CULTURE GUIDING QUESTIONS

1. Consequences of Failing to Promote Cultural Values in Tanzania

1. Loss of Identity: Erosion of unique Tanzanian traditions like ngoma dances and Makonde carvings.
2. Language Decline: Indigenous languages (e.g., Kihaya, Kichagga) being replaced by Swahili/English.
3. Social Disintegration: Breakdown of communal values like "ujamaa" (familyhood) that bind communities.
4. Cultural Appropriation: Foreign exploitation of Tanzanian cultural symbols without benefit to local communities.
5. Tourism Decline: Loss of authentic cultural experiences that attract visitors to Maasai bomas or Hadzabe communities.
6. Generational Gap: Youth disconnection from elders' wisdom and traditional conflict resolution methods.

Example: The decreasing practice of traditional healing knowledge among the Maasai has led to loss of medicinal plant expertise.

2. Educating About Widow Inheritance Problems

1. HIV Risk: Explain how the practice contributes to HIV transmission in Lake Zone regions.
2. Property Grabbing: Show how widows often lose land and assets to inheriting relatives.
3. Psychological Trauma: Discuss the emotional impact of forced marriages on widows.
4. Children's Welfare: Highlight how inherited widows' children often face discrimination.
5. Legal Rights: Teach about Tanzania's Law of Marriage Act that protects widows' rights.
6. Alternative Support: Present community-based support systems as alternatives to inheritance.

Approach: Use local examples and involve religious leaders in the education process for greater impact.

3. Negative Effects Faced by Nyambura

1. Education Disruption: Permanent dropout from formal education system.
2. Health Complications: Risk of infections, childbirth complications, and fistula.
3. Early Marriage: High likelihood of being married off immediately after initiation.
4. Psychological Trauma: PTSD from the painful procedure without anesthesia.
5. Social Isolation: Stigma if she resists or fails to conform to expectations.
6. Economic Dependence: Limited income opportunities without education.

Statistic: In Tanzania's Manyara region, 58% of girls who undergo FGM drop out of school (UNICEF 2021).

12. Role of National Kiswahili Council

1. Language Standardization: Preserving pure Swahili from foreign influences.
2. Literary Promotion: Supporting Swahili literature and oral traditions.
3. Cultural Documentation: Recording proverbs, idioms, and folk tales.
4. Education Programs: Developing Swahili curricula for schools.
5. International Promotion: Making Swahili a global African language.
6. Research Funding: Supporting studies on Swahili linguistics and anthropology.

Achievement: The Council successfully lobbied for UNESCO to declare July 7 as World Kiswahili Language Day.

17. Hindrances to Cultural Revival

1. Westernization: Youth preference for foreign cultures over traditional practices.
2. Urbanization: Breakdown of community structures that preserve traditions.
3. Education System: Limited inclusion of indigenous knowledge in formal education.
4. Economic Pressures: Traditional artisans abandoning crafts for more lucrative jobs.
5. Policy Gaps: Insufficient government funding for cultural preservation programs.

Case Example: The declining number of practitioners of traditional Nyakyusa pottery in Mbeya region illustrates these challenges.

GLOBALIZATION GUIDING QUESTIONS

DEMOCRACY GUIDING QUESTIONS

1. Tanzania's Democratic Achievements

1. Multiparty System: Successful transition from single-party rule in 1992.
2. Electoral Reforms: Establishment of NEC as an independent electoral body.
3. Press Freedom: Growth of private media outlets since 2000s.
4. Decentralization: Increased local government autonomy through devolution.
5. Civil Society: Proliferation of NGOs promoting democratic values.

Milestone: Tanzania's peaceful transfer of power in 2015 was hailed as a democratic achievement.