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Q. & A. WITH AUNTY IHUOMA!! 

 

J: WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF CULTURE?

AI: Culture is the backbone and framework of an individual's make-up. Culture is the essence behind everything we do and become. It dictates what we believe, eat, drink, speak, pray, and even hope for.  

 

J: WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR CULTURE?

AI: It's hard to pinpoint a single factor that I love the most. However, as I think about it, I realize how big of a deal we Nigerians make things. Nothing is too small or mundane to celebrate. From a great-grandfather turning 100 to a mother returning to church after giving birth to her newborn, we have a tendency to take the simplest accomplishments in our lives and  turn them into a cause for celebration. It is unique to see a culture filled with so much appreciation and joy for literally everything that happens around them--and that is what I love the most.

 

J:DO YOU HAVE ANY EATING HABITS/RITUALS THAT ARE SPECIFIC TO YOUR CULTURE?

AI: Every household must have eba and soup! These two cannot be eaten alone but are always paired together! And don't even bother reaching for a utensil because this meal must be eaten with your hands!

 

J: IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT IS CONSIDERED MOST RESPECTFUL IN YOUR CULTURE? MOST DIRESPECTFUL?

AI: The Nigerian culture is very rich in appreciating and respecting your elders. They should be held in  high regard and are meant to be honored and cherished. Period. End of story. Consequently, disrepecting an elder is a no-no and will surely not be tolerated.

 

J: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE NIGERIAN SONG AND WHAT MEMORY IS ASSOCIATED WITH IT?

AI: "AKA JEHOVAH" by Gabriel Eziashi is my absolute favorite. This singer took a simple, yet powerful, song that I remember always singing in church growing up, and he turned it into a masterpiece. Still capturing its meaning, this rendition puts a modern twist on a song I hold very close to my heart.

 

 

THE sEVEN eLEMENTS OF cULTURE

Social Organization

Social Organization

Family is one of the most significant factors in Nigerian Culture. Family members, especially the elders, are to always be respected. Adult children are expected to look after and support their parents who have looked after them. It is also not uncommon to have not only husband, wife, and children, but also extended family members living and working together. Like many other cultures, social status can be determined by occupation, family name, wealth, etc.

Customs and Traditions

Customs and Traditions

There are a countless number of customs and traditions that are passed down in families, communities, and religions. The Nigerian culture is full of them. However, a specific one is the use of hands when eating. Most Nigerian meals were eaten using hands. However, when the Westerns came for colonization, they introduced utensils which today, even remote villages now use. Although utensils are used today for most meals in Nigerian Culture, hands are still always used for eating eba and soup.

Religion

Religion

The two major religions in Nigeria are Christianity and Islam. The majority of Nigerians practice one of these two religions. However, a small percentage of Nigerians still practice one of the many traditional ancient religions. Some even combine the modern religions with rituals and beliefs of traditional ones.

Language

Language

Even though there are over 250 languages spoken in Nigeria, the three major ones are Igbo, Yoruba, and Haussa. However, the official language of Nigeria is English. Another popular way of communication is "pidgin", which is basically slang or "broken english".

Arts and Literature

Arts and Literature

For much of Nigerian history, the arts were used for religious and teaching purposes. Dances, sculptures, and other forms of artwork were used to get across one's ideas and goals. Although this has declined in recent years, the arts still play an important role in the Nigerian culture, especially dance and music. Furthermore, some of the world's greatest authors came from Nigerian soil. For example, Ben Okri, Chinua Achebe, and Wole Soyinka,who won a Nobel Peace Prize for his literature.

Forms of Government

Forms of Government

Nigeria, a Republic, has a president that serves as both the Head of State and the Head of Government. Elections are held every four years and a president can only serve two terms. Also, the legislative branch consists of two houses: The House of Representatives and a Senate. Like many other countries, in order to vote, citizens must be eighteen or older.

Economic Systems

Economic Systems

Nigeria was once able to produce enough food to feed its entire population. However, that self sufficiency was lost once the oil production and industry began to boom in Nigeria. Because of this, many of the country's resources went to sustaining oil for the world and Nigeria's economy is now majority based on oil.

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