This term paper will deal with the culture shock of African slaves who came into contact with European imperial society. They, being forced to journey to the Americas, must have had to endure and process many cultural conflicts. The journey's impact will provide the basis to investigate on a possible double identity being created by the slaves to arrange with their new culture, as well as with their cultural heritage.
Olaudah Equiano’s The Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, the African will serve as an important resource for this purpose. To begin, the European culture in the 18th century will be looked at. Especially the European attitude towards other cultures will be of interest. Afterwards it will be set into contrast with the culture of the African tribes. A special account will be taken to compare historical data to Olaudah Equiano’s descriptions of Igbo culture and the theme of culture clash will be examined. Included in this, the phases of culture shock will be explained.
In the following section, I will look at cultural similarities between British and African societies, based on accounts of Equiano’s Interesting Narrative. Evidence of his assimilation to European culture will be used when attempting to demonstrate his European identity. Having clarified this, a closer look will be taken at how culture and identity are connected. Following that, an attempt will be made to explain the creation of identity. Focusing on Equiano, the circumstances of developing a double identity will be investigated. Finally, Equiano’s case will be used to explain the progress and stages of double identity throughout his life.
Of course, it is arguable, whether Equiano actually came from Africa or was born in the Americas. However, this is no matter of investigation in the present paper. Nevertheless, it shall be considered by the reader. Still, in this paper Equiano’s report of African life shall be taken as it is. For the purpose of exploring his historical accuracy, I have added the historical account of African nations to either verify or disprove his observations. Disregarding of how accurate Equiano’s historical insides will be, his report unquestionably reveals the effects of cross- cultural encounters on the individual’s identity.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction
- 2. The Cultures Involved
- 2.1. The European Culture of Imperialism
- 2.1.1 Cultural superiority?
- 2.1.2 Cultural imposition
- 2.1.3 The European Savage
- 2.2. African Culture
- 2.2.1 The African Nations; A Historical Account
- 2.2.2 Olaudah Equiano's Depiction of African Culture
- 2.1. The European Culture of Imperialism
- 3. Culture Clash & Crossing Cultures
- 3.1. Culture Shock
- 3.2. Cultural Similarities & Assimilation
- 4. Social Identity and Double Identity
- 4.1. From Culture to Identity
- 4.2. From Identity to Double Identity
- 4.3. Double Identity in Progress
- 5. Conclusion
- 6. Sources
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to explore the culture shock experienced by African slaves encountering European imperial society in the 18th century, focusing on the potential development of a double identity as a means of adapting to their new environment while maintaining ties to their cultural heritage. Olaudah Equiano's autobiography serves as the primary source for this investigation.
- Culture shock experienced by African slaves in 18th-century Europe.
- The contrast between European imperial culture and African tribal cultures.
- The development of a double identity among enslaved Africans.
- Assimilation of African slaves into European society.
- The impact of cross-cultural encounters on individual identity.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the paper by exploring the complexities of cross-cultural encounters, particularly in the context of 18th-century imperialism. It introduces the concept of culture shock and its significance in the context of forced migration and enslavement. The chapter establishes Olaudah Equiano's autobiography as the primary source for examining the cultural clashes and the potential development of a double identity among enslaved Africans. The author outlines the paper's structure and methodology, highlighting the comparative analysis of European and African cultures and Equiano's personal experiences. The introduction also acknowledges the debate surrounding Equiano's origins while emphasizing the relevance of his narrative for understanding the effects of cross-cultural encounters on identity.
2. The Cultures Involved: This chapter delves into the contrasting cultures at the heart of the study: European imperial culture and African tribal cultures during the 18th-century slave trade. It emphasizes the complexities of defining "African culture," acknowledging the vast diversity of existing cultures within the continent, yet recognizing the imposed unity forced upon enslaved Africans. The chapter contrasts the European concept of nationhood and the evolving sense of national identity with the more localized and diverse cultures of Africa. It sets the stage for a detailed comparative analysis by highlighting the differences and, surprisingly, some potential similarities, particularly regarding the institution of slavery itself.
