Blog#2

Mazrui talks about how native languages and religions came to be in Africa. He mainly discussed the Triple Heritage which was the joining together of Traditional Africal, West Africa and Islam. Once Europeans began to penetrate certain parts of Arica they bought with them the Islamic culture and language and tried to force it on a Christian based Swahili speaking native culture. Some converted, some did not. He also touches on Africa being a continent onto itself and natives being satisfied with not explorng what is beyond the horizon. He also touches on how women were major players as it related to developing the community and that her role was not just in the kitchen. During the 7th century once the Arabs came, they began to spread the islamic influence. The west adopted the religion but kept its native tongue.

Three major influences of environment and culture dealt with: Farming societies, Partoralist societies, and Hunting and Gathering societies. Since most of Africa has vast dry lands, only certain parts has soil rich enough for vegetation to thrive according to the text. Food surpluses were favorable in the Nile Valley where the climate was tropical and didn not have decaying matter. There is no cold season  so vegetation does decay faster.  However, heavy down pours in the tropical areas wash away much of the nutrients from fruits and vegetation.  Natives who have to still hunt and gather their food are subjected to less developed parts of the country and have to move with the food supply. Farming societies generally stay put and, pastoralist move and take their food supply with them.  During the Bantu expansion, Central, Eastern, and southrn Africans spread out in search of new lands to settle and mingled peacefully or through battle. They began to intermingle and marry therby producing new cultures, kingdoms, and civilations.

Mazruis approach is very insightful being a native of Africa, he is able to discuss matters on a first hand basis. Most of what is written in history books not by indingenous Africans is not true or half truths. Given from his perspective as someone who has lived and ancestors who have lived through all of this is very intriguing and interesting. The majority of this informatio is brand new to me. I feel his feedback and insight is necessary when teaching about these ancient civilizations. It also opens up ones eyes to the issues that are ongoing in Africa today.