Tamara's House

Research into a [hi]Story of African Dwelling

Abstract

Along with the present pressures of globalisation numerous developing/recovering African nations are struggling with the remnants of a recent release from colonial occupation. In the case of Zambia in southern Africa after a successful (and bloodless) revolution (1962), this struggle includes an attempt to secure political and economic selfdetermination along with reviving a fragmented cultural identity. The term í’recovering nationí“ is perhaps more appropriate to Zambiaí•s situation than the more commonly used term í’developing nationí“. With the later comes the biased perception of incremental progress and gradual accumulation of techniques, tools, and knowledge whether applied to politics, economics or science and engineering. Following Paul Ricoeurí•s assessment of the conflict between universal development pressures and the need to re-establish cultural identity, I would propose that Zambia as a recovering nation defines her identity from the deepest roots of cultural history. One example of this rooted stance is demonstrated by the co-existence of seventy-two tribal languages officially recognised by Zambiaí•s constitution (English being one of them). This is not to say that Zambia, as she lays claim to her cultural origins, does not recognise the necessity of access to an international modern civilisation. In fact, Zambiaí•s future depends on her ability to engage in a complete dialogue and exchange with the international community.