Are African cultures being erased by globalization?│DW The 77 Percent 

I love this channel. Bringing concrete subject with local people in African. Tradition VS Modernity. Are cellphone part of traditional culture?TV, Computer, Car? I would say No to all of these. But it is now part of the modern Africa, because people have adopted them and they wont leave them because its convenient. It doesn't mean to leave everything from the past. Its just to be practical. The example the lady give about cooking rice vs another traditional dish make sense. A mother who has to cook for her children do not want to spend hours cooking a difficult meal EVERYDAY. Its too much, she has other things to do. Now, it doesn't mean that dish should be forgotten. It can be done on other occasion or made easier to do(that's more a cooking issue at this point) Culture evolves constantly by force or by choice. The one who don't stagnate. The culture should be aligned with the reality of the people and solve their problem. African should discuss what is their culture today and choose what need to change about their culture to be able to move forward. A bit like they did in this conversation.

As Black American born without these options I BEG y'all hold onto your languages at least no matter what! 🙏🏾✊🏿❤

Something needs to be done to protect our culture and identity as Africans.

As a Black American it is interesting that some people dont understand that our African ancestors in America built Diaspora cultures from their traditions and continued to survive and innovate from those roots in the lands that became America. That is what indigenous communities do, where they migrate, they combine the old with new. Thats what Black American culture is - think Jazz, Soul Food, Ring Shout, Conjure, the Banjo and more. Its important we educate eachother about our histories na pia experiences and the last 500 years. Ubuntu.

P.S. This is the best debate and discussion I've seen in a very long time. Love this, especially in 'my beloved Uganda!' L

My mother who is octogenerian speaks 5 languages. Africans should simply do what we have been doing and raise chikdren who speak their indeginous languages AND a language of national and global commerce. It is not difficult. If the parents in the home start from birth to let the child listen to and speak the parents traditional language(s) they will learn; and the chikd will learn to speak the languages spoken daily outside the home. Problem solved.

Informative discussion, the guy with the hat had the most thoughtful takes, in my opinion. Civilizations evolve and transition, and as they do, they both get influenced and influence as well. As Africans and black diaspora we need to realise that we still carry a lot cultural power and value despite colonial attempts to strip our forefathers from them. Imagine how much strength there was there to be able to still hold on and thrive!

My African sisters and brothers, PLEASE hold onto your cultural traditions that respect the integrity of men, women, and children. When that is compromised, the root of the tree is destroyed. As a descendant of enslaved Blacks in the United States I can attest to what is gravely lost when indigenous culture is taken away although we have created our own beautiful cultures in the Diaspora that are vibrant.

With over 2,000 languages in Africa, how would we communicate without a unifying language?

Love to all my Black peoples worldwide ✊🏿❤️

The chicken part is insane, we have that in Eritrea too

Kudos to your channel bringing African intellectual discourse to the world. It's refreshing to see the youth and next generation articulate concerns on our ancestors in balanced and progressive way. Greetings from your brother from Ghana living in the US.

Just to hit the nail on the head, The best ways to preserve our cultures is to institutionalize it. for example, from oral passage to proper documentations n literature... another example is developing a documented standard recipe for our traditional foods etc. these information can be stored in a state archives for references and future rejuvination.... the chinese did same

Ngugi wa Thiongo started writing in Kikuuyu, how accessible was his literature even within Kenya? I personally cane into contact with it by way of English, so did Okot p'Bitek in Acoli. Maybe we vote for which languages to use generally.

Lol same in Jamaican culture. Very interesting the similarities. For instance when eating fish, the older folks reserve the head and the eyes. Even certain drinks prepared like “Irish moss”. Love the dialogue.

Are you kidding me? There is no ideology that could erase a culture. However, it must be understood that no culture is static, every culture is dynamic but certainly not prone to cultural erosion. Lest we forget, it has been tried since the classical eras of expansionism to imperialism no avail.

