Traditional knowledge

About: Traditional knowledge is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 10825 publications have been published within this topic receiving 202790 citations. The topic is also known as: indigenous knowledge & indigenous knowledge system.

Indigenous Thought, Appropriation and Non-Aboriginal People

Abstract: In this article, I explore the question, “What is the relationship between appropriation of Indigenous thought and what might be called ‘deep learning’ based in years of education in Indigenous contexts.” Beginning with an examination of meanings ascribed to cultural appropriation, I bring texts from Gee on secondary discourses, Foucault on the production of discourse, and Wertsch on the deep structures underpinning discourse into conversation with critical fieldwork experiences extracted from years of research and teaching. Ultimately hopeful, I conclude the article with direction from Indigenous scholars on appropriate cultural protocol in the use of Indigenous knowledges by non‐Aboriginal people in educational contexts.

Legal perspectives on traditional knowledge: the case for intellectual property protection

Abstract: This paper explores the feasibility of devising a new form of intellectual property (IP) protection that would recognize the social value of traditional knowledge (TK) and promote its integration into domestic and international trade regimes while respecting and preserving local autonomy and cultural values. Interest in the protection of TK is rooted in the goal of promoting social, economic, and ecological development of rural areas. It responds to concerns about fairness and equity in international economic relations affecting the livelihood of the bulk of the world's population. The topic is also of importance in the context of redefining the relationship between public goods, private rights, and the transfer of technology. Taken together, these concerns lead us to evaluate the policies and legal instruments that are best suited to achieving equity, validation, and sustainability while preserving open access to plant genetic materials for scientific research. Oxford University Press 2004; all rights reserved, Oxford University Press.

Indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants used by ethnic communities of South India

Abstract: Background : The information of therapeutic medicinal plants used by ethnic/indigenous communities in the south of India is constrained at best. These ethnomedicinal treatments constitute a critical local healthcare resource and potential for expanding research on phytomedicines of India. The present study aims to document and evaluate the traditional knowledge of medicinal plants as well as compare the distribution of knowledge and examine where research efforts are concentrated in order to gain a glimpse of current needs and future possibilities for research in the region. Methods : This study conducted a literature review of multitude of ethnic/indigenous communities in regard to ethnobotany, medicinal plants, ethnic studies, and studies on traditional knowledge and included peer-reviewed journal articles, and scientific reports published between 1980 and 2016. Results : Our study found a total of 2000 plant species belonging to 1033 genera and 215 families used in herbal preparations. Interestingly, only seven families contributed to the highest number of medicinal species and herbs used extensively for herbal preparations which include decoctions, infusions, tonics, and juice. Conclusions : This multi-disciplinary, wide-scale study brought in data from a wide diversity of both plant species and ethnic communities. The study documents the rich wealth of indigenous knowledge and usage of medicinal plants for the treatment of various diseases and also these research highpoints the potential of continued research with these communities and highlights some areas where more research efforts could be directed. This also underlines the potential for future studies on drug screening and the need for conservation of biodiversity and traditional ecological knowledge practices.

Indigenous Peoples and Ecotourism: Bringing Indigenous Knowledge and Rights into the Sustainability Equation

Abstract: Indigenous peoples are finding that tourism is far from a straightforward issue. The tourism industry, especially ecotourism, is arguably the prime force today threatening indigenous homelands and cultures. Its track record of exploitation, dislocation and desecration is well documented. Meanwhile, there are enough case studies illustrating the potential of community conceptualized and owned tourism programmes to generate cautious optimism. When indigenous communities have access to reliable information on the impacts of tourism on indigenous peoples, they can share strategies for sustainable tourism among themselves and undertake decision-making, planning and negotiations from this starting point. Tourism can be a powerful addition to the toolbox of indigenous peoples fighting for their rights.

Legitimizing indigenous knowledge in Zimbabwe: A theoretical analysis of postcolonial school knowledge and its colonial legacy

Abstract: This article is a theoretical discussion on the social construction of knowledge in colonial and postcolonial Zimbabwe. It examines effects of hegemonic knowledge constructions and how they may be de-legitimated through incorporating indigenous knowledge in postcolonial school curricular. The article questions the importance attached to Euro-centric school knowledge and the devaluation of indigenous knowledge in postcolonial states. It further argues that indigenous knowledge as informal knowledge plays a major role in society and should be formalized in educational institutions to constitute a transformative and inclusive educational system. The article proposes hybridization of knowledge to give voice to the formerly marginalized in school curricular in Zimbabwe. It also proposes that knowledge as a historical, cultural, social, spiritual and ideological creation should be a product of collaborated efforts from all possible stakeholders to foster social development and self-confidence in individuals.