Since my country, Nigeria isn't in the list of countries with chapters in the book "When cultures collide", I have written a similar chapter for my country based on research from the internet and previous knowledge as a citizen of the country.
Why is my country missing in the book?
I think my country is missing probably because the book writer didn't have enough cultural fact and details about my country and didn't want to make mere speculations. He also probably didn't have all the resources he would've needed to go down to Nigeria and find out cultural facts for himself in order to be sure that the information he is disseminating is concrete, well-founded and grounded.
My version of "When Cultures Collide" chapter on Nigeria in a similar format as in the book
The Federal Republic of Nigeria is a West African country bordered with Niger in the north, Cameroon in the east, Chad at the northeast borders and Benin in the west. Its southern coast is situated on the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean. The Country comprises of 36 states within it and a Federal Capital Territory, where the country’s capital, Abuja, is located (Nigerian Government, 2015). Nigeria was formally born in 1960 when it got its independence after the British colonial rule that began in the 19th century (Diamond, 1988). It is often referred to as the “Giant of Africa” on grounds of its population (200.96 million) and economy (ranks 28th on world nominal GDP) (Holmes, 1987 ) (Statistics Times, 2019).
Nigeria’s Diverse Ethnic Groups and Communal Conflicts
Within Nigeria inhabits over 250 ethnic groups and over 500 different native languages, which is why it is seen as a multinational state. However, English is the chosen official language in Nigeria, to aid and promote semantic or lingual harmony. Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba are the three largest ethnic groups in Nigeria and all these ethnic groups possess a wide variety of cultures, and a minority of the Igbos and Yorubas practice a religion indigenous to Nigeria. The Federal Republic of Nigeria is significantly split in two, the Muslims, who mostly live on the northern part, and the Christians, who mostly live in the southern part of the country (United States Embassy in Nigeria, 2018). As a result, the major and broad communal conflicts within the country are mostly originated from and rooted in these significant religious and regional differences. They are the ethnoreligious conflicts such as the violence between the Muslim and Christian communities, e.g. the (Muslim) Boko Haram’s killing of Christians, and the herder-farmer conflicts such as the recent (Muslim) Hausa and Fulani-herdsmen’s violence against Christian peasants, making herder-farmer hostilities even worse (Communal conflicts in Nigeria, 2012) (Connect SAIS Africa, 2019) (IPI Global Observatory, 2015). The Nigerian Middle Belt states are the most impacted states, and in general, two violence peaks have been reached in 2004 and 2011 with over 2,000 killings in those years, about 700 in 2015 alone. Also, tens of thousands of people have been displaced so far (Nigeria, 2015) (Connect SAIS Africa, 2015) (ACLED, 2015) President Goodluck Jonathan claimed, in May 2014, that at least 12, 000 people had been killed by the Boko Haram and about 8, 000 people had become crippled (Premium Times Nigeria, 2014). Also in May 2014, following the kidnapping of the 267 Chibok schoolgirls, Chad, Cameroon and Niger teamed up with Nigeria to combat Boko Haram but the success rate of this step wasn’t high as most of the girls are currently still missing (The Africa EU Partnership, 2019) (Tumanjong & Hinshaw, 2015)
The Nigerian Communal Conflicts and the Nigerian Government
The Nigerian constitution describes Nigeria as a democratic secular state (Nigerian Government, 2015), but this is hardly the case as the political conflicts in existence in Nigeria are primarily arising from the southern and northern religious (Christian and Islamic) differences or battles. All these conflicts have their origin; they began with the forced amalgamation of Nigeria into northern and southern protectorates in 1914 by Lord Lugard (Campbell, 2018). Nigerians hold on to their ethnic believes while they merely pose to be allegiant to the central government. As the country is a collectivist society, according to Hofstede Insights (Hofstede, 2019), members of an ethnic group or the two distinct regions are far from maverick, especially the Hausas (northerners) within their ethnic groups and religions. The northerners (Muslims) would go to any length to honour their religious belief of violence against Christians, to put an end to the current secular system of government and establish Sharia law, hence why the brutal massacre and displacement of Christians all over Nigeria by the Boko Haram terrorist group (since 2002 till date) and the Fulani herdsmen (since 1999 and even worse of recent) has been happening over the years (Jazeera, 2011) (Olugbode, 2011).
The Nigerian government tries to maintain peace and unity in the nation as a secular state by having people from all the different ethnic groups (at least the three major ones) in seats of government or governmental authorities. The Federal government of Nigeria comprises of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches; the national assembly, the country’s President and the federal courts are the ones in whom these powers are vested respectively (Global Security, 2020). The national assembly is made up of a 360-member House of Representatives (10 from each state) and a 109-member Senate (three from each state) (Global Security, 2020), thus people from all the different ethnic groups in Nigeria are represented in these chambers of governmental authority. Despite the present system of government and the government’s endeavours to eradicate the religious violence in the country, religious violence keeps growing in recent years and the secret(s) to abolishing these conflicts remains yet to be discovered.
