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/