The Igbo Ethnic Group
The Igbo ethnic group is the second-largest ethnic group in Nigeria. Given that they are dispersed throughout several villages, their enormous population helps to explain their diversity of cultures. Nevertheless, all of the subgroups speak the same language. According to some historians, they were originally immigrants from the west and northern parts of Nigeria who settled in the eastern and southern parts during the fourteenth century. However, this explanation for their origins is inconsistent among historians (Ogbulogo, 2002). The Igbo were among those taking part in the slave trade on the Nigerian coast when the Portuguese arrived in Nigeria. Before the abolition of slave trade in 1807, the British had penetrated into the interiors and had interacted with the Igbo introducing them to various practices of the New World. Currently, there are various similarities between the Igbo culture and that of Americans.
Work
The Igbo conduct their work mainly on their farms where they grow yams, taro, and cassava. Important to note is that the division of labor among these individuals is by gender. For this matter, the conduct their duties to strengthen their relationships in the family. Whereas men work on clearing bushes, the women assist in planting the crops on the farms. Unlike the Igbo, Chiadikobi Nwaubani in an interview asserts that “Americans do not have the division of labor conducted along gender lines but depending on competitiveness” (African Business Central, 2016). However, there are similarities between the Igbo and Americans as currently the two cultures have highly embraced trading. Owing to the growth in cities, participation in wage labor is more common in the two cultures and is a source of livelihood.
Relationships and Communication
The manner in which the Igbo relate heavily depends on the age and gender of the person. They accord males and the elderly more respect than others, and therefore people do not openly express their feelings when addressing these individuals. In particular, the children offer greetings to the elderly first. Moreover, the ways used in communