The Discourse on Culture and Development in Eritrea

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Periodical article

Title:	The Discourse on Culture and Development in Eritrea
Author:	Naty, Alexander
Year:	2002
Periodical:	Journal of Eritrean Studies (Asmara)
Volume:	1
Issue:	1
Pages:	86-95
Language:	English
Notes:	biblio. refs.
Geographic terms:	Eritrea Northeast Africa
Subjects:	culture Kunama development Development and Technology Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Politics and Government Anthropology, Folklore, Culture anthropology Economic and social development
Abstract:	Culture and development are two important issues that draw the attention of individuals, groups, and states. Culture is important because it is crucial in the formation of individual and collective identity. The importance of development lies in its contribution to the well-being of a society. This paper examines the approaches to development in the fields of economics and anthropology. It also briefly outlines the discourse on culture and development under different colonial regimes in Eritrea, and offers a description of the postindependence discourse on culture and development in Eritrea, with a special emphasis on the Kunama ethnic group. While the Kunama language has a word for culture, it has none for development. This means that many Kunama do not understand the development discourse articulated by the Eritrean State, which is highly modernist in conception. It is also marked by insensitive paternalism. Bibliogr., note, sum. [Journal abstract]