Posted by Chester Morton / Friday 14 April 2017 / No comments
The methods of African history
THE METHODS OF AFRICAN
HISTORY
Introduction
The continent of Africa has been of
interest to historians, both inside and outside the continent for a very long
time. There has always been the desire to reconstruct her past and show the
world how great or otherwise Africa had been and her potentials for the future.
Several methods have been employed in this reconstruction process. These
processes would be discussed below.
Written documents
Important, sources of information to
the historian are written documents. These documents could be transcripts,
manuscripts, journals, newsletters and newspapers, all classified as primary
documents. What the historian does is to peruse the documents thoroughly,
concentrating on particular areas of interest. With this, the historian is able
to come out with findings relevant to his area of research. In addition there are
other documents that are considered secondary sources, but which are also of
great importance to the study. This includes textbooks on the particular people
or regions of Africa.
Accounts of eye-witnesses
Another method employed by the
historian in the reconstruction of African history is eye-witness accounts.
Individuals in some communities may have witnessed some events in the past.
Such eye-witnesses serve as a great source of information to the historian.
Accounts from such people help to write the history of Africa. The historian
must be careful to sift out prejudices.
Interviews
The use of interview is another
credible source of information to the historian. Usually, individuals who are
well-versed in a particular aspect of the history of a people are interviewed
by the historian and the information extracted from them. Such people have very
sharp memories and therefore are a great resource to the historian. Most of
such people are elderly linguists, retired traditional war-lords,
educationists, etc.
Inter-disciplinary method
The inter-disciplinary method
involves the use of experts from various fields of study, capable of shedding
more light on aspects of the study. The experts are in the areas of archeology,
bio-geography, ethnography, and linguistics. Using their expertise in their
various fields, they are able to confirm or otherwise, what has already been
stated elsewhere.
Personal observation
Together with all the methods of
gathering information on African history discussed above, personal observation
is another that cannot be ruled out. The historian is able to observe some
behavioural patterns of a people and is able draw his conclusions concerning
how life may have been lived in the very distant past. By further interacting
with the people, the historian is able to confirm or buttress the things he may
have observed.
SAMPLE QUESTION(S)
1. Describe the methods used to write
African history.
2. Describe the methods that are used
in collecting data for the writing of African history.
