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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The word and the cosmos: 'Zarma ideology' revisited
Author:Stoller, PaulISNI
Year:1978
Periodical:Bulletin de l'Institut Fondamental d'Afrique Noire, Série B: Sciences humaines
Volume:40
Issue:4
Pages:863-878
Language:English
Geographic term:Niger
Subjects:philosophy
Songhai
Zarma
Abstract:This paper analyses the nature of Songhay-Zerma thought from a perspective which reflects its philosophical sophistication. Studies of Songhay-Zerma 'ideology' which use such western social theories as evolutionism, cultural materialism, and marxism are criticized as being inadequate. The best analysis of Songhay-Zerma thought, it is argued, is one which probes deeply the Songhay language to uncover the theories which Songhay and Zerma themselves conceived to explain the forces of the cosmos. (This essay seeks not to explain Zerma - 'cross-cousins' of the Songhay - ideology but, by providing an analysis of Songhay-Zerma cosmology, tries to make some key concepts of Songhay-Zerma culture understandable.) Bibliogr., notes, app., French sum.
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