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Motion with Caution: Jan Vansina and the Last Two Thousand Years of the Southern African Past

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 July 2018

Shadreck Chirikure
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Abstract:

This contribution argues that Vansina’s methodological rigor and deep reading of the dynamic nature of African communities across space and time ranks him as one of the most effective pioneers and research leaders in African history. His work on oral traditions and the necessity of reviewing generally accepted narratives, provided tools to a continent that was often ridiculed for not having a history. Although Vansina’s work had its limitations, and few of his writings were provocative to some, it firmly rebutted the idea that Africa was a traditional and forever unchanging continent.

Résumé:

Cette contribution soutient que la rigueur méthodologique de Jan Vansina et sa lecture approfondie de la nature dynamique des communautés africaines à travers l’espace et le temps le classent parmi les pionniers et leaders de la recherche les plus efficaces de l’histoire africaine. Son travail sur les traditions orales et sa volonté de réviser les récits généralement acceptés ont fourni des outils à un continent souvent ridiculisé pour ne pas avoir d’histoire. Bien que le travail de Vansina ait ses limites, et certains de ses écrits aient été provocateurs pour certains, il a fermement réfuté l’idée que l’Afrique était un continent traditionnel et toujours immuable.

Type
Jan Vansina Remembered
Information
History in Africa , Volume 45 , June 2018 , pp. 113 - 129
Copyright
Copyright © African Studies Association 2018 

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