Cultural Characteristics of The Three Major Ethnic Groups of Nigeria
According to Hofstede Insights (Hofstede, 2019), the Nigerian society is collectivist, Masculine, does not have a clear preference on uncertainty avoidance, of high power distance, short-term oriented and normative (have a strong concern for upholding truth and perpetuate time-honoured traditions, values and norms) instead of pragmatic, and indulgent. However, because of the various ethnic groups, a lot of cultural differences are in existence within the Nigerian society and there is no general way to describe the “Nigerian culture”. Hence, I will be outlining some certain cultural characteristics of the three largest ethnic groups in Nigeria, the Hausas, Igbos and Yorubas below.
Culture
Values
Igbos
In a lot of ways, the Igbos are distinct from other ethnic groups in Nigeria. While the Yoruba and the Hausa tribes are under monarchical leaderships, the Igbos have distinguished themselves by never being subject to one distinct caliphate or kingdom. This characteristic highlight one of their core cultural uniqueness which is non-acceptance of superfluous domination over one another. Each Igboland community is totally self-governing and autonomous. Similarly, an inheritable monarchy is not fully accepted in Igboland unlike in the other ethnic groups in Nigeria (Okigbo, 2015).
A “Naturally enterprising and ingenious people” is a description that has been attached to the Igbos (Meagher, 2010). They are usually among the initial discoverers of new businesses and services. They enter new markets, adopt innovative new technologies, etc. very quickly. They are known to be the ethnic group that has a natural entrepreneurial gift; they are also known to be prolific business owners (Meagher, 2010) in many ramifications.
Yorubas
The Yorubas, unlike the Igbos, are monarchically ruled. This leadership method is a cultural heritage and legacy that is regarded to be of high cultural value. The Yoruba Kingdom’s crowned kings are revered greatly such that they are viewed as divine and as earthly representatives of God; their monarchical duties to their subjects impose this sort of reverence and regard (Oladumiye, 2014).
Hausas
All Nigerian ethnic group are hierarchical, but the level of hierarchical social structure the Hausa ethnic group has surpassed all; it is very precise and distinct. Their societal and office rankings are very well expressed in a detailed manner. Members of their communities are ranked as commoners, administrators, or chiefs; with dissimilar degrees of respect and honour attached to different wealth levels and different profession (Bhutia, 2017). Additionally, the Hausas are the most reserved ethnic group in Nigeria, they show a high level of shyness and restraint (especially the females).
Generally speaking, Nigerians are:
· Hardworking,
· Quite frank and blunt,
· Competitive,
· Dutiful,
· Place a lot of emphasis on respect for elders,
· Assertive and opinionated.
· It is also worthy of note that the Nigerian society is a patriarchal one, placing more value on the male gender in most settings than the female gender.
Concepts
Leadership and Status
Nigerians generally respect Hierarchy, and this is shown in the manner of greeting and addressing individuals of higher social status.
Igbos
The Igbos love titles, status symbols and ranking. The typical Igbo man is perceived to be proud.
Yorubas
The Yoruba man loves to be respected with or without a title to his name and would normally demand the respect due him.
Hausas
The Hausas love to be in positions of authority but are not so particular about titles and perks
Space and Time
In Nigeria, space is not revered as Nigerians are very comfortable with physical contact, this contrasts with individuals from a western background, who place a high value on their personal spaces. It is also normal to have parties and occasions overcrowded (Kwintessential, 2019). In Nigeria, it is seen as perfectly normal for people of the same gender to maintain physical contact whilst conversing or verbally communicating with each other. On the other hand, it is much less regarded as normal when people of different genders maintain physical contact while having a conversation, especially in the Muslim/northern part of the country (Kwintessential, 2019). Punctuality is not so much of a big deal for Nigerians, as they try so hard with timekeeping but do not seem to do so well with it. Tardiness, therefore, does not carry as much weight as it does in western countries, except in very formal business settings where it is highly frowned at and mostly punished (Kwintessential, 2019).
Cultural factors in Communication
Communication pattern
Igbos
Communication, especially with an elderly person, is more informal. Much attention is not paid to matters like genuflecting and the use of honorifics.
Yorubas
In the Yoruba land, elderly people expect a lot more from their younger counterparts; they want to be addressed very respectfully (Elegbe, 2017). For example, the use of honorifics and genuflections from younger persons is compulsory and highly expected and regarded. Another example is how an individual who is being scolded or reprimanded for any form of doing is expected to look away, and failure to do so is translated to mean lack of remorse or defiance. The Yorubas generally tend to pass their messages in confrontational mannerisms; they are a very loud group (Elegbe, 2017).
