AIDS. Ten traditional healers from the Vhavenda community in South Africa were interviewed to understand their perceptions and approaches to the management of HIV/AIDS. To triangulate, ten Western trained health care practitioners and eight HIV/AIDS patients were also interviewed to canvass their views on the role that traditional healers can play in the management of HIV/AIDS. The interviews were audio-taped, transcribed and translated into English. The protocols were analyzed using the grounded theory approach. It was found that traditional healers provide a client-centered and personalized health care management that is culturally appropriate and tailored to meet the needs and expectations of their patients. Some of the patients reported consulting traditional healers when presented with what they considered to be HIV/AIDS related symptoms. Western trained health care providers reported a willingness to collaborate with African traditional healers. However, the study also found that most traditional healers did not understand HIV/AIDS as they seemed to confuse this clinical condition with some sexually transmitted diseases. The cultural proximity of traditional healers may facilitate communication about the disease and related social issues.","PeriodicalId":151323,"journal":{"name":"Indilinga: African Journal of Indigenous Knowledge Systems","volume":"32 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125195307","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Indigenous Healers’ Diagnostic And Treatment Methods For Some Illnesses And Social Dysfunctions","authors":"T. Sodi","doi":"10.4314/INDILINGA.V8I1.48243","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/INDILINGA.V8I1.48243","url":null,"abstract":"Calls for the recognition of indigenous healers have been made nationally and internationally in view of the positive role that these providers of alternative health care can play in the treatment of various forms of illness. In South Africa, the Draft Policy on African Traditional Medicine for South Africa lays the foundation on how collaboration between indigenous healers and modern health care providers could be realized. This article focuses on the healing methods that are used by indigenous healers in South Africa. An overview of the diagnostic methods and the therapeutic procedures used in the treatment of some illnesses and social dysfunctions is presented. Case studies are presented to illustrate how two indigenous healers interpret and treat “senyama” – a form of psychological dysfunction. Some psychological and public health explanations are advanced to understand this culturally defined health condition can be understood from the Western health perspective.","PeriodicalId":151323,"journal":{"name":"Indilinga: African Journal of Indigenous Knowledge Systems","volume":"11 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"130456123","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrating Socio-Cultural Knowledge In Life Skills Education For The Prevention Of Health And Social Pathologies: A Social Work Perspective","authors":"J. Makhubele, Lulama Qalinga","doi":"10.4314/INDILINGA.V7I2.26433","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/INDILINGA.V7I2.26433","url":null,"abstract":"Learners occupy a place of central concern in the modern-day society and need to be protected against health and social pathologies. Globalisation, democratisation and\u0000glorification of youth behaviour are some of the challenges facing the learners of the 21st\u0000Century. Learners are expected to learn to prepare for their full adult roles and responsibilities in society against the backdrop of large-scale socio-political and socio-economic developments, challenges and problems. Risk-taking behaviours such as substance abuse, risky sexual behaviour, stressful family circumstances, Eurocentric lifestyles, lack of respect for the elders, misinterpretation of human rights and violence continue to destroy and affect their lives. Keywords : Socio-cultural knowledge, life skills education, health and social pathologies and social work. Indilinga Vol. 7 (2) 2008: pp. 155-170","PeriodicalId":151323,"journal":{"name":"Indilinga: African Journal of Indigenous Knowledge Systems","volume":"86 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127132598","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Children's stories: what knowledge constitutes indigenous knowledge?","authors":"M. Stears","doi":"10.4314/INDILINGA.V7I2.26431","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/INDILINGA.V7I2.26431","url":null,"abstract":"Curriculum 2005 (DoE, 1995) foregrounds indigenous knowledge systems as one of the themes that should be integrated across the curriculum. There is a move towards designing curricula that consider learners' cultural backgrounds, hence the emphasis on incorporating informal knowledge in the curriculum. This article reports on the nature of the\u0000knowledge produced by children when applying such an approach, thus raising questions\u0000around the nature of indigenous knowledge. The intention was to design a science module\u0000on a topic that learners identified as relevant. The method employed was to ask learners\u0000to write stories on the topic in an effort to determine what indigenous knowledge held with\u0000regard to the topic. While the stories contained examples of indigenous knowledge, the\u0000majority of experiences learners identified with was not indigenous knowledge in the\u0000traditional sense, but knowledge related to their personal circumstances. This raises the\u0000question whether poor socio-economic conditions lead to the erosion of indigenous\u0000knowledge held by the parents and grandparents of these children or whether the subculture of poverty has produced a new kind of indigenous knowledge? Keywords : Curriculum, cultural background, learner, science module, socioeconomic,\u0000indigenous knowledge, children's stories Indilinga Vol. 7 (2) 2008: pp. 132-140","PeriodicalId":151323,"journal":{"name":"Indilinga: African Journal of Indigenous Knowledge Systems","volume":"7 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"132068639","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Relevant Physics Curriculum: Tapping Indigenous African Knowledge Systems","authors":"Cable Moji, A. Hattingh","doi":"10.4314/INDILINGA.V7I2.26438","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/INDILINGA.V7I2.26438","url":null,"abstract":"Within a constructivist approach to learning physics, prior knowledge had been found to underpin learning in a significant way - either as a hindering or helping factor. One key issue that accounts for effective learning of science in Africa has been the controversial status of prior knowledge that learners bring into the classroom.