Browsing Master's theses in indigenous studies by Title
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- Browsing Master's theses in indigenous studies by Title
Browsing Master's theses in indigenous studies by Title
-
Dangol, Niraj (Master thesis; Mastergradsoppgave, Nov-2010)[+][-]
Abstract: This thesis tends to highlight on the traditional social organization being practiced by the Newar people of Kathmandu valley of Nepal since the ancient times. Newar people are regarded as the indigenous population of Nepal inhabiting the Kathmandu valley since the pre-historic times. For the study, a locality named Panga of Kirtipur city has been chosen which is inhabited mainly by the Jyapu castes of Newar people who are traditionally agriculturists according to the caste division formed during the 14th century. Guthi, the traditional social organization, can be classified into various categories according to their functionalities among which, Sana Guthi is regarded most popular and the important one. Among the various functions performed by the Sana Guthi, death rituals are regarded extremely important from religious as well as social point of view. During death, numerous religious rituals have to be conducted properly by the family as well as Sana Guthi in order to ensure the soul to rest in peace. Not only death rituals, various religious festivals also have to be conducted by the Sana Guthi. In this study, two of such festivals conducted by Shree Bhairabnath Ta: Guthi of Panga have been studied in details. The study has been conducted in relation to modernization; for which the changes that have occurred or occurring these days have also been observed closely. Impacts of modernization are leading to the change of such rituals. Not only rituals, modernization is leading the whole society towards a new dimension. So, basically this study aims to identify the impacts of modernization on Newar communities and such traditional social organizations being practiced by them. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10037/3006 File(s) in this item: 1
thesis.PDF (3.444Mb) -
Zhirkova, Sargylana (Master thesis; Mastergradsoppgave, 29-Aug-2006)[+][-]
Abstract: The present state of the traditional culture of indigenous people in Russia can characterised as critical. It is well known that education was used as a main tool for acculturation and assimilation of non-Russian ethnic groups during the policy of Russification. In recent time the revitalisation of the indigenous minority culture stimulates a process of bringing back the nomadic schools. The nomadic school is defined as a special type of elementary school which was adapted to the extreme northern conditions of Siberia: this model started under the Soviet in the 1920's and 1930s. This type of school moves with reindeer herders and it makes the school accessible for the children of nomadic people. It seems strange that in a modern time the indigenous people decided to return not only to their traditional culture but also to the type of schooling which was used by their parents. The first nomadic school in Russia was created in the 1930s and now this kind of school starts to work again in nomadic communities. I have decided to write about the nomadic school because education is an important aspect of life of the indigenous people: it opens doors for indigenous people. Today the nomadic school is a new educational institution for the indigenous nomadic children. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10037/158 File(s) in this item: 1
thesis.pdf (6.776Mb) -
Hætta, Anne Karen (Master thesis; Mastergradsoppgave, 01-Sep-2010)[+][-]
Abstract: This thesis discusses Sámi traditional healing knowledge regarding the debate of preserving traditional knowledge, and aims to examine the management and the challenges of transformation of it in a particular Sami community: namely the Marka villages in southern Troms and northern Nordland, Norway. Traditional healing knowledge is held secret or esoteric, which means that only a line of individual traditional healers gets access to it. This study argues that it is, however, the local community or the users who are managing the knowledge by forming norms and values, by recognizing individual traditional healers and by giving their knowledge legitimacy. Traditional healing knowledge is transmitted from generation to generation, and it is the individual possessor of knowledge who determines what kinds of qualifications their successor should have. Some of the knowledge possessors had, however, the experience that younger generations do not have interest in traditional healing, and that this limits the number of candidates who they could chose to transmit their knowledge to. The reasons the younger generations give for not being willing to accept traditional healing knowledge are grounded in what the possession of the knowledge implies and what the social role as a traditional healers involves. As traditional healing knowledge can be regarded as secret knowledge with a strong connection to the local community and the users, this thesis argues that ex situ preservation would not be a preferred strategy for maintaining it. Instead one should put efforts into preserving traditional healing knowledge in the existing management system in situ. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10037/2680 File(s) in this item: 1
