Nigerian People and Culture Vocabulary

Flashcards on Nigerian People and Culture

Culture

The total way of life of a people, encompassing their beliefs, values, norms, customs, traditions, language, arts, laws, religion, and material traits passed down from generation to generation.

Identity

The qualities, beliefs, personality, appearance, and expressions that define an individual or group.

Cultural identity

A sense of belonging to a particular group or culture, often expressed through language, religion, dress, food, traditions, and collective memory.

Material culture

Physical objects, artifacts, and tangible elements such as buildings, clothing, tools, and artworks.

Non-material culture

Intangible aspects like values, norms, beliefs, customs, language, and traditions.

Popular culture

Mainstream cultural elements that are widespread and often influenced by media and globalization.

Folk culture

Traditional, localized cultural elements, passed down orally across generations.

High culture

Cultural products and activities associated with the elite, such as classical music, fine arts, and literature.

Low culture

More accessible and mass-consumed forms of culture like dance music, street art, and local crafts.

Subcultures

Cultural groups within a larger culture that have distinct values or practices.

Countercultures

Cultural groups that actively reject dominant cultural norms and promote alternative lifestyles or ideologies.

Niger River

A prominent river that traverses the country, from which Nigeria derives its name.

Flora Shaw

The British journalist who coined the name 'Nigeria' in the late 1800s.

egerew n-igerewen

A Tuareg phrase, possibly the origin of the term 'Niger,' used to describe the river long before European colonization.

Harmattan

A wind period in the north that causes humidity to drop significantly.

Chappal Waddi

The nation’s highest peak, approximately 2,419 m high.

Niger Delta

A vast, swampy region known for features such as oxbow lakes and mangrove swamps.

Hausa Bakwai

The seven true Hausa states founded by the descendants of Bayajidda.

Iskoki

Nature spirits worshipped by pagan Hausa.

Galadima

Senior counselor in Hausa political structures.

Zakat

The Islamic income tax.

Pulaaku

Emphasizes modesty, bravery, and cattle ownership in Fulani culture.

Sokoto Jihad

Islamic reform movement led by Shehu Usman Dan Fodio.

Mai

The supreme authority in Kanuri society.

Nokena

A twelve-member advisory council that assisted the Mai.

Etsu Nupe

Nupe king

Oba

A divine ruler but is held in check by advisory councils like the Oyomesi, Ogboni society, Ifa priests, and public opinion

Igbankwu

Is not just an affair between the future husband and wife—it involves parents, the extended family, and the whole village in the Igbo culture

Igbo-Ukwu

The harbinger of the oldest known sculpture from Igboland.

Amanyanabo

Village head in Ijaw culture.

English

The federal language used for administration, education, trade, and commerce.

Phylum

A major language family not subordinate to any other.

Fulani

The group of people that refer to themselves as “Fulbe” and their language as “Fulfulde.

Baale

The leader of Yoruba towns

Ama Ala

A council of elders, title holders, and lineage heads in the Igbo culture

Nnamdi Azikiwe, Herbert Macaulay, Obafemi Awolowo, and Aminu Kano

Led opposition movements against colonial policies and native authorities

January 1, 1914

The date of the unification of the Southern and Northern Protectorates, creating the geopolitical entity Nigeria.

Indirect Rule

In colonial Nigeria, the name of the system where British colonial officers governed through local traditional rulers.

1929

The year the Aba Riots occurred in response to tax burdens on women and abuses by local colonial officials.

Citizen Rights

The constitutional provision of specific guaranteed rights

Duties

Responsibilities every citizen is expected to fulfill toward their country and fellow citizens.

Honorary Citizenship

The act of obtaining citizenship when governments may grant citizenship to distinguished individuals—such as global leaders, philanthropists, or notable public figures—in recognition of exceptional service or contributions.

Bribery

A harmful practice when individuals are forced to pay for services that should be provided legally and promptly

Indecent Dressing

The growing concerm that the influence of foreign cultures has led to the abandonment of traditional Nigerian attire in favour of revealing and inappropriate clothing styles inspired by Western culture

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

An agency that is actively fighting corruption

Environmental Degradation

When human activities such as deforestation, pollution, urbanization, and poor waste management have led to soil erosion, air and water pollution , flooding, desertification and also to the loss of biodiversity

Social Environment

Human develop systems and institutions meant to meet their needs are part of this environment. Such environment include schools, hospitals, homes, industries, communication systems, and transportation networks

Pollution

Occurs when harmful substances contaminate the environment