Rethinking Somali Studies: Towards a Somali-centric Epistemology

Abstract

Somali Studies is a continuously evolving field, characterized by the emergence of new schools of thought, perspectives, and critical interventions. This essay argues that the field remains largely influenced by Western scholars and epistemologies. Despite their growing participation, Somali scholars have yet to significantly redefine or decolonize the discipline, due to their reliance on similar Western-centric theories and methodologies, the uncritical use of colonial records as primary sources for understanding and interpreting their own society and history, and the tendency to study Somalis and Somali territories from afar, much like their foreign counterparts. To reorient Somali Studies toward a more Somali-centric epistemological foundation, the essay advocates for the enrichment of the Somali language and its increased use for academic writings, greater emphasis on the ideas and contributions of Somali thinkers, and the pursuit of rigorous research on indigenous knowledge and traditional systems.

Keywords

• Somali Studies
• Somali Language
• Traditional Systems
• Somali Thinkers

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