AFL2603
ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 2 2024
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2024
, AFL2603
Assignment 1
Semester 2 2024
Unique number: ######
Due date: 2024
Literature and Society: a Perspective on African Languages
PREVIEW
QUESTION 1
1.1
In the days before formal education, people passed on knowledge and skills to their
children in ways that were deeply connected to their daily lives and cultures. This was
done mostly through hands-on experiences, storytelling, and apprenticeships, where
children learned by doing and observing, rather than sitting in classrooms.
UNISA@2024
, QUESTION 1
1.1
In the days before formal education, people passed on knowledge and skills to their
children in ways that were deeply connected to their daily lives and cultures. This was
done mostly through hands-on experiences, storytelling, and apprenticeships, where
children learned by doing and observing, rather than sitting in classrooms.
For example, in many traditional societies, skills like farming, hunting, and cooking were
taught by involving children in these activities from a young age. A father might take his
son along on hunting trips, showing him how to track animals, use tools, and
understand the environment. The son would learn by watching, helping, and eventually
doing these tasks on his own. Similarly, mothers would often teach their daughters how
to cook, sew, and manage the household by having them assist with daily chores. Over
time, the children would pick up the necessary skills and knowledge simply by being
part of the process.
Storytelling was another important way of teaching in the olden days. Elders would
share stories that carried moral lessons, cultural beliefs, and historical knowledge.
These stories were often told during communal gatherings or around the fire at night,
making them not only educational but also a way to strengthen community bonds. For
instance, a story about a clever rabbit outwitting a stronger animal might teach children
the value of intelligence and cunning, while also preserving important cultural traditions.
Apprenticeship was another method where children learned trades and crafts by
working alongside a master. For example, a young boy might be apprenticed to a
blacksmith, where he would start by doing simple tasks like pumping the bellows or
fetching materials. As he grew older and more experienced, he would gradually take on
more complex tasks, eventually mastering the craft himself. This method ensured that
skills were passed down from generation to generation, maintaining the knowledge and
craftsmanship of the community.
