Lost in Translation focuses on the intersection of culture, identity, and personal growth. As people of African descent, our identities as well as our cultures are directly impacted by colonialism. It is hard to hear, especially in 2023 when race relations continue to be complex and marred by various factors. This blog aims to engage in a broad conversation about the far-reaching effects of colonialism on African culture and recognize the diverse experiences of Black communities worldwide.
Not only is Colonialism is a very real, very present part of African and Black history, it is a part of human history. As an African living in Canada and now part of the Black diaspora, I understand that there are differences in my experiences and those of people who joined the Black diaspora for different reasons. However, modern diasporic Black communities exist as a direct result of colonialism. The diaspora encompasses individuals who, due to various circumstances, have departed from their homeland, whether it be due to slavery, the pursuit of better opportunities, or seeking safety and refuge.
And yet the legacy of colonialism continually impacts us all.
While writing this blog post, I embarked on a daunting project—deeply exploring my own life and observing the ways in which colonialism has shaped African culture and continues to impact Black communities and the Black experience.
The effects of colonialism are not confined to history books; they permeate many aspects of culture from language to the intricate dynamics of communities. Language, once a vibrant expression of diverse cultures, was marginalized and suppressed under colonial rule. Within the rich tapestry of African culture, colonialism gave rise to hybrid identities and blurred traditional boundaries, leading to dynamic and resilient expressions of identity. In exploring these complexities, we pay tribute to the stories of strength, resistance, and the delicate balance between tradition and innovation.
Brief History
In order to fully grasp the impact of colonialism on African culture and the Black community, it is essential to delve into the history of colonialism and the timeline of colonization. The effects of colonialism are far-reaching, as it disrupted and suppressed African cultures, imposed foreign systems, and exploited valuable resources.
And in the countries where Black people were taken as slaves, those “foreign systems” were already in place. These systems had one goal: to maintain permanent dominance of the colonizers over the colonized territories and their people.
Throughout history, various European powers sought to establish dominance in Africa, resulting in a scramble for territories and resources. The major colonial powers involved included Britain, France, Portugal, Germany, Belgium, and Italy, each leaving their mark on different regions of the continent. Although The Berlin Conference marks a significant milestone in Africa’s colonization, interest in Africa predates this period by centuries.
An example of this is in the 1400s when a curious prince Henry the Navigator commissioned successive voyages and established the Portuguese presence in Africa. There were significant variations across different African countries. As a result, African communities experienced both direct colonization and the transatlantic slave trade, which contributed to the dispersion of African people across the globe.
Colonialism has had a profound impact on African cultures, disrupting age-old traditions, belief systems, and social structures. Indigenous languages, customs, and practices were marginalized or even banned, as European powers imposed their own cultural norms and values. This erasure of cultural identities led to a sense of loss and disconnection among African and Black communities, contributing to a long-lasting struggle for cultural preservation and reclamation.
Language
A glaring example is the suppression of indigenous languages and imposition of European languages as the medium of instruction, administration and interaction.Moreover, the religious practices and teachings brought by colonizers were often introduced and disseminated in non-African languages.
Local languages have historically been discouraged in schools and government institutions, and that has led to a decline in the preservation of many indigenous African languages. Speaking colonial languages was deemed civilized and proper, but the harmful connotation of that is that African language, an important part of culture, is uncivilized. And while some countries like South Africa have incorporated indigenous languages as official languages, many African countries still use European languages as their official languages today.
Here’s my specific experience: I was born and raised in Zambia. When I was in school we learnt in English and we operated in English despite a policy allowing the use of seven commonly used Zambian languages alongside English in educational settings. But let’s focus on my secondary school where, if you were caught speaking a local language or someone reported you to a prefect, there were multiple penalties: (1) you were written up; (2) your name would be announced among the “Bemba Speakers” (later changed to “Vernacular Speakers” to, ironically, be more inclusive) during every second Monday assembly; (3) you would wear a red tie for the next two weeks; and (yes, AND) (4) you would pay a 14 Kwacha fine. Of course people continued to speak vernacular, but I was a prefect so everyone spoke English around me.
While my own experience in Zambia sheds some light on the suppression of local languages under colonial influence, the impact of colonialism on Black languages extends beyond the borders of Africa. Even in countries like America and Britain, where English is dominant, the effects of colonization on Black language have been profound.
Take, for instance, America where the first group of Black people had to learn English to ensure their safety. Slave masters worried that the slaves were plotting against them and that led to the deliberate suppression of indigenous African languages and the imposition of English.
Community
The obvious effect of colonialism on African communities is the disruption of the social fabric and cultural continuity.
