Towards the Indigenisation of Anthropology

bibliographic database
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Periodical article

Title:	Towards the Indigenisation of Anthropology
Author:	Shilubane, Paul Xilavi
Year:	1997
Periodical:	South African Journal of Ethnology
Volume:	20
Issue:	4
Period:	December
Pages:	207-210
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Africa
Subjects:	anthropology Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Anthropology and Archaeology
Abstract:	The colonization of Africa south of the Sahara was in most cases followed by the establishment of Western educational institutions. As a result, a form of educational colonization has occurred in which knowledge is acquired, interpreted and transmitted in terms of Western concepts and methods. The author, a black anthropologist from the University of the North in South Africa, argues that Africa has developed to a stage where it needs to indigenize its educational systems. Focusing on the indigenization of anthropology, he advances the following recommendations: an increased use of African researchers, a consistent observing of culturally-based value systems, the pursuing of ethnic constructions of knowledge, greater emphasis on participant observation and the use of indigenous languages in research, and the practising of advocacy and a development oriented, reflexive anthropology. Bibliogr., sum. in Afrikaans and English.