IED1501
ASSIGNMENT 3
DUE DATE: SEPTEMBER 2025
,IED1501 ASSIGNMENT 3 2025
QUESTION 1
Read excerpt 1
in the Annexure with the title: The decolonial role of African indigenous
languages and indigenous knowledge in formal education processes written by
Shava S and Manyike TV (2018) very carefully and, answer the questions below.
1.1 According to the authors, "indigenous knowledges refer to the knowledges of
indigenous peoples across the globe". Define the concept of "indigenous
knowledge" in your own words. However, if you decide to look for scholarly texts
to help you define this concept, please ensure that you acknowledge your
sources.
1.1 Definition of “indigenous knowledge” (2 marks)
Indigenous knowledge refers to the unique understandings, skills, and practices that
communities develop over generations through direct interaction with their environment,
culture, and history. It is context-specific, rooted in culture and language, and
transmitted through oral traditions, stories, rituals, and practical experiences.
1.2 Seven main features of indigenous knowledge (7 marks)
According to Shava & Manyike (2018), the seven key features are:
People (indigenous peoples as the knowers and creators of knowledge).
, Context (spatio-temporal: linked to time and place).
Culture (knowledge is embedded in culture and traditions).
Language (knowledge is expressed and transmitted through language).
Knowledge (collective wisdom based on lived experiences).
Practices (knowledge applied through daily activities, rituals, and skills).
Dynamism (knowledge is open, evolving, and responsive to change).
1.3 Indigenous knowledge changes over time (4 marks)
True.
Supporting quotation: “Although rooted in history, indigenous knowledges are reflexive
to changes over time in the lived environment and due to external influences, contacts
and interactions.” (Shava & Manyike, 2018).
1.4 Role of languages (4 marks)
Indigenous languages enhance the wisdom of indigenous people by transmitting their
knowledge, culture, and values through proverbs, songs, folktales, poetry, and stories
that preserve their identity and lived experiences.
Western (colonial) languages, on the other hand, are imposed as the languages of
power, education, and commerce. They undermine indigenous people by devaluing
ASSIGNMENT 3
DUE DATE: SEPTEMBER 2025
,IED1501 ASSIGNMENT 3 2025
QUESTION 1
Read excerpt 1
in the Annexure with the title: The decolonial role of African indigenous
languages and indigenous knowledge in formal education processes written by
Shava S and Manyike TV (2018) very carefully and, answer the questions below.
1.1 According to the authors, "indigenous knowledges refer to the knowledges of
indigenous peoples across the globe". Define the concept of "indigenous
knowledge" in your own words. However, if you decide to look for scholarly texts
to help you define this concept, please ensure that you acknowledge your
sources.
1.1 Definition of “indigenous knowledge” (2 marks)
Indigenous knowledge refers to the unique understandings, skills, and practices that
communities develop over generations through direct interaction with their environment,
culture, and history. It is context-specific, rooted in culture and language, and
transmitted through oral traditions, stories, rituals, and practical experiences.
1.2 Seven main features of indigenous knowledge (7 marks)
According to Shava & Manyike (2018), the seven key features are:
People (indigenous peoples as the knowers and creators of knowledge).
, Context (spatio-temporal: linked to time and place).
Culture (knowledge is embedded in culture and traditions).
Language (knowledge is expressed and transmitted through language).
Knowledge (collective wisdom based on lived experiences).
Practices (knowledge applied through daily activities, rituals, and skills).
Dynamism (knowledge is open, evolving, and responsive to change).
1.3 Indigenous knowledge changes over time (4 marks)
True.
Supporting quotation: “Although rooted in history, indigenous knowledges are reflexive
to changes over time in the lived environment and due to external influences, contacts
and interactions.” (Shava & Manyike, 2018).
1.4 Role of languages (4 marks)
Indigenous languages enhance the wisdom of indigenous people by transmitting their
knowledge, culture, and values through proverbs, songs, folktales, poetry, and stories
that preserve their identity and lived experiences.
Western (colonial) languages, on the other hand, are imposed as the languages of
power, education, and commerce. They undermine indigenous people by devaluing
