Intersecting and contiguous identities in African narratives

Recorded April 19, 2022. ‘Intersecting and contiguous identities in African narratives: ontological and anthropological perspectives' a talk by Dr Théophile Munyangeyo (TCD) as part of the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultural Studies Research Seminar Series in association with Trinity Long Room Hub. Socio-political and economic crises that many African societies have experienced are generally attributed to the absence of what could be the nation-states. When the main conception of identities and related attitudes and behaviours are primarily linked to tribal and ethnic constructs, it can inevitably contribute to mutual exclusions, with the possibility of leading to open conflicts. The tribal and ethnic identities in Africa have led to many serious consequences of social tensions and political violence. The question of such identities when presented as the societal references that drive social and political allegiance has indeed dominated many African writings through the lenses of fatalistic pessimism. Nevertheless, there are some writers who no longer see the tribal and ethnic affiliation as a determining factor for (un)democratic practices and (in)cohesive social interactions. By using a thematic and discourse analysis, this paper examines the representation of key concepts, such as identities, existence, being, becoming, cohabitation, value systems, myths, symbols, beliefs, social practices, historical and social reality. Through the cultural anthropology framework, with references to ontological perspectives, it concludes that many dynamics in the interpersonal and community relations can create a fruitful intersectionality of identities and ultimately triumph over a contiguous conception of social differences. Learn more at: https://www.tcd.ie/trinitylongroomhub/