What Is Anthropology without English?

By Tshireletso Mohlafuno (University of Cape Town)

English has a central role in anthropology, maybe because anthropology was coined by Europeans. Other disciplines like medicine, mathematics, or business use English, but not as the driving language. For instance, you can be a good business scholar and be able to understand business while not being fluent in English, but in anthropology you need to be nearly fluent in English, otherwise you will not be able to comprehend concepts like “epistemology” and “ontology.” If you cannot understand English-language concepts, you do not hold the ground to claim your anthropological stance. So, let me ask this question: What is anthropology without English concepts? I need no answer! Exactly what you think is how other people react to an imperfect use of English in anthropology.

 I am in a lecture hall, and in the middle of the seminar excellent ideas are flooding my mind: “Oh no, how do I comprehend these ideas when I am thinking in dual languages?” Part of me understands information in my home language and then translates it into English. The double-thinking approach is the wall between my success and opportunity to share my constructive and creative ideas. It gets tougher when I am required to present the ideas I have written. How do you speak fluently when you are constantly cognizant of translating? It gets worse when you cannot find a word for the translation: “Oh my goodness, there goes the meaning of what I wanted to express.” The idea of being overlooked or mocked for not being able to write in English or fighting cognitive dissonance due to language barriers hurts. At this point in time, what stands between me and my dreams is the intermediary language: ENGLISH. It is like a monster. It is everywhere, especially when you apply for funding or other opportunities. To you, this piece of writing may be a theoretical experience to read about, but for me it is my everyday struggle. Oh, English, dear, why you got to be such a difficult language? Oh, maybe I am scared to master you, YOU might swallow my identity and turn it around your slick finicky ways of life. I know deep down I do not want to be consumed by your viscosity; thus, I always strike a balance between understanding you without being consumed by you.

Author in the Eastern Cape in 2019

Bio

Tshireletso Mohlafuno has completed a master’s degree in Anthropology at the University of Cape Town, South Africa.