Watch my back and I watch yours: Beyond Habermas' public sphere concept in democratic and participatory dimensions of pre-colonial Shona society public spaces

Flashcards exploring the key concepts, definitions, and critiques of Dariro and Dare as indigenous Shona participatory spaces, their relation to Habermas’ public sphere, and the impacts of colonialism and modernity.

What indigenous Shona platforms are analyzed as 'alternative media' in the study?

Dariro and Dare.

In Dariro, what do Kushaura and Kutsinhira refer to?

Call and response; a cyclic exchange that builds consensus and mutual understanding.

How is Dare related to Dariro in the Shona communicative system?

Dare is the Dariro elevated to an arena of authority—a forum or court (family level or Chief's court) that emerges from the Dariro.

What does the phrase ‘watch my back and I watch yours’ signify in Dariro?

A defensive, security-oriented principle that ensures participants look out for one another within the circle, reflecting collective protection.

How does the Dariro differ from Habermas’ public sphere in terms of inclusivity?

Dariro is more inclusive, allowing broad participation (including children and outsiders), whereas Habermas’ bourgeois public sphere is often elitist and excludes certain groups.

What are nhimbe and Jakwara, and how do they relate to Dariro?

Nhimbe refers to cooperative labor (Jakwara is a harvest cooperative); these gatherings provided opportunities to discuss topical issues while working together.

What do chihwindi (touting) and mitsara (queuing) symbolize in Mahoso’s critique?

They signify modernity’s pressures and the rise of individualism and social competition, often undermining communal values.

What are the two forms of Dare and their functions?

Dare remusha (family court) and Dare ramambo (Chief/King’s court); bigger disputes could be referred to the Chief’s Dare ramambo.

Why are circular settlements and Dariro symbolically significant?

They reflect kinship, unity, and the relational circle of society; architecture (circular huts) mirrors the Dariro’s circular ethos.

How is Dariro described as an educative space?

Dariro is pedagogical and andragogical, with elders guiding and teaching; it nurtures cognitive and psychomotor skills and inclusive learning.

What was the colonial impact on Dare and Dariro?

Colonial authorities disrupted circular settlements, diluted Dare raMambo’s legitimacy, and imposed linear settlements and external governance under colonial administration.

How does Dariro address globalization and global awareness?

Dariro envisions a global perspective, with participants contextualizing events from multiple directions (North/South, East/West) within a circular, inclusive space.

What is the Ubuntu-like philosophy (unhu) in Dariro?

Relational ethics of mutual care, harmony, and kinship; the Dariro circle embodies solidarity and shared humanity.

How are idioms and proverbs used within Dariro and Dare?

They function as tools to broach sensitive issues, challenge authority, and convey nuanced meanings; at times they can act as communicative ‘noise’.

What is kurova bembera and its purpose in Dare ramambo discussions?

A culturally mediated way to address truth indirectly; those who go off-topic or threaten rational debate are corrected or excluded to keep discussions focused.

What is a major democratic limitation of Dariro/Dare as discussed in the article?

Exclusion of women, notably in Dare revarume, reflecting patriarchal elements and limiting gender parity within participatory spaces.