Cultural Differences in Nigeria

Cultural differences are the disparities that exist between the various cultural groups in Nigeria. They are those things that are not common among the different tribes in Nigerian Culture.

Some of the differences that can be noticed in Nigerian Culture are:

Language: 

There are over five hundred languages including the three major languages, that is, Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa. In situations where the language is common, individual groups can have their own dialect, which is a form of the language.

Greetings: 

Each group has a specific way of greeting. For example, a Yoruba male prostrates while a Yoruba female kneels. The Hausa’s squat while the Igbo’s bow.

Mode of Dressing:

Yoruba men wear Agbada, Buba, Sokoto with Cap to match, while the Women wear Iro and Buba with Gele. The Hausa men wear Babariga with Cap while the Women wear clothes that cover almost every part of their body. Igbo men wear wrappers and native tops with walking sticks.

Food:

Each group has their special dish peculiar to its culture. The Yorubas like pounded yam, amala with efo riro, ewedu or egusi soup. The Hausas and Fulanis eat tuwo sinkafa and drink kunu or fresh milk. While Igbos eat okazi soup, bitter leaf soup, and akpu.

Occupation: 

Every cultural group has an occupation or job they are known for. The occupation of a people is mostly based on their physical environment, e.g, those in riverine areas are mostly fishermen while those who live in the forest zones (Yoruba) are mostly farmers. The Hausa people are mostly farmers and cattle rearers due to the savannah vegetation in the North.

Arts and Crafts: 

Various cultures have unique arts and crafts based on materials available in their locality. Benin, Ife, and Igbo – Ukwu are known for Bronze making, some Yoruba (Oyo) and Hausa people carve calabashes. Gwari people make beautiful pots and brass casting, whereas in Kano they produce leather works.

Housing:

The shapes and materials used for building houses differ from one culture to another. The Hausas and Fulanis live in thatched houses while the Yorubas and Igbos live in rectangular mud houses.