Difference between revisions of "African"
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | |||
| − | However, it can really only be used in general terms, for applying the adjective to any specific cultural, economic, political, scientific or social activity is virtually impossible given the size and demographic and cultural diversity of the continent. Indeed, a natural question | + | == As an adjective == |
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | It literally means "of [[Africa]]", in the sense of belonging to and arising from [[Africa]]. However the term is somewhat fraught, and it can really only be used with assurance in very general terms, for applying the adjective to any ''specific'' cultural, economic, political, scientific or social activity is virtually impossible given the size and demographic and cultural diversity of the continent. Indeed, a natural question often asked (e.g. by [[Kole Omotoso]] and many others), is: "What ''Africa'' are you talking about?" | ||
The fact is that there are really a multitude of "Africas", each with its own particular cultural, social, political, economic, ethical and other characteristics - and ''ipso facto'', its own traditions, conventions and functions. Pinpointing a single, continental "identity" is virtually impossible. | The fact is that there are really a multitude of "Africas", each with its own particular cultural, social, political, economic, ethical and other characteristics - and ''ipso facto'', its own traditions, conventions and functions. Pinpointing a single, continental "identity" is virtually impossible. | ||
| − | + | ||
| + | |||
| + | == As a noun == | ||
| + | |||
| + | Normally "an African" is used to refer to "a person from Africa". However, this has recently become a most difficult and much debated term, particularly in [[South Africa]] and some of the other former colonies. | ||
| + | |||
| + | In theory "an African" would signify a "person from Africa" - but what does this mean? | ||
Revision as of 07:10, 17 February 2014
Contents
As an adjective
It literally means "of Africa", in the sense of belonging to and arising from Africa. However the term is somewhat fraught, and it can really only be used with assurance in very general terms, for applying the adjective to any specific cultural, economic, political, scientific or social activity is virtually impossible given the size and demographic and cultural diversity of the continent. Indeed, a natural question often asked (e.g. by Kole Omotoso and many others), is: "What Africa are you talking about?"
The fact is that there are really a multitude of "Africas", each with its own particular cultural, social, political, economic, ethical and other characteristics - and ipso facto, its own traditions, conventions and functions. Pinpointing a single, continental "identity" is virtually impossible.
As a noun
Normally "an African" is used to refer to "a person from Africa". However, this has recently become a most difficult and much debated term, particularly in South Africa and some of the other former colonies.
In theory "an African" would signify a "person from Africa" - but what does this mean?
Sources
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africa
Go to South African Theatre/Bibliography
Return to
Return to The South African Context/General Terminology and Thematic Entries
Return to South African Theatre/Terminology and Thematic Entries
Return to South African Film /Terminology and Thematic Entries
Return to South African Media/Terminology and Thematic Entries
Return to The ESAT Entries
Return to Main Page