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Marambanyika, Ocean (Master thesis; Mastergradsoppgave, 06-Jun-2008)[+][-]
Abstract: This thesis principally deals with issues of social identity management and integration amongst African refugee minorities in Norway. Employing an analytical strategy, the thesis explores varying complex and inter-related situations faced by indigenous African refugees in Norway and how these situations presents challenges in social identity management by the refugees. This piece of work specifically focuses on analyzing how the refugees in question employ social identity management variables like ethnicity, regionalism, language, religion, food, clothing, gender, music and imagined idealizations in managing their social identities. The thesis argues that different situations in the refugee`s host community and the camp environment have impacted into the refugees, dispositions to act differently depending with the objective and extricate demands of the varying situations. Integration as a practical concept has been equally co-opted into the thesis with a design to analyse the impact of integration programmes on refugee social identity management processes. The Kvæfjord Commune, in collaboration with some civil society organizations in its municipality has fashioned some integration programmes in an endeavor to integrate the refugees into the mainstream societal functionalisms. It is nevertheless argued that the outcomes of such integrative approaches has created complex and over-lapping conditions which have multi-directionally impacted on the refugee social identity management processes. Whilst recognizing and building on related works on ethnicity and social identity, the thesis finds a unique position by venturing into the study of a multi-nationalized inter-continental refugee camp set-up which has been minimally deliberated upon especially with regard to the social identity management arena. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10037/1549 File(s) in this item: 1
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Pitso, Mantsi Teboho (Master thesis; Mastergradsoppgave, 15-May-2009)[+][-]
Abstract: This thesis studies the role of narratives, particularly stories that describe the origins of people, in the construction, maintenance and restructuring of society. The focus of this thesis is on the ‘stories of origin’ of the Basotho of QwaQwa, a small town in the Free State province of South Africa. The narratives told are diverse in their content and context however they play a similar role in their effect on the structure of society. The part of society that is most impacted by each story is determined by the content of predominance and emphasis of each story. Each story is categorized according to its content into one of the following categories: ‘religion’, ‘myth’ and ‘history’. ‘Stories of origin’ that are religious are used to cement relations between members of society that share the same beliefs for example Christians, while ‘mythical’ stories are used to create bonds between all Sotho people, however ‘historical’ stories draw clear lines between members of the society and outsiders thereby creating solidarity within society. These findings are specific to the society of the Sotho people in QwaQwa and cannot be generalized to other Sotho societies, however, the study of narratives and social structure can be applied to other societies including those of Indigenous peoples. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10037/2073 File(s) in this item: 1
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Rylander, Amalia Louisa (Master thesis; Mastergradsoppgave, 21-May-2010)[+][-]
Abstract: In this Thesis, I endeavor to trace the migratory paths of the forebears of the Garífunas; explore their self-identification as Afro-Indigenous; study their culture of where “home” is at any given time; investigate their commonalities and fierce sense of nationhood even though their dwelling crosses four borders; and I examine their religious rites and rituals which connect them to the past and bind them together as a unified and stable people: the worship of the Gubidas through the call of the ancestors to the family Dügü. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10037/2676 File(s) in this item: 1
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Bhattarai, Sundar (Master thesis; Mastergradsoppgave, 08-Jun-2006)[+][-]
Abstract: This thesis is devoted to a study of the reciprocal labor exchange system bola, and the indigenous knowledge that it supports. The field study took place in a rural area of Nepal where agriculture is the main occupation. I observed the system in action in Manamaiju village where Newari peasant groups, including their farmer groups Jyapu, live and which is situated in Kathmandu District. The Newar people are the second largest population group in the village and they are successfully maintaining bola on their terms. It is recognized that there are 59 Indigenous Nationalities in Nepal and one of them is the Newar. Nepalese social structure is mainly based on Hindu rule and, in addition, the Newar of Kathmandu Valley have their own caste hierarchical system. It was formed on the basis of their traditional work