Modernization does not affect culture to an extent, but it does affect and impact the use of languages and dialects. Language will eventually be lost as people of culture assimilate into modern society where there is a national language recognized for conversing, education, and conducting business, for example, the languages of the colonists; English, French, German, Dutch. This is the case in the Caribbean where the people are of African, Asian, Spanish, Carib, and Arawak descent, the latter two being indigenous people. Another example is African countries that have thrown out the languages of the colonists, that have double or triple digit cultural/tribal languages, they’ve had to select a national language that all people could use to communicate, or learn so they could communicate. As society evolves -urban expansion, and things move at lightning speed, the cultural/tribals languages will be lost. The Ugandan president said tribalism and the bartering system must end in order to compete in the local and global economy. Embrace change, resisting would only make survival more difficult.

As Africans, we need to find a way to infuse modernization in our culture. That might just be a way of sustaining it.

The reason why people identify with their nationality and culture, such as German or French, is because of some ruler who fought over land in the past won, and they happened to be on his territory. So, it is not the people who decide their nationality or cultural identity. It's always the ruling class. In modern times, it's the nation-state that defines who belongs to the territory and who does not. Culture is now a symbol of national identity. It's not because you chose to dress or eat a certain way, it's because you have identity/culture XYZ that you have to dress, behave, speak and eat that way. People expect unconditional allegiance to their respective country (patriotism). There is a significant amount of force and power involved in all of this. The more sensible approach would be to look into your culture, see what makes good sense, and let go of things that are only meant to oppress and go against your interests.

I’m an African American woman in the states and it would be nice to see more people and groups within our vast culture teach us more about different regional traditions. I think the loss of culture happens when we stop tending to it.

Hey 77 Percenters, it's great to see so many of you opining on this subject. We would like to hear more, how globalization affected you personally, your community, your state? And here is another DW piece on the subject - may be you find it interesting 🤔 www.dw.com/en/global-us-is-globalization-a-blessing-or-curse/video-67157327

Many African cultures are the reason we still lag behind as a continent. I'll do what feels best with me without caring what my culture dictates. We cannot speak our local languages everywhere because we need a unifying language and that's where English comes in.

Viewing from the Caribbean; longing for the motherland.

Nobody can take my roots ..I am only here commenting in English but in my life I do things kikuyu way here in kenya

This is a very interesting conversation

You can protect your culture yourself, that is the way forward. In Nigeria each tribe promote there culture in music and film and everyday of life.

Come to the Caribbean to experience the balance between traditional culture and modern culture -cultural diversity, social diversity -the melting pot. Everyone is maintain their cultural identity in a modern society.😊

Japan is a good case study of embracing indigenous culture and modernization,theyre arguably the most technological country but their youths are aloof when it comes to cultural norms ,its o.k to embrace western culture ,but Africa but inferiority complex has a stake in us discarding our cultural practices.

I like this video, it gives different point of views and that is one way to discern the best practices.

Yes! Sadly.

The main thing is that Africans should make it important to learn their history and what great empires resided in the land rather than just recent history of colonialism .

Very good issue but i did not hear much about values which are very important for me. Can you take them as a special issue in a next post ? Thank you.

It’s so sad that Africans are entertaining the talk of modernizing their culture. Having traveled and lived in a place like China for over 5 years. I can truly say to you. I wish I knew more about my culture. There is no nation that will grow without its culture. In culture everything lies there. The technology everything. You see how much China is investing in preserving its culture you’ll be shocked. There are people who are just employed to sit and preserve the country’s culture in writing. The languages are all being written down and made easy to understand. Children recite the beautiful poems of their history every morning. They have developed so much but their culture is still the same. Their culture is their bank of knowledge. Wake up Africa, teach your kids your languages. Your language will make you sufficient.

