Culture Smart Nigeria

The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture

Diane Lemieux

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Afrikaans

Kuperard Publishers
01 May 2012

Travel & holiday guides; Languages & ESL; Afrikaans - Cultural Material; Phrase Books

Series: Culture Smart!

The sheer cultural variety to be found within Nigeria is impressive, with around two hundred and fifty distinct ethno-linguistic groups. That said, three large groups dominate the cultural and political scene. The culture of the mainly Muslim Hausa-Fulani in the north is rooted in the once opulent city-states of the famed trans-Saharan trade routes. The Yoruba culture of the southwest has given rise to some of Africa s best-known art forms and has influenced religions and traditions in many countries through the out-migration of its people during the slave trade. Finally, the Igbo of the southeast have decentralized, republican traditions that have produced a culture of talented traders and businesspeople.

Competition for scarce resources during Nigeria s short history as an independent nation has fostered ingenuity and perseverance on the part of its ambitious citizens. They are natural entrepreneurs, and intelligent and shrewd negotiators. They are also proud. Acutely aware that they have been considered second-class people by Westerners for more than two hundred years, they are deeply aggrieved by their country s reputation for violence and corruption. Most are devout, gregarious, hardworking, and intensely critical of the culture of patronage and self-enrichment that grips much of the public sector.

This book provides a snapshot of Nigeria today, a brief introduction to the ancient and complex systems of behavior, values, and attitudes that underlie the country s vibrant social and business life. It also opens the door to a fascinating culture that will undoubtedly play an increasingly important role in global affairs.

By: Diane Lemieux
Imprint: Kuperard Publishers
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Edition: New edition
Dimensions: Height: 169mm, Width: 110mm, Spine: 13mm
Weight: 177g
ISBN: 9781857336290
ISBN 10: 1857336291
Series: Culture Smart!
Pages: 168
Publication Date: 01 May 2012
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Brief History Politics - Economic Life Traditions - Friendships & Family Relationships Bureaucracy Religion Humour - Local Holidays Taboos Invitations Gifts Dress - Business etiquette - Punctuality & Appointments - Team working Communication Negotiating - Women in Society Tips - Eating Out - Traditional Food - Dos and Don t - Making Friends

Diane Lemieux is a Canadian/Dutch writer and journalist currently based in the Netherlands. Born in Quebec, she travelled the world with her diplomat parents. She began her career in international development, working in Canada, China and Mozambique. Her writing career began during her travels with her Dutch husband and two children while in the Congo, Vietnam and the Netherlands. In Lagos, Nigeria she wrote Culture Smart! Nigeria and The Mobile Life: a new approach to moving anywhere. Diane s goal is to create bridges between people, to improve communication and empathy between cultures. She writes about cultures and interviews people with inspiring stories and international identities.

Reviews for Culture Smart Nigeria: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture

Culture Smart! has come to the rescue of hapless travellers...' Sunday Times Travel, ' the perfect introduction to the weird, wonderful and downright odd quirks and customs of various countries.' Global Travel, ' full of fascinating, as well as common sense, tips to help you avoid embarrassing faux pas.' Observer, ' as useful as they are entertaining.' Easy Jet Magazine, ' offer glimpses into the psyche of a faraway world.' New York Times