\u0000This article aims to continue the discussion along these lines but with the express objective to illustrate how physics teachers / lectures can draw on indigenous African knowledge as they teach concepts and introduce terminology and nomenclature in the physics curriculum.","PeriodicalId":151323,"journal":{"name":"Indilinga: African Journal of Indigenous Knowledge Systems","volume":"9 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"130736682","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Learning and an African lifeworld in (higher) education","authors":"B. V. Wyk","doi":"10.4314/INDILINGA.V7I2.26434","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/INDILINGA.V7I2.26434","url":null,"abstract":"There have been concerns in recent years about drop-outs and matric pass rates in schools, and low through-put rates at higher education institutions in South Africa. I\u0000assume that these concerns relate to a perceived lack of, or inadequate, learning. Focusing\u0000on blacks in general or African learners and students in particular, these concerns\u0000however, failed to acknowledge the cultural dimension of learning. This article attempts to\u0000focus attention on a cultural dimension and argues that we need to explore the notion of\u0000the lifeworld, particularly the African lifeworld, in order to develop a deeper understanding\u0000of the unacceptable level of matric passes, drop-outs and through-put rates. Rasmussen\u0000(1998) argues that, for a variety of reasons, learning should be studied as a cultural\u0000phenomenon and I explore various types of learning cultures. Finally, I argue for transformative learning as a means to address concerns related to a perceived lack of learning Keywords : Learning, culture, lifeworld, African lifeworld, (higher) education, transformative learning. Indilinga Vol. 7 (2) 2008: pp. 171-181","PeriodicalId":151323,"journal":{"name":"Indilinga: African Journal of Indigenous Knowledge Systems","volume":"72 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"117320199","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Threats to Ronga custodianship of a sacred grove in southern Mozambique","authors":"S. Siebert, S. Izidine, A. M. Zobolo","doi":"10.4314/INDILINGA.V7I2.26435","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/INDILINGA.V7I2.26435","url":null,"abstract":"Licuati Forest Reserve in southern Mozambique safeguards a dry, tropical forest with many rare and endemic plant species, but it is also a sacred grove that holds the graves of the Santaca family who long served as the local traditional authority. Interviews with male elders of the tribe serve as the main source of information regarding local cultural beliefs and practices concerning the forest. Feedback contends that taboos and other local\u0000practices have been more important than state-based regulations in protecting the forest,\u0000particularly from charcoal production. The capacity of local measures to protect the sacred\u0000grove is limited, given the socio-economic and political status in the country. This has led\u0000to the involvement of government through conservation policy and law enforcement.\u0000However, such formal conservation measures are not sufficient, nor effective and a\u0000workable scheme based on the local indigenous knowledge system is proposed as a\u0000means to ensure the sustainable use of the forest in collaboration with governmental\u0000institutions. Keywords : Biodiversity, conservation, ethnobotany, indigenous knowledge, Licuati, Sand Forest, taboo, tribal authority. Indilinga Vol. 7 (2) 2008: pp. 182-197","PeriodicalId":151323,"journal":{"name":"Indilinga: African Journal of Indigenous Knowledge Systems","volume":"12 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128796144","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Globalisation And African Cultural Heritage Erosion: Implications For Policy","authors":"M. Masoga, H. Kaya","doi":"10.4314/INDILINGA.V7I2.26432","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/INDILINGA.V7I2.26432","url":null,"abstract":"Globalisation has had both negative and positive impact on the cultural heritage development and preservation in Africa. However, this article argues that African countries need not necessarily be disadvantaged by the unfolding globalisation process if they adopt\u0000developmental policies that are rooted in their own cultural heritage, including African\u0000Indigenous Knowledge Systems. They need to develop their own models of cultural and\u0000artistic development that are accessible and affordable to their local communities. African\u0000governments need to take their cultural heritage resources seriously as one of the domain\u0000in which they can remain competitive in the globalising world and contribute to “global\u0000civilisation”. This is based on the worldwide increasing global realisation that culture\u0000constitutes a fundamental dimension of the development process. It helps to strengthen\u0000the independence, sovereignty and identity of nations. Moreover, economic growth and\u0000development have frequently been conceived in quantitative terms, without taking into\u0000consideration their necessary qualitative dimensions, i.e. the satisfaction of man's spiritual\u0000and cultural aspirations. African scholars and heritage managers should push to make\u0000sustainable utilization of IKS for sustainable development the next global agenda after\u0000information technology. They need to maintain a delicate balance by thinking globally in\u0000an era when science and technology have shortened distance and united cultures, while\u0000at the same time stimulating the development of national and local agendas in relation to\u0000cultural and IKS policies. It is important that African countries first cooperate among\u0000themselves. This cooperation can only be meaningful if it begins with what is already\u0000there, i.e. in the form of existing traditions and customs, associated knowledge systems\u0000and technologies, arts and crafts. Through proper analysis and planning, these indigenous\u0000cultural potentialities could be revived and adapted to the demands of present day science\u0000and technology for sustainable development and local community livelihoods. Keywords : Globalisation, sustainable development, local communities, cultural\u0000heritage, science and technology. Indilinga Vol. 7 (2) 2008: pp. 141-153","PeriodicalId":151323,"journal":{"name":"Indilinga: African Journal of Indigenous Knowledge Systems","volume":"603 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"123218449","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}