Final answer:
Taneka is described as wise because she has a deep understanding and the ability to apply knowledge and experience in life, paralleling the African folk sages who blended traditional wisdom with rational inquiry.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Sharon described Taneka as “wise” because of her “sophisticated understanding of the workings of the world,” she was indicating that Taneka possesses a profound and seasoned judgement. This kind of wisdom implies an ability to apply knowledge, experience, understanding, and insight. Taneka’s wisdom could be likened to that of the folk sages in African tribal history, as discussed by Henry Odera Oruka. These sages were known for developing complex philosophical ideas that combined the received wisdom of their traditions with a critical rationalism that inquired into the nature of things. Additionally, Taneka's extensive training and excellent character, as mentioned in the second reference, could contribute to her perceived wisdom. Being wise typically means not just knowing a lot, but also being able to thoughtful apply that knowledge in the real world.