BRITISH INFLUENCE AS A VEHICLE OF EUROPEAN CIVILIZATION IN THE ASIAN AND AFRICAN TROPICS

In: Civilisations: d'anthropologie et de sciences humaines, Band 6, Heft 1, S. 27-42

Abstract

What are the principle characteristics of that part of European civilization which Great Britain (GB) transmitted & still transmits to the diverse societies of Asia & Africa? It is concluded that it is a British type of European civilization. It is dominated by the concepts of empiricism & pragmatism, & offers these attitudes to Asian & African peoples rather than specific principles. The English speaking nations produced new talents & traits which were transmitted to African & Asiatic nations. This did not involve a transplanting of British culture. In Africa the present development is a result of the action of European civilization on the African situation. African civilization is not European but a product different from both the African past & the European present. Not European civilization, but the sudden appearance & speed of transmission of this new vehicle is disintegrating in inner Africa the basic underpinnings of African society. Wherever there is the physical & political presence of GB in Africa, there is still an effective influence of European civilization after the pattern of British culture which emphasizes the science & system of good governance. It is difficult to generalize in regard to Asia. He concludes that the British vehicle of European civilization has not been used to imprint any rigid ideology or terror upon the peoples of Asia & Africa. Therefore, much of its science & techniques are likely to be accepted &become part of the new cultural development. J E. Hughes.