Uwongo
Uwongo means false, untrue, biased or demeaning of African values and ways of life. In short, uwongo words are not appropriate for use in African social work. Most uwongo words are in English language and they communicate western or colonial inspired ideas about Africa. Instead of using uwongo words, there are several alternatives especially in local language. Fundi is the dictionary of words, concepts, and phrases commonly used in social work and development work in Africa in local languages and English.
ATR - it is derogatory, demeaning, colonial and not ok to call Africa religion 'traditional', 'traditional religion', traditional Africa religion or ATR, just call it what it is Africa religion or uAfrica or huAfrica. Every religion is traditional where it originated. Bride price: this noun demeans African culture. Africans do not view the exchange of gifts that happens at marriage as 'a purchase price' as de-valuers of African culture say. Gifts are exchanged to cement new family relationships. Child labour: the western version incorrectly assumes all work children do in Africa is detrimental to their growth. Client: it is disempowering and patronising to refer to people who use social work services as clients. Where social work services are provided using a business or commercial model, the noun client could be used. Colonial master - this noun is not relevant, it was promoted by colonists or invaders to promote their dominance. Cousin: there are no cousins in Africa, they are either brothers or sisters. Genital mutilation: this noun is used to devalue, denigrate and disrespect individuals, families and societies that, for health or identity reasons, surgically remove small parts of the male or female genital organs or resize them. The devaluing, denigration and disrespect happens in spite of the fact that there are more severe forms especially in the western world including hormonal sex change, sex organ change, enlargement, resizing/shrinking, decoration or removal or reshaping of breasts, buttocks and lips. Her (referring to a country or community) - this term is no longer relevant if used to refer to a country or community. Person or people of colour: Africans do not refer to themselves as people of colour. Rights without responsibilities: Africans look at responsibilities first, not rights. Settlers - this term was promoted by white colonists but those whose lands they invaded called them invaders or passerby not settlers. They expected them to pass. For example, in Africa rungu (e.g. murungu, mzungu etc) means someone who travels and never settles on one place. Traditional African religion - it is derogatory, demeaning, colonial and not ok to call Africa religion 'traditional', 'traditional religion', traditional Africa religion or ATR, just call it what it is Africa religion or uAfrica or huAfrica. Every religion is traditional where it originated. Third world (3rd world): it is demeaning to refer to Africa as a 3rd world continent. Totem: this is an English term that does not convey the same meaning in Africa. Witch doctor: the spiritual leaders, prophets and healers in Africa culture and religion are not witch doctors and should nto be reffered to as such. Witchcraft: the culture and religion of Africa is not witchcraft and should not be referred to as such.