Why is it difficult to write African history?

Writing African history has been challenging and mostly difficult, due to a lack of both comprehensive written records and holistic archaeological evidence that covers all the zones of Africa from past times.

What were the main problems faced by historians while writing history?

The major challenges to historical research revolve around the problems of sources, knowledge, explanation, objectivity, choice of subject, and the peculiar problems of contemporary history. Sources The problem of sources is a serious challenge to the historian in the task of reconstructing the past.

How was African history written?

Much of the modern depiction of Africa preceding written history is through archaeology and antiquities. Excluding Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphs and the Ge’ez script, a large part of the African continent would not have a means of writing or recording history until the common era.

Does Africa have written history?

The history of Africa has tended to rely on written evidence. But Africans had their own particular system of recording past events, situations and traditions, before Europeans started writing about it. As a result, Non-African historians used written documentation to chart the history of the continent.

What are the disadvantages of written history?

Disadvantages of written records

  • The information may be biased if the writer includes his or her own opinion when writing.
  • They can be destroyed by fire.
  • Written records cannot be used by illiterate people.

What are the disadvantages of oral history?

One of which is an individual recalling a false memory. In some cases when events took plave more than forty years ago, the individual could have trouble remembering the exact details of their experience. Another disadvantage is the recollection being only one persons point of view.

What are the problems of history?

These problems are more common in popular history – but historians and history students are by no means immune from them.

  • Generalisation.
  • Conspiracy theories.
  • Myths and mythology.
  • Nationalism.
  • ‘The noble savage’
  • Eurocentrism.
  • ‘Top-down’ or ‘bottom-up’?
  • The militarisation of history.

What are some historical issues?

Civil War.

  • Cold War.
  • Great Depression.
  • Holocaust.
  • Inventions & Science.
  • Mexican-American War.
  • Natural Disasters & Environment.
  • Red Scare.

    • What are the methods of writing history?

    Primary sources come from the historical moment under examination—these are your witnesses and artifacts. Common types of primary sources include newspapers, correspondence, memoirs, laws, official documents, and published works.

    When did written history begin in Africa?

    4th millennium BC
    Africa’s written history starts with the rise of Egyptian civilization in the 4th millennium BC, and in succeeding centuries follows the development of the many diverse societies beyond the Nile Valley. From an early date this has involved critical interactions with non-African civilizations.

    When did writing develop in Africa?

    The Geʽez script is an abugida that was developed in Horn of Africa in the 8th-9th century BC for writing the Geʽez language. The script is used today in Ethiopia and Eritrea for Amharic, Tigrinya, and several other languages.

    What are the main disadvantages of written communication?

    The Disadvantages of Written Communication

    • Impersonality. Written communication is less personal than oral communication, making it less ideal for emotional messages.
    • Possibility of Miscommunication.
    • Lack of Instantaneous Feedback.
    • Cost, Materials and Storage.
    • Liability.

    What are the challenges of writing African history?

    Writing African history has been challenging and mostly difficult, due to a lack of both comprehensive written records and holistic archaeological evidence that covers all the zones of Africa from past times.

    Why did the Europeans write about African history?

    The writing of Africa’s history by Europeans initially meant that they wrote from their perspectives on Africa and what they thought would fit, and not essentially about Africa’s past realities.

    Who was the first person to write about Africa?

    In the beginning of African historiography, leading African historians discovered that Greeks, Romans, and Arabs had written about Africa long before Europeans and Americans did, and from a truly scientific impulse, with a desire to know.

    Why are there so many problems in Africa?

    The answers to these tremendously significant questions and problems are crucial to the dignity, self-esteem, and national pride of the newly emerging nations in Africa. It helps also