descriptions in the period of the Malla Dynasty around 15th century BC. According to traditional social structure, Jyapu and Matwali (alcohol user by birth) remain cultivator groups as a Sudra for the Hindu Varna system. There are various Jat (sub-castes) groups that exist only in Jyapu group and who belong to a ranked system of higher and lower status positions. Accordingly, Maharjan and Rajbahak are the main Jyapu groups in the village which covers almost 50% of the total area of the Manamaiju Village Development Committee (VDC). In this regard I am only looking at these particular groups and their performance of the bola system. The key queries of this study are: what does the bola system look like in the village; and, how are they maintaining it as a successful living practice when there is a liberal economic policy in front of them? Regarding the latter, it has been found that their subsistence farming and social and cultural values are the most significant influential factors. Furthermore, their own Newari / Nepal Bhasa language, powerful Guthi (social structure) system, strong social commitment, traditional food and deeply ingrained festivals are some of the significant factors of the bola system. Hence, it plays an important role in maintaining the Newari as a distinct ethnic group and in making their adaptation economically sustainable. In this perspective the bola system might be a source of inspiration to other indigenous agricultural worlds. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10037/154 File(s) in this item: 1
thesis.pdf (4.683Mb) -
Islam, Md.Rafiqul (Master thesis; Mastergradsoppgave, 09-Jun-2008)[+][-]
Abstract: This thesis work is mainly focused on the Garos’ cultural changes related to their marriage rituals and comparative situations. From a comparative perspective the study compared between a plain land Garo village, which is to some extent with some urban facilities, and a forest surrounded remote Garo village. The leading research questions are: ‘Why is the Garo culture changing?’ and ‘What are the rituals and steps observed for establishing Garo marriage?’ These issues have been the focus throughout the whole thesis. The project also aims to discuss the Garos’ historical origin and cultural characteristics. The study reveals that Garos’ traditional cultural practices have been changing a lot and over the course of time they are getting quite a new cultural setting. Some internal and external factors are mainly responsible for Garos’ cultural changes. Finally, while the Garo society is changing then they are discarding many of their distinguished traits and adapting to some other cultural traits. In fact, the process of these changes had started before. However, still today they practice many of their traditional cultural traits. The comparative study findings between the two villages show that despite many similarities, there are very few ritualistic differences between the villages, but comparatively remote Garo village’s culture and tradition are to some extent in less detriment. In these discussions modernization has come as an important factor which is influencing the entire Bangladeshi society as well as the Garos. Under the process of these changes, some aspects of Garos’ future cultural identity have also been addressed. In doing so both historical and empirical data was used; historical data was collected from secondary sources, such as published books, census reports, journals, articles, and souvenir. Empirical data has been gathered from intensive fieldwork, through oral histories, informal interviews and case study methods. The field investigation was conducted in two villages; Pirgacha and Gaira of Modhupur, Tangali, Bangladesh in June-August 2007. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10037/1552 File(s) in this item: 1
thesis.pdf (8.643Mb) -
Gemechu Jemal Geda (Master thesis; Mastergradsoppgave, 18-May-2007)[+][-]
Abstract: The Faraqasa indigenous pilgrimage center is one of the most popular pilgrimage centers in Ethiopia. It was founded by a woman named Ayyo Momina in the first quarter of the twentieth century and it is situated at a place called Faraqasa, in Arsi zone of the Oromia region in Ethiopia. It is important to study this institution since it shades light on one of the indigenous beliefs and practices in Ethiopia. Having said this, how did this indigenous pilgrimage center come to such dominance in Ethiopia? What are the factors that contributed to this? In order to answer these questions, a fieldwork has been conducted and existing literatures has been researched. There are some reasons that contributed a lot to the coming into dominance of the Faraqasa pilgrimage center in Ethiopia. These are, firstly, the belief in the spiritual power of the leaders of the center. They are believed to have possessed supernatural powers of healing the sick and performing various miracles. Secondly, the belief that taking part in ritual ceremonies at Faraqasa is one method of getting relief from these worldly problems, such as physical and psychological illnesses. The practices at the Faraqasa pilgrimage center demonstrate the tolerance that exists among some adherents of different religious, ethnic, linguistic, and political backgrounds in Ethiopia. Hence, this work is believed to increase peoples’ awareness of the values of tolerance and understanding. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10037/965 File(s) in this item: 1
