In a world craving connection and deeper understanding, Baljinder Sharma’s ‘Africa in 54 Words’ offers a profound glimpse into the continent’s rich spirit. Through carefully chosen terms, he invites readers on a unique linguistic journey, revealing universal truths rooted in African wisdom and fostering a greater appreciation for our shared humanity.
● How do the “inherent values” and “moral principles” you describe in the book influence economic development and financial practices across Africa?
Many of our current economic policies originate in the ‘growth mindset’ of the industrial age, i.e. to produce more, to consume more, to extend the range of choices so that people can ‘have’ and ‘accumulate’ more. This is something that has been imposed on us by the Western world – through a subtle process of ‘acculturisation’ and ‘manufacturing of needs’ without realising that each society has its own needs and they have a right to choose their own developmental path.
Let us take the Wolof word ‘Teranga’, which stands for ‘hospitality, warmth and generosity towards strangers’ and is deeply engrained in the Senegalese culture. When the Europeans first arrived in West Africa, they encountered the local tribes welcoming them instead of feeling fearful. Their openness and affinity towards foreigners became their weakness as they saw themselves colonised and their land and resources taken away.
‘Sharing’, for instance, is a large part of African culture, and many transactions take place which are not accounted for – right from producing food, to taking care of children, tending to the sick, to singing and dancing – there is a sense of unity and responsibility towards fellow beings – which is absent in Western societies.
Africa is the least polluted continent in the world, partly because deep down the local tribes understand the importance of nature and their role in it.
● Your book uses just 54 words to paint a “sociocultural portrait.” Could you share an example of one word that was particularly challenging to choose—or one that revealed surprising depth of meaning for you?
I actually found the word ‘Unembeza’, which is a Zulu-Swahili term for ‘conscience or moral integrity’, quite remarkable because of the way it relates to another extremely popular term, ‘Ubuntu’.
At its core, Unembeza is about being true to oneself and one’s values. It is the inner voice that urges us to do what is right and just, helping us navigate life’s complexities and make choices that positively impact ourselves and our community.
In African philosophy, the individual is seen as part of a larger community, and individual actions have social consequences. Unembeza encourages people to consider the impact of their decisions on others and strive for harmony and well-being within the community.
When people live with Unembeza, they are true to their values and principles, even in the face of adversity or temptation.
The word ‘Ubuntu’, which translates to ‘I am because we are’, combined with ‘Unembeza’, highlights the interconnectedness of individuals within a community and the importance of ethical behaviour in maintaining social harmony.
However, while Ubuntu emphasises the collective identity and mutual support among people, Unembeza focuses more on the individual’s moral responsibility and inner voice guiding ethical decisions.
● You mention that the themes are “uniquely African, and yet universal in appeal.” How do you hope readers from outside Africa will connect with the concepts presented?
Take the term ‘Indaba’, rooted in the Zulu and Xhosa languages of Southern Africa, meaning ‘a matter for discussion’ or ‘a meeting’.
Historically, it refers to a traditional gathering of leaders and community members to discuss important matters and make collective decisions.
In traditional African societies, Indabas were vital for maintaining social order and addressing communal issues. They were convened by tribal chiefs or elders who acted as custodians of wisdom and arbiters of disputes.
The topics discussed at an Indaba could range from resolving conflicts, making decisions about war or peace, to managing resources and planning community activities. These gatherings were characterised by open dialogue, where every member of the community had the right to speak and be heard, promoting a sense of shared responsibility and collective ownership.
The traditional Indaba was more than just a meeting; it was a democratic institution in its own right. Through Indaba, communities practised an early form of participatory governance, ensuring that decisions were made with the input and consensus of those affected by them.
Now we are told that democracy originated in the Greek city-states in 300 BC, but ‘proto-democratic’ tribes have existed in Africa even before that.
The Indaba approach is being utilised globally in business and corporate life in settings such as workshops, conferences, and seminars where diverse groups come together to share ideas, discuss challenges, and formulate strategies.
This modern adaptation maintains the core principles of inclusivity, dialogue, and consensus, ensuring that various perspectives are considered before making decisions.
● If you were to add a 55th word to your portrait of Africa, what would it be—and why?
Well, this is a tough question as I started with an original list of a thousand words and worked my way down to fifty-four. I had to sacrifice many beautiful words, which I regret. So identifying that one word, the 55th, would be tough, but I loved the word ‘Amandla’, which means ‘Power’ in Zulu/Xhosa.
During the anti-apartheid movement, ‘Amandla!’ became a rallying cry for justice, equality, and the fight against oppression. It was often shouted at protests, rallies, and mass gatherings.
‘Amandla Awethu!’ meaning ‘Power to the people!’ This chant unified crowds, boosted morale, and asserted a shared purpose in the face of systemic injustice.
● What inspired you to use such a concise format? What do you believe this structure allows readers to glean about Africa that a longer, more traditional text might not?
Africa has over 3,000 languages; so you can imagine the challenge of saying something about it in 54 words. I had to cast my net wide and choose not just the ‘word’ but also the ‘object’ or the ‘idea’ it represented.
Take the case of the word ‘dodo’, which comes from the Portuguese word ‘doudo’, meaning ‘fool’ or ‘simpleton’.
It is believed that the term was used by early Portuguese sailors who encountered the bird on the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean in the late 1500s.
Even though ‘Dodo’ is a Portuguese word, it is applied to a bird unique to Africa with which it has become so closely associated that it invokes the idea of the bird first and ‘fool’ later.
We live in an age where readers have short attention spans. So, for a book targeted at the general reader, it is important to keep their interest alive through short essays – which is what I have done.
Lastly, I thought Africa is too important a continent to ignore, and I hope my book will help readers better understand it.
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