If preparing African meals takes time, that's a perfect opportunity where modernity can compliment tradition so beautifully. Africans need to be proud of her culture. I won't blame a hotel for not cooking African meals, if the demands for it aren't there. So! In the end, we must appreciate our culture: arts, food & all those good stuffs Love from Nigeria 🖤

During my university days I did comment as Africans we must realize that we have treacherous terrains to navigate hence we must not fall into the disease of being nostalgic about the past. Of course we can take leaf from the past but we must not idolize the past or culture. Finally I would advise that we also take leaf from modernity and adopt as we are leaving in different times

When culture and tradition are founded on nonsensical notions, they need to be disregarded. Culture and tradition are dynamic and have always been based on people lived reality and it should continue that way.

Some of our culture needs to stay inthe past. However, our manners and decency should remain paramount whilst we embrace being an educated people

Short answer, yes.

We can maintain the culture but at the same time the reality is to change a few bad culture traits for example in East Africa most culture embrace FGM which is evil but honestly we take what uplifts people and that's what we embrace most like SACCO or Cooperatives or as we call it CHAMA in Kenya🇰🇪for a long time has been embraced and even the refugees in Daadab and Kakuma have adopted it which has uplifted them and felt more inclusive and that's should be the main goal for humanity but not that which is against the rights of any person

We have to put it in mind that, either we want it or not, the foreigners or westerns will never erase their culture for our own culture therefore let us preserve and cherish it very well.

There is one thing africans should understand as long as we opte western-world culture ( languagues, dress, way of thinking ect.... ) instead of Ours, we are not independent.. and people we no identity.. Nowadays, some africans wanna be like europeans,... we should be proud of ourselves, , be ourselves, promote our culture.. Our culture is Rich, we need to value them. 16:01 that girl is making sense ! Why can't we be proud of speaking african language? Complex inferiority /

People can't complain if they don't speak and write in African languages, use African names... I was pessimistic previously but I've seen the willingness for Africans especially abroad where I've lived for 25 years.

the western world creates a technological culture that makes life easier and continues to progress. most cultures are not progressing on their own as fast. Afrobeats are a mixture of Black American music as well as Jamaican music with a sprinkle of African music. without those two components Afrobeats woulnot have left the African airways

As an African black man, I would like to see you go to Somali and interview them. Because Africa is not influent by the western culture itself. It’s also influence by the Arab slave.

I think people can hold on to culture, tradition, etc but what really defines a person is their own personality. One can hold on to culture all they want but are they kind? Are they caring? Are they honest?, etc These things define a person.

Love that lango girl. Lango in the house here. We are in testing times certainly globally, as Africans with regards to cultural degradation. Culture evolves, but it should evolve as an extension, not evolve from the roots.

It is imperative that we accept that for our survival as a people our culture nust evolve.

Culture is always evolving. That’s what makes countries like US and Brazil great. We should leave behind cultural practices that are not progressive and adopt policies that are going to move us forward .

This debate is extremely nationalistic. Thank God we have Swahili that belongs to no group.

Recently i had travelled to Uganda at kabaka palace and my guide informed me....That baganda untill the 60s were not eating chicken and eggs it was taboo...i was like wtf...

vernacular language has been introduced to the new CBC Education system in Kenyan education.

I think that you have to modernise within reason but it is imperative that you keep your indigenous cultures because once you loose them you are lost for ever. Not everything western is good and some of it I would say is quite degenerate so what you should do is combine the best of African traditional cultures with western modern cultures that are productive like they do in China Russia and other Asian cultures and strike a happy balance between the old and new where it works good luck 🤞

"NATURE" abhors a "Void"...Sooner or later, you will all return back to African Culture Naturally... "AFRICAN CULTURE IS NATURALITY"... Remember now...Kingdoms rise & Kingdoms fall, Babylon's back is against the wall THE BLACK DOMINANT GENE shall forever remain PREDOMINANT... THE ALMIGHTY EVER-LIVING, EVER -RISING 🌞 SUN...Serves as The Living Proof