thesis.pdf (4.347Mb) -
Yangzong, Ciren (Master thesis; Mastergradsoppgave, 23-Jun-2006)[+][-]
Abstract: The implementation of the Household Responsibility Contract System (HRCS) for grassland is ongoing in the pastoral area of Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR). The main purposes of the HRCS are to reverse the degradation of the rangeland, promote sustainable development of grassland and to increase nomadic production to transform traditional animal husbandry into a more modern development. In this thesis I have address two main questions: 1) Does the Household Responsibility Contract System really protect grassland? 2) Is HRCS compatible with the intended development of the Chang Tang conservation area? HRCS implements a shilft from a common management system to an individual management system. Thus, the starting point for this argument is the comparison of the two management systems and their suitability and adaptability to TAR’s pastoral area in relation to my study area, the Shenchen township pastoral area. I attempt to demonstrate how common property systems have traditionally served and benefited the Shenchen nomads, and how they have traditionally co-existed with the wildlife using this system. I have compared my study area to those areas where the grassland policy has already been implemented in other pastoral areas in China. I analyze how HRCS is working in my particular area; especially in the Chang Tang conservation area and whether it is having an effect on nomad’s culture and environment. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10037/291 File(s) in this item: 1
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Rai, Dik Bahadur (Master thesis; Mastergradsoppgave, 03-Oct-2012)[+][-]
Abstract: Abstract. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the different aspects of the Sakawa Sili indigenous festival where the Sili dance is performed. Modernization and rituals theories are deeply observed to analyze my research questions. The main leading questions are: what is the importance of Sakawa Sili festival in Rai community? How it is celebrated? How is this festival affected by modernization and globalization? How do younger generations understand this festival? And how does this festival help to revitalizing the Rai’s culture? These questions will be addressed in this study based on research collected during fieldwork. Basically this traditional indigenous festival is a celebration of praying to the Goddess of nature for good crops and protection from the natural calamities. Its meanings lie in the movements of bodies and how the dancers respond. Viewer can feel its music, sounds, shapes and directions. Every movement has its own senses while performing the dance. This study focused on how these movements are influenced by modernization and globalization. It is visible during the festival period that participants move their body in different ways like fast, slow and mixed. However, the important thing is that it is a way of motions that is found in Kirati land from more than thousands years. Several questions are raised to question the knowledge about the festival such as history, origin, importance and its rituals values. Mainly in order to answers my research questions, several tools and techniques were implemented. Through qualitative data my research questions will be observed and the impacts of modernization in the festival will be analyzed. How the impacts of modernization and globalization could positively and negatively affect the ritual will also be observed from this thesis. Important aspects like its origin, types, importance, rituals values and cultural revitalization are also analyzed in this study. The study examines the impacts of modernization and the complex relationship with globalization. Research closely observed its impacts on the Sakawa Sili festival in multiple ways. This thesis also discusses the fundamental questions about rights of indigenous people, questions of self-determination, indigenous identity and power. However, this study focuses on the impacts of modernization on the festival and examines the impacts on cultural and rituals values in Rai Kirati indigenous community in Nepal. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10037/5105 File(s) in this item: 1
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Romanova, Evgenia (Master thesis; Mastergradsoppgave, 19-Jun-2007)[+][-]
Abstract: This thesis is mainly focused on theoretical study of ethnicity and indigenousness, with some particular attention to language and politics. Some aspects of identity building and self-awareness among the Veps people living in Karelia are in focus. The study is interdisciplinary and thus also methodologically plural though the primary approach to ethnic identity is based on idea that ethnicity is socially constructed image. The actors of the revitalizing movement are nowadays engaged in the creation of ethnic markers, such as a common group name (Veps), elements of common culture and a common history (or a myth of common origin and the Finno-Ugric world). A discission about different symbols of ethnicity leads to the conclusion that the most urgent issue for the Veps is to preserve their dying-out language. And consequently, the language is only one marker of their distinctive culture in the modern globalized and urbanized milieu. But the gap between the ordinary people, official authorities and ethnic leaders in the area of language development is a reason of the continued effect of the assimilation processes among the Veps. The investigation is based on the fieldwork data collection conducted in the Republic of Karelia, Russia, in June-August 2005. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10037/1156 File(s) in this item: 1