Globally, Black communities experienced significant social and cultural disruptions as a result of colonialism. For example, during the era of slavery, African people were forcibly uprooted from their home and subjected to the brutalities of the transatlantic slave trade. This led to the separation of families and the loss of ancestral connections, resulting in a profound sense of cultural dislocation and trauma. In the Americas, the forced assimilation of enslaved Africans into European culture and the suppression of their African identities further eroded cultural continuity.
On the African continent, colonial rule also brought about extensive social and cultural disruptions. Colonial powers imposed their own governance systems, often disregarding existing traditional structures and inadvertently contributing to corruption. This led to the erosion of local authority, disrupted community cohesion, and introduced new power dynamics that continue to shape post-colonial societies. The imposition of Western education systems and languages further marginalized indigenous knowledge and cultural practices, creating a disconnect between older generations and the younger ones, and eroding the transmission of cultural heritage.
Colonial powers aimed to assert control and perpetuate their presence in the colonized regions to ensure the continuation of economic exploitation, political influence, and cultural hegemony. By implementing policies that reinforced social and economic hierarchies, restricted local autonomy, and suppressed indigenous cultures, the colonizers sought to solidify their power and prevent any significant challenges to their authority.
While the primary goal of colonial foreign policies was to maintain the colonizers' positions of power indefinitely, it is important to acknowledge that the specific manifestations and impacts of these policies varied across different colonial contexts. The effects of colonialism extended beyond subjugation to encompass a wide range of social, economic, and cultural consequences that continue to shape societies today.
Indigenous political structures were dismantled or heavily influenced by colonial powers, leading to the loss of self-governance and autonomy. Education systems were designed to serve the interests of the colonizers, often neglecting or devaluing African knowledge systems. Economically, African resources were exploited and extracted for the benefit of the colonial powers, perpetuating a cycle of inequality and dependence.
The legacy of colonialism continues to reverberate in African societies today. Socially, the imposition of racial hierarchies and discriminatory policies created deep divisions and inequalities within and among African communities. Economic disparities persist, with resource-rich regions often experiencing exploitation and external control. Culturally, efforts to reclaim and celebrate African heritage and identity have emerged as acts of resistance against the erasure of the past.
Resilience, Resurgence, Revival, Renaissance
ultural revival stands as a powerful response to the lasting impact of colonialism on African communities across the globe. Despite the historical injustices and deliberate attempts to suppress and exclude traditions, languages, and art forms, African and Black communities continue to demonstrate resilience by reclaiming and reviving their cultural heritage.
Through cultural revival, these communities reaffirm their identity and shape their own narratives of resilience, empowerment, and cultural pride. This resurgence serves as a testament to their enduring spirit and their determination to defy the impact of colonialism, ensuring that their voices are heard and their stories are told.
Among the various forms of artistic expression, dance emerges as a vital tool for cultural revival. With its rhythmic movements and expressive gestures, dance becomes a dynamic and transformative force for African and Black communities.
Through traditional dances, communities reconnect with their roots, passing down ancestral knowledge and stories from one generation to the next. Dance serves as a platform for storytelling, a means of preserving cultural memory, and a celebration of resilience. It unites individuals, fosters a sense of belonging, and symbolizes the unwavering spirit of a people determined to reclaim their identity.
Language adaptation is yet another powerful form of cultural revival for African and Black communities. Varieties such as Ebonics/African American Vernacular English (AAVE), Black British English, Patois and vernaculars like Pidgin English demonstrate the resilience and adaptability of African languages.
These linguistic forms not only serve as modes of communication but also as expressions of identity and resistance against linguistic marginalization. Language adaptation allows individuals to embrace their linguistic heritage, celebrate their cultural roots, and challenge the dominant narratives imposed by colonialism.
Moreover, African people continue to keep their local languages alive by incorporating them into everyday life, from family conversations to music and other media. By reclaiming and revitalizing their languages, African communities and Black communities worldwide strengthen their cultural identity and create spaces of linguistic empowerment.
Reparations and Responsibility
The first step to taking responsibility is acceptance of harms that have been inflicted. Acknowledgement. Only through acceptance and acknowledgement can we respond accordingly. Some individuals argue that societal progress does not depend on white people accepting their role in shaping world history, and they advocate for moving beyond the legacy of slavery. “It was 400 years ago, get over it.” But let's consider that the systems within which we currently exist are often overlooked remnants of the past that they are so insistent on getting over.
To quote bell hooks, “Taking responsibility does not mean that we deny the reality of institutionalized injustice. For example, racism, sexism, and homophobia all create barriers and concrete incidents of discrimination. Simply taking responsibility does not mean that we can prevent discriminatory acts from happening. But we can choose how we respond to acts of injustice.”
And how exactly should we respond?
Reparations. Starting with decolonization.
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