A recent article by Francis Tawiah, a writer based in Duisburg, Germany, sheds light on the double standards in labeling actions and the impact of language on African identity. Tawiah argues that the same action can be given a heroic name when done by non-Africans, but a criminal name when done by Africans. For instance, a non-African in Africa is considered a voyager, while an African in the diaspora is labeled as illegal.
Tawiah cites examples of this double standard, including the labeling of non-African hunters in African forests as "hunters," while African hunters are labeled as "poachers." He also notes that non-Africans in Africa are referred to as "expats," while Africans in the diaspora are labeled as "foreigners." This, he argues, decides who is seen as belonging and who is seen as a problem.
The second part of Tawiah's article focuses on language and its impact on African identity. He notes that it is peculiar to Africans and the diaspora that people insult their own for not speaking a foreign language. In other parts of the world, it is rare to hear someone criticize another person for not speaking their language fluently. However, in Africa and the diaspora, English or French has become not just a tool, but a proof of intelligence, modernity, and success.
Tawiah argues that this mentality has led to the internalization of foreign languages as a measure of worth. He notes that parents punish their children for speaking local languages in school, but do not hold schools accountable for failing to teach practical skills like farming. This, he believes, is a form of mental slavery, where people believe that not speaking a foreign language makes them worthless.
Tawiah observes that the healthiest families he knows are those that intentionally speak their local African language at home, in addition to the language of their current abode. He believes that this balance is crucial in maintaining a strong sense of identity and culture. However, he notes that this is not always easy, especially when children are required to speak a foreign language in school.
The article highlights the complexities of identity, language, and culture in Africa and the diaspora. Tawiah's observations are based on his personal experiences as an African living in Europe. His article has sparked a necessary conversation about the ways in which language and labeling can shape our perceptions of ourselves and others.
Ultimately, Tawiah's article challenges readers to rethink their assumptions about language, identity, and culture. By highlighting the double standards in labeling and the impact of language on African identity, he encourages readers to be more mindful of the power of words and the importance of cultural sensitivity.
Key points
- The labeling of actions and the emphasis on foreign languages can contribute to a sense of mental slavery and worthlessness among Africans.