thesis.pdf (5.209Mb) -
Kotlova, Ekaterina S. (Master thesis; Mastergradsoppgave, 14-May-2010)[+][-]
Abstract: Master’s thesis is concerned with the political representation and ethnic mobilization of the Komi people, the indigenous population of the Komi Republic. The aim of the thesis is to investigate to what extent the Komi people influenced the policy of the Komi Republic in the period 1991-1999. The analysis is based on the conflicts and negotiations between the Komi people and the Komi Republican government over the formation of the new administrative and legal system in the Komi Republic in the 1990s. The thesis is also concerned with appearance, development and activity of the Komi people’s organizations. The contribution of the present thesis is to present the period 1991-1999 of the Komi people’s history from the indigenous perspective. Master’s thesis is combining previous studies on history of the Komi people and ethnic policy towards them with the use of indigenous approach and minority policy models: acculturation, assimilation, segregation and multiculturalism. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10037/2681 File(s) in this item: 1
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Nguyen, Thuy Thi Thu (Master thesis; Mastergradsoppgave, 24-Jun-2008)[+][-]
Abstract: In this thesis, we will follow the discourse on the role of radio and TV in the life of minorities in Vietnam. Before going in depth to answer the research questions, I am going to give an introduction to the situation of ethnic minorities and media for ethnic minorities in Vietnam. My research focused on the roles of radio and TV regarding the fields of education and identity preservation for ethnic minorities. The research questions will be answered by looking at the H’mong minority, who are the case study of the thesis, who are located in the northern part of Vietnam who are one of the poorest and most undeveloped minorities in the country. Nowadays, ethnic minorities in Vietnam are still coping with serious difficulties in life such as poverty and illiteracy. Meanwhile, media for ethnic minorities, including radio and TV for ethnic minorities in Vietnam, are at a low level of development. In fact, both VTV5 (the TV division for ethnic minorities, belonging to the national TV station VTV) and VOV4 (the radio division for ethnic minorities, belonging to the national radio station VOV) have made a lot of effort to produce suitable programs for minorities but there remain limitations in both content and the ways used to express the content of those programs. The reasons come from difficulties in both radio and TV stations and minorities. However, roles of radio and TV in the life of ethnic minorities in Vietnam are obviously increasing quickly and are displayed more and more effectively. I focused on the two main roles of radio and TV as educational instruments and as instruments for assisting minorities in preserving their identity, highlighting their effects in preserving minority languages and cultures. In addition, looking at influences that radio and TV have made in the life of minorities, we see that radio and TV are playing more and more important roles in their lives. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10037/1547 File(s) in this item: 1
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Boamah-Gyau, Kwame (Master thesis; Mastergradsoppgave, 19-Jun-2008)[+][-]
Abstract: This thesis is concerned with refugees and their impact on the host community. Throughout the World, the UNHCR is not only concerned with the hosting, feeding, sheltering, clothing and educating the refugees. It is also addressing their impact on the host communities that face the consequences of their presence. In the effort to host protracted refugees, many developing host communities face various forms of socio-cultural influence and economic challenges. Previous findings from research on hosting refugees have shown that the burdens of the refugees’ presence in the host communities surpass the benefits. However, the findings of this study are rather the opposite. This study examines the socio-cultural and economic impacts of the presence of the Liberian refugees on the Buduburam community. It has revealed that the situation at the Buduburam camp is as normal as any other community in Ghana. Unlike many communities whereby refugees are restricted to the camp, the situation in Buduburam is different. The Liberian refugees move freely to any part of the community. There is a good social relation between the host community and the Liberian refugees. There have been intermarriages between the refugees and the host community. The hosts and the refugees also attend some social events like