Course Description

This module looks at culture and worldview in relation to language development in the African context.  It will examine both historical and contemporary issues that have influenced such development and will consider how careful cultural research can supply information needed to make appropriate decisions in these programs.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain the concept of culture and show how it provides a framework for a better understanding of the diversity found in African societies. 

• Delineate the components of a worldview, explain how it relates to culture and particularly to religion. 
• Discuss cultural diversity in Africa and how such diversity influences communication and language development. 
• Describe the role of cultural research in the history of Africa and explain its role today. 
• Explain the contribution that cultural understanding can make for dealing with contemporary human issues in Africa such as health, women’s issues, ethnic conflict, witchcraft, development, etc. 
• Discuss how human adaptation to the environment, both physical and social, impacts choices and decision-making in all cultures; explain the relation of some contemporary issues in Africa to the physical, social and political environment.
• Describe an African worldview. 
• Explain the impact of the introduction of Christianity and Islam on African life and religion. 
• Discuss the role of independent religious movements (African Initiated Churches), their history and diversity, in present-day Africa 
• Describe how African societies settle disputes and discuss how this understanding will impact language development programs.

Course Topics or Themes

The concept of culture as a research tool; understanding African diversity and its role in African language development.

Ethnic consciousness, ethnic group and national identity in Africa.

Worldview universals and themes; what comprises an African worldview?

Worldview and religion; African responses to a Christian or an Islamic worldview.

The environment and it’s influence on culture and culture change in Africa.

African issues, the cultural component; women’s roles in Africa today? Causes of and solutions to health issues? Witchcraft and the church? Western or African development? Etc.

Understanding conflict resolution.