3. Culture Clash & Crossing Cultures: This chapter examines the direct consequences of the cultural collision between European and African societies. It explores the concept of culture shock in detail, tracing its phases and effects on individuals navigating a drastically different cultural landscape. The chapter then shifts to consider any potential cultural similarities and instances of assimilation, drawing upon examples from Equiano's narrative to illustrate how enslaved individuals might find points of connection and adapt to their new environment. The analysis focuses on the process of integration and the challenges faced by those navigating two vastly different cultural systems.
4. Social Identity and Double Identity: This chapter explores the crucial relationship between culture and identity, laying the groundwork for understanding the development of a double identity. It examines the processes by which individuals form their identities, considering the interplay between cultural influences and personal experiences. Focusing on Equiano's life, it explores the circumstances that led to the creation of a double identity – one rooted in African heritage and another shaped by the European context of slavery. The chapter examines the various stages in the development of Equiano's dual identity, analyzing the tensions and complexities inherent in this phenomenon.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
African Diaspora, Olaudah Equiano, Culture Shock, Double Identity, Transculturation, 18th-Century Slavery, Imperialism, Cultural Assimilation, Cross-Cultural Encounters, African Culture, European Culture.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this academic paper?
This paper explores the culture shock experienced by African slaves encountering European imperial society in the 18th century. It focuses on the potential development of a double identity as a means of adapting to their new environment while maintaining ties to their cultural heritage, using Olaudah Equiano's autobiography as a primary source.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include culture shock, the contrast between European and African cultures, the development of double identity among enslaved Africans, assimilation into European society, and the impact of cross-cultural encounters on individual identity.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured into six chapters: an introduction, a chapter detailing the involved cultures (European imperialism and African tribal cultures), a chapter on culture clash and cultural crossing, a chapter on social identity and double identity, a conclusion, and a section listing sources. Each chapter offers a summary within the document.
What role does Olaudah Equiano play in this research?
Olaudah Equiano's autobiography serves as the primary source for this research, providing firsthand accounts of the experiences of enslaved Africans and their encounters with European culture. His narrative is used to illustrate the culture shock, the process of assimilation, and the development of a double identity.
How does the paper compare European and African cultures?
The paper contrasts European imperial culture, characterized by concepts of national identity and cultural superiority, with the diverse and localized cultures of Africa. It acknowledges the complexities of defining "African culture" given its vast diversity, highlighting the differences and surprisingly some potential similarities, particularly regarding the institution of slavery itself.
What is meant by "double identity" in the context of this paper?
The "double identity" refers to the development of two distinct identities among enslaved Africans: one rooted in their African heritage and another shaped by their experiences within European society and the context of slavery. The paper explores the tensions and complexities inherent in maintaining both identities.
What aspects of culture shock are discussed?
The paper examines the concept of culture shock in detail, tracing its phases and effects on individuals navigating a drastically different cultural landscape. It explores how enslaved Africans coped with this shock and the challenges they faced in adapting to a new environment.
What is the conclusion of the paper?
(The provided text does not explicitly state the conclusion, but based on the structure and themes, the conclusion likely summarizes the findings on culture shock, double identity, and the impact of cross-cultural encounters on identity formation among enslaved Africans in the 18th century, drawing primarily on Equiano's experiences.)
What are the key words associated with this research?
Key words include: African Diaspora, Olaudah Equiano, Culture Shock, Double Identity, Transculturation, 18th-Century Slavery, Imperialism, Cultural Assimilation, Cross-Cultural Encounters, African Culture, European Culture.
- Quote paper
- Magister Artium Lukas Szpeth (Author), 2011, Culture-Shock and Double Identity in Slave-Trading Times. The Case of Olaudah Equiano’s Interesting Narrative, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/455404