weddings, funerals and child naming ceremonies together. However, there are some minor negative developments as a result of the Liberian refugees’ presence for almost two decades in the Buduburam community. These negative impacts include poor sanitation, scarcity of land, security issues and moral degeneration. This notwithstanding, the positive impacts of the refugees’ presence on the host community outweighed the negatives. Indeed, the presence of the Liberian refugees on Gomoa-Buduburam has turned the place from a small village to an urbanized centre. The Buduburam community can boast of much better modern infrastructural development springing up all over the town after the refugees’ settlement. The study found the types of development that can be associated with the presence of the Liberian refugees to include the provision of banks, telecommunication and Internet cafés. The Buduburam community now has easy access to transportation and a big market to sell and buy their goods. There has also been an expansion of educational facilities and the provision of a clinic to the community. Finally, a police station has been provided with police on duty to maintain peace and security. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10037/1538 File(s) in this item: 1
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Mladonova, Anna (Master thesis; Mastergradsoppgave, 23-Aug-2007)[+][-]
Abstract: This thesis is dedicated to a better understanding of World Health Organization contribution to process of combating female genital mutilation in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The World Health Organization is well known all over the world for their work in public health. This organization is dealing with many issues concerning health and well being of people, the one of these issues is combating female genital mutilation. The practice of female circumcision/female genital mutilation is practiced in many countries in African as in Ethiopia. The variety of reasons, age of the girl circumcised and many other aspects make the process of combating of this practice challengeable. The one of the many strategies for combating female circumcision is legal prohibition of this practice. World Health Organization have contributed to this process by adopting resolutions urging Member states to establish national policies to end traditional practices that are harmful to the health of women and children. However, that the practice of female circumcision is recognized as violation of internationally adopted human rights, for some groups of people is this practice seen as part of their culture, tradition and norm of the behaviour. The focus of this thesis to find out what the World Health Organization does in combating female genital mutilation in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and what kind of experiences World Health Organization has in combating this practice. In addition, I am focusing on the World Health Organization’s cooperation with non-governmental organizations in the process of eliminating this practice. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10037/1194 File(s) in this item: 1
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Kandel, Tilak Prasad (Master thesis; Mastergradsoppgave, 15-Nov-2011)[+][-]
Abstract: This thesis entitled “Tourism and its Impact on Traditional Culture: A case study of Sirubari village, Nepal” intended to focus on the village tourism being practiced by the Gurung people in the Sirubari village of Syangja district. Gurung peoples are one of the indigenous populations mostly residing in the hill area since the historic times. For this study, the locality Sirubari village as chosen which is inhabited mainly by the Gurung peoples and Sirubari is regarded as the model village for the introduction and the promotion of village tourism. This is newly introduced practice and one of the immense areas of entire tourism in Nepal. Rural tourism as a phenomenon is concerned with river, sun, environment, rural society and household. It represents conservation, life style, experience, adventure and above all benefit to the local people. The main objective of rural tourism includes tourists to plan a trip, immerse into the local community along with minimizing the eco-cultural impact. When an organized group of tourists reached Sirubari , the villagers descend down the village and welcome tourist with garlands, tika, and traditional Gurung musical bands. While music and dances are performed and traditional farewell songs are also sung when guests depart. The Village Tourism Committee distributes the guest into the different households having the facility of home stay. Guests are presented to different cultural programs such as Dohari song, Gantu dance and Krishna Charita dance in the premise of community Hall. Besides that hiking, fishing in the local river and observing the local people daily life are other fascinating aspect of the stay. This study has been conducted to assess the impact of village tourism on local culture; for which changes that have occurred or occurring these days have also observed closely. Tourism is a global phenomenon. So, impacts of globalization are crucial factors for leading changes to such rites and rituals. It guides the society into the new dimension. On the other hand cultural revitalization is also directly connected to the globalization. When the culture is increasingly homogenous then indigenous culture are more important to provide differentiations and authenticity. In this sense, even village tourism as modern institution it plays vital role to promote and restore the root culture. So, basically this study aims to identify the impacts of globalization on the Gurung cultures and the role of village tourism to revitalize the traditional culture as a whole. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10037/4062 File(s) in this item: 1
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Braut, Kristine Tjåland (Master thesis; Mastergradsoppgave, 22-Nov-2010)[+][-]
Abstract: This thesis is a research of Indigenous language revitalization through preschool children in a language nest. When families cannot themselves provide the language, as are mostly the case in Tysfjord, this language nest strengthens and activates the language. I question to what degree preschool children can contribute to strengthening of an endangered language through acquiring it as a second language outside the home. Children gain good competence to understand and use the language, but it’s still important to take the language more into use, not only between children and employees, but to bring the language home and get it more into free play. The children do observe factors as that the parents and employees communicate together and choose another language. There should ideally be more focus on language-interactions between employees and parents. The status quo is indicative of institutionalizing the language. Parent support is needed to prevent a” daycare language” that is spoken “because they tell me to”. This is a challenge since the parents’ generation themselves has not learned the language or has a stigmatized attitude against speaking it. The language nest is a good foundation to possibility hear and practically use the language daily, but I question if the language nest is a strength when I heard the expression; I don`t speak because it’s the weekend” URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10037/2965 File(s) in this item: 1
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Ninova, Velina Ninkova (Master thesis; Mastergradsoppgave, Dec-2009)[+][-]
Abstract: The thesis makes an overview of a 'good' school for Ju/'hoan children in the Omaheke, Namibia. San children in the southern African region face many difficulties in formal education and there are very few schools in the region built to specifically meet the needs of the San. Gqaina Primary School has overcome many problems which San children face in education by creating a safe environment for them and promoting mother-tongue education in Ju/'hoansi. I have also looked into the discrepancy between the good school profile and the low parental participation and have argued that cultural differences are at the bottom of the problem. After graduation from Gqaina, many San children enroll in high schools. Yet, most of them drop out in the first two years. The reasons for that have also been questioned here. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10037/2398 File(s) in this item: 1
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Phiri, Victoria (Master thesis; Mastergradsoppgave, 16-Jun-2006)[+][-]
Abstract: Health is one of the major problems facing most developing countries like Zambia. Poor economies, low funding, shortage of staff, epidemics like AIDS, coupled with poor and sometimes inaccessible facilities make the provision of health difficult. The 1978 Alma Ata conference’s call for health for all seemed a far cry for such countries. But the conference was aware of this problem and thus, its recommendation for the utilization of traditional practitioners in an integrated health system. One of such integration is that of Traditional midwifery with the health system. Under this system, observations and questions arise; does the traditional midwife lack any form of knowledge that can be exchanged between the two systems of medicine? What does the traditional midwife know? Is it knowledge from the point of view of the traditional midwife herself, from her clients or indeed from the biomedical professionals? Thus, the focus of this thesis is knowledge. Traditional midwifery is analyzed from a point of view of knowledge; how it is perceived, recognized and/or utilized, in such an integrated system. The analytical frame work in this thesis consists of situated knowledge, Epistemology discrimination and Feminist critique on development theories. Qualitative methods were the main methods used to collect primary data during the field work in Kabuyu, Zambia. In this thesis, I argue that what the traditional midwife practices is knowledge. Based on the local experiences and traditions, this knowledge may be different from what is commonly called “western” knowledge. However, this difference should not be the basis of discriminating it from the world body of knowledge. I suggest communication between the different kinds of knowledge systems under the integrated program for any meaningful development to take place. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10037/157 File(s) in this item: 1
thesis.pdf (7.966Mb)
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