Hausas
In comparison with the Igbos and Yorubas, it could be said that the Hausas are more restrained, reserved and formal in their communication pattern. The delivery of their messages is not confrontational and comes ideally in a soft voice. (N. Pawlak (ed), 2009). In communication, the Hausas are given to a lot of gesticulations and other nonverbal expressions that are intrinsic to their culture (N.Pawlak (ed), 2009).
Listening habits
Nigerians are typically sceptical listeners who listen most times to respond and not grasp the impact of what is being said. A Nigerian audience can be difficult in that, they are not very open to persuasion by the speaker. They most times listen to the judge and this could be devastating for the speaker.
Behaviours at meetings and negotiations
Generally, greetings are a very important aspect of social interactions in Nigeria, it is therefore necessary to make small talk, asking about the other person’s well-being, what they are currently doing, their family, etc. as this shows an interest (Kwintessential, 2019). Swiftly moving into business discussions after initial handshake may be translated as rudeness. Nigerians that are representing their organizations in negotiations are mostly relationship-oriented and tend to adopt a win-win approach (Kwintessential, 2019), although the Yoruba may be less so than other ethnic groups. It is key to have a mutual relationship between the negotiators if a successful negotiation is to be achieved. This implies that successful business negotiations begin with understanding the opponent’s cognitive patterns and cultural, thus fully maximizing the available opportunities (Kwintessential, 2019). Normally, Nigerians will seek a specific form of agreement, but you should expect a lot of “beating around the bush” before a concord is reached as meetings are to be expected to take much time. They are also likely to be moderate informality and a certain amount of emotion is to be expected to be in display. You should feel free respond accordingly, bearing in mind though that losing control is not an acceptable option while doing so; thus, keep it moderate (Kwintessential, 2019).
Manners and taboos
Igbos
In ancient times, there were rules made by the Igbos that formed taboos to ascertain keeping the sanity of the land and prevent the wrath of their traditional gods from befalling them. In present times, some of these taboos are still being observed. Some of these taboos still observed in recent times are: committing suicide, killing and eating of pythons- which are believed to be the reincarnation of their ancestors, and getting married to an ‘Osu'- an outcast within the caste system of the Igbo culture (Onyeakagbu, People beliefs and taboos in ancient Igboland, 2019).
Yorubas
The need to sanitize the society and prevent cultural abuses brought about abominations and taboos. The Yoruba culture extremely and very significantly prohibits the act of adultery. This taboo is, however, more critical on women than on the men (Onyeakagbu, 2019). When a man suspects that his wife is cheating on him, it is possible for him to lace her with “Magun” (enchanted jewellery) - this is considered one of the strangest traditions in Nigeria. The Magun’s job is to lead to the woman’s lover losing his life or getting stuck in the woman while in the act. Committing suicide by an individual is also considered a very serious abomination frowned at by the Yoruba culture (Onyeakagbu, 2019). In cases of suicidal deaths, certain sacrifices must be done first to appease the gods before the burial can take place.
Hausas
The Hausas are mostly Muslims; therefore, they would regard as taboo what the Islamic Quran forbids. Some taboos in the Hausa ethnic group are scanty or nude dressing by the females and even being openly forward with men, etc.; depicting Prophet Muhammed in the art form as well as open sex education and sexual freedom (Mrsam, 2016).
How to Empathize with Nigerians
Nigerians are very religious and would verbally attack anyone that tries to speak ill of his religion/denomination. It is therefore not rare to see arguments centred on religion. Massaging the ego of a Nigerian makes it easier to access him/her; recognize Nigerian’s achievements.
Igbos
The Igbos are informal and love to make jokes. Patronizing them by being funny and making small jokes makes it easier to relate with them.
Yorubas
The use of honorifics and genuflections gladdens the hearts of a typical Yoruba. It is quite easy to win the favour of a Yoruba by an obvious show of respect.
Hausas
The Hausas love their language and so regard as kin anyone that is fluent in their language.
Cross-century mood
· Defending the Nigerian and African culture
· Embraces and has high regard for foreigners, especially Westerners
· Speaks English but accepts pidgin as a common language
· Seeks to retain place as the giant of Africa
· The Igbos are well-known migrants, travelling, in search of greener pasture, to various parts of the world. It is often said as an Igbo proverb that a city where an Igbo man is not found should be avoided because it is or must be an inhabitable city (Obindigbo, 2019).
Motivating Factors
· Use humour, but not at their expense
· Verbal and nonverbal expression of gratitude
· Speak or attempt to speak the language of a Nigerian
· Respect elders
· Attend weddings and funerals
Avoid
Avoid criticizing a Nigerian, his beliefs, and achievements especially in front of others.
Igbos
Making untrue assumptions about them.
Yorubas
Outright and obvious disrespect of the elderly.
Hausas
Open criticism of their religion.
PS: Bibliography of all citations in this chapter can be found on the following site page: "BIBLIOGRAPHY - TMD 2ND YEAR"
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