LOCATION: Things fall apart, by chinua Achebe, takes place in Nigeria, located in Western Africa. It borders the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin and Cameroon. It's Capital is Abuja. ETHNIC GROUPS: Nigeria has more than 374 ethnic groups. These include Hausa and Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo, Ijaw, Kanuri, Ibibio, and Tiv. In the 1950s, each ethnic group maintained their own region of land. LANGUAGES: There are around 521 languages in Nigeria alone, 510 remaining alive, 2 being second languages, and 9 being extinct. Its official language is English, the lingua franca, which was acquired post-colonization by the British. Some ethnic groups communicate with their own native language since English isn't their mother tongue, but as it is a worldwide language, it's educationally the easiest form of communication, and so it's used most often. RELIGION: Nigeria has many different religions, some of which are predominant certain areas. The majority of Christians lie in the south, whereas more Muslims live in the north. Indigenous, native religions that believe in spirits and multiple deities are scattered throughout, influence some of the Abrahamic religions with unorthodox beliefs. HIERARCHY: In Nigerian society, age determines the level of respect you receive from your community. The older you are, the more confirmed wisdom you carry, therefore you're more respected. Elders are almost always immensely revered, with their needs and desires taken into high account. As for where you are in society, it's what you make of your position that earns you the great respect. Nigerian culture takes the effort you put into taking care of yourself and family very seriously. FAMILY: Social recognition is easily achieved through extended families. The honor of the family lies within each member's actions, where they're all able to rely on each other. Care and love are powerful Nigerian values. NATIONAL PRIDE: Nigerian pride is also valued. Being the country with the largest African population, Nigeria is considered a super power among other African countries. With their rich resources and vast oil production industry, Nigeria has a strong influence on its neighboring countries. ETIQUETTE: There are very specific forms of etiquette. The most common greeting form there, is the handshake. Men sometimes place their left hands on the other person's shoulder whilst shaking their hand. Rushing is considered rude Nigerians wait for women to extend their hand first.Close friends and family members often kiss and hug when meeting. When addressing people, their title is first said then their surname. With friends, this is much more casual. When greeting someone who is obviously much older, it is a sign of respect and deference to bow the head. If invited to dinner at someone's home then bring fruit, nuts or chocolates for the host. Gifts should be given using the right hand only or both hands. Never use the left hand only. Gifts from a man to a woman must be said to come from the man's mother, wife, sister, or other female relative, never from the man himself. Gifts are not always opened when received. THE PAST: In the time setting of Things Fall Apart. Nigeria was inhabited by large centralized kingdoms, and then smaller chiefdoms, which are also referred to as "Stateless societies." The largest kingdom was the Yoruba Oyo Empire. It was so large that it contains many diverse, yet similar dialects widely known as Yoruba. Another smaller kingdom east of the Oyo empire is the Edo Kingdom of Benin. The two kingdoms were in contact for centuries, leading to many different cultural similarities despite languages difference. Benin royalty claimed relation to Oyo royalty. The north contained several different Hausa States. They spoke an Afro-Asiatic Language, which has many similarities in north and north east African, and Middle Eastern languages. Rulers were often Muslim, but many followed pagan traditions The Borno Kingdom was located on the north east side of Lake Chad and then relocated under rule or the Sefawa Dynasty to northeastern Nigeria. Hausa states were conquered by Fulani, who declared holy war on non-Muslims. They established Sokoto Caliphate, raiding other regions. They then became a dominate influence after the fall of the Oyo empire. However, the Borno Kindom resisted their influence SOURCES: http://www.banking-recruitment-jobs.com/banking-jobs/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/map_nigeria.gif http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/art/hg/detail/hg_10afg.jpg http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/nigeria.html http://www.humanities360.com/index.php/nigerian-history-1800-1900-9972/

• published: 03 Feb 2014
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