Culture culture but all of you know the truth

I like them types of programs

😢Not Me ✊🏿❤️

Mrs Kimani, you are such a truly amazing moderator 👏👏👏

7:57 i have a friend who is Tooro.👍🏾

If not our organic seeds its our high vibration languages cheiiiii 😢

16:14 ok she is Acholi.👍🏾

17:16 beautiful Ugandan sister

21:30 she is Asuko ethnic group? Interesting

Not really true, African countries cultures are still strong

Afrikans, the global languages are fine. All Afrikan nations are bilingual (some are even tri and more), but these global languages are what allow all of us to understand one another. Just don’t stop speaking your own language. Culture is dynamic. We just need take what worked for us in tradition, and improve it into the future. In other words, I’m on my way to Uganda with my cattle to seek for a flower. 😊 🫶🏾🇿🇼

YTs are to blame for this predicament. Time to hold them accountable instead of blaming each other. Maybe they're not there blatantly doing, but the influence still lingers in various ways.

Is ourselves who stopped practicing our culture

4:54 New word cultural incompetencies

In a globalised world sticking to your old ways is a weakness. We need to abandon cultural activities that don't add value

The presenter is giving the girls more time than the men. Feminist moving is causing our downfall. Very sad

"Y/our culture is your immune system." Marimba Ani

African culture, should remain what n the circles of the family unit.

By adding a what....Edith Kimani. ..patikana 😂😂😂😂

15:42 Positive progressive sister

There is more to culture but the most important is the way of life and family values,there are cultural values and life style that are typically Africans,that define us as African,not the food,clothes,language As long as we keep those values,now like we don't take in LGBT as African life and family values...we can learn language,clothes but our values is what defines us as Africans from the Europeans,Asians plus others

Ok.

12:04 Beautiful dress

Culture evolves with time, you cant wear what your great grandma used to wea in 1880, we adapt as humans to new ways of life, otherwise you wont survive in modern day.survival is usually for the fittest.

First step stopping giving your children English names. It’s actually ridiculous. For someone from outside listening to conversations and seeing all of you having English names 😂😂.

2:38 imikolo. Traditional marirage. Interesting. She is Lango ,cool

Am shocked by people saying African culture u do realize Africa is a continent right and besides the reason English is the official language in most African countries is to unify people In most African countries you can find 80 or more languages and picking one language from these was bring tribalism the reason most of the time for giving children English names is simply because most africans are christians and truth be told some people are giving opinions on what Africans should do when u don't live there get your facts right

This is just bad propaganda. How is our culture damaged when the whole world of music is dominated by Aftobeats and Amapiano

The western culture is beautiful! 🤣

Adapting to globalization is adapting to yts global village. They(yts) can practice their 'culture'(nationalism), but we are railroaded to abandon ours. Unity based on common ancestry like all other species do. We can modernize, but the basic foundational principles are still present. Practicing our cultures does not mean we cant be modern.

🤣🤣🤣🤣 am here to tell you Ee ))))))

In Europe when u want to practice ur culture u r right wing 😂

Watu wanatakiwa kubadilika, kuna Genital M. practice inahatarisha Afya, if it is good practice is ok. similarly to dressing etc

The fact that you are having a conversation in English explains everything. 🤦

We Af-rui-kans must throw away tribalism it was taught an beaten into us by the slave drivers colonizers we are one people we need to Unite an return to paying homage honor an Respect to our Elders Ancient an Present Ancestors we came from greatness we Af-rui-kans are Godesses an God's Divine love Peace an Blissings to all also give back the Religions Religious beliefs to the slave drivers colonizers we are bigger than Religions Christianity Islamic Judaism Israelite Hebrew.

Is DW a blk owned and controlled channel or do yts own it and hire blk/Afrikan journalists?

That Uganda dress is so horrible I don't know why you'd choose that as your national dress.