Altering the continent’s name, which reflects its colonial past, needs to be brought into public discussion
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Since independence, many African nations have shaken off their colonial pasts by renaming their countries. One could argue that renaming the continent would not translate into economic development and progress. The argument might be that renaming is a cosmetic act that would have no great implications for our well-being.
Names are more than mere identifiers; they are foundational to identity. They carry cultural, historical and emotional significance. For instance, in African tradition, surnames and clan names have rich histories that transcend the physical to the metaphysical. These names connect the bearers to their land and ancestry lineage. Names foster a sense of belonging and shape the communal narrative of those who inhabit a space.
The term “Africa” is emblematic of a Western experience imposed upon the continent. It reflects neither the self-understanding nor the rich identities of its indigenous inhabitants. Should the name of the continent be changed? That is another conversation. The point of this article is to call for this issue to be brought into public debate and conversation.
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