Language and Culture in Africa

 

  Africa is the second-largest and most populous continent in the world, after Asia. About 30.3 million km2 (11.7 million square miles) includes adjacent islands, covering 6% of the Earth's total surface area and 20% of its land area. With 1.3 billion people in 2018, it accounts for about 16% of the world's human population. The geographical location of the African continent is between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean and is located south of the European Continent. 

This continent includes Madagascar and various islands. It contains 54 facto-declared sovereign states (states), eight territories, and two de facto independent states with limited or no recognition. Algeria is the largest country in Africa by area, and Nigeria is the country with the largest population. African countries work together through the African Union Prescription, which is headquartered in Addis Ababa. The language spoken on the African continent is Swahili, while another language is Arabic. Now, I would like to explain the four countries on the African continent. several countries that will be discussed about language and culture as follows:

1. Egypt

There are several Egyptian cultures that we need to know, namely the Egyptian people often greet and ask for origins. In general, Egyptian people are very interested and friendly with foreigners, including foreigners from Asia. Many Egyptians see a stranger for the first time then smile and then say hello. In fact, it is not uncommon for some small children to look while following other people and then the Egyptian community always invites autos with tourists. Trading activities are generally busy in the afternoon or evening. Egyptians generally started trading activities during the day or evening, from around 1 pm to midnight or early morning. This is different from Indonesians who usually go to the market in the morning.

Arabic is currently the official language of Egypt. It came to Egypt in the 7th century, and it is the official and official language of the country used by the government and newspapers. Meanwhile, Egyptian Arabic or Masri dialect is the official spoken language of the community. Of the many varieties of Arabic, the Egyptian dialect is the most widely spoken and best understood, owing to the immense influence of Egyptian cinema and Egyptian media throughout the Arabic-speaking world.

2. Liberia

The national language in Liberia is English, but Liberia also has native languages which are divided into four namely Mande, Kru, Mel, and Gola. In the native language, it is further divided into sections but I only take a few as examples. However, Bassa is a language that is often studied at schools or universities in Liberia.

and the culture in the library is very interesting like Liberia has a game called Queah and Mancala. Actually, the game of Quah is similar to the game of rolling dice, and the game of Mancala is similar to the game of Congklak in Indonesia. besides that Liberia has several types of drums used in traditional music. In Liberia, drums are one of the most widely used instruments for various ceremonies, such as weddings, holidays, and graduations. There is also a musical instrument called Saasaa which is also used by singers and musicians in Liberia.

3. TANZANIA

    Tanzania is one of the most linguistically diverse countries as there are more than 100 languages spoken. However, the main languages spoken by people in Tanzania are English and Swahili. Swahili is the official language of Tanzania which comes from Arabic and is used by the Bantu race.

some Tanzania cultures such as The typical Tanzanian outfit is Kitenge, which is a sarong-like garment worn on the chest or waist of women. Kitenge can be used as a headscarf or as a baby carrier. The Kitenge model has now undergone many changes according to fashion developments. In Tanzania, it is forbidden to smell food if the people of the Middle East usually smell food first before eating it, but this is different from the people in Tanzania. This is because smelling food before eating is disrespectful according to people in Tanzania. And in Tanzania, dining establishments for male and female guests will be separated.