The Cultures of West Africa

The Cultures of West AfricaCh.21 sec.2

Pg.388

The Cultures of North AfricaCh.21 sec.1

Pg.385

North Africa Culture - Religion and LanguageThe culture of most of North Africa is deeply influenced by religion. Over 95 percent of North Africans are Muslims. Muslim beliefs affect many aspects of daily life in North Africa. Most North Africans also speak Arabic as part of their culture.

The Cultures of North AfricaCh.21 sec.1

Pg.385

North Africa CultureWhile people of the countries in North Africa have different ethnicities, different backgrounds, and different ways of life, from living in cities, to farming, to roaming as nomadic herders, most are linked by a shared religion (Islam) and and a shared language (Arabic).

The Cultures of North AfricaCh.21 sec.1

Pg.385

North Africa CultureBecause many of the countries of North Africa border the Mediterranean Sea, over the years they have been influenced by the traders passing through both from outside of the continent (Europe and Asia) and from within the continent (traders from West Africa and East Africa involved in trans-saharan trade). This has led to a cultural diffusion in North Africa.

Cultural Diffusion = the movement of customs, traditions, goods, and ideas from one place to another.

The Cultures of North AfricaCh.21 sec.1

Pg.385

North Africa CultureRecently, influence from Western culture has concerned some North Africans who are afraid it is having too much influence and changing their culture. The people of North Africa are trying to preserve their culture while becoming more modern and industrial.

The Cultures of West AfricaCh.21 sec.2

Pg.388

The Cultures of West AfricaCh.21 sec.2

Pg.388

West Africa CultureWest Africa is made up of hundreds of ethnic groups. Because of this, many West Africans must learn to speak more than one language to be able to communicate with the people in their own country. This helps keep unity in diverse countries.

The Cultures of West AfricaCh.21 sec.2

Pg.388

West Africa CultureBecause of West Africa’s history of being made up of many Bantu tribes, the bond of kinship, or family, is still the most powerful bond for most West Africans. Especially in rural areas, many West Africans live and work as an extended family with brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, aunts and uncles all living on one piece of land working and farming together.

The Cultures of West AfricaCh.21 sec.2

Pg.388

West Africa CultureAs West Africa modernizes, it is putting a strain on the culture as young men move away to cities to find work in new and modern jobs. This sometimes separates families as the man must spend time in the city working while the women and children remain back on the farm.

The Cultures of West AfricaCh.21 sec.2

Pg.388

West Africa CultureBecause many of the slaves that were brought to America were from West Africa, there are some influences of West African culture that can be seen in American culture. Most notable are the influence of Jazz music which had an effect on the development of Rock-N-Roll music and some influences in literature (especially children’s literature) such as the stories of Brer Rabbit.

The Cultures of East AfricaCh.21 sec.2

Pg.388

The Cultures of East AfricaCh.21 sec.2

Pg.388

East Africa CultureEast Africa is also made up of many different ethnic groups. Because many of the countries of East Africa border the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, many people from Arab countries, India, and China have migrated to East Africa throughout history.

The Cultures of West AfricaCh.21 sec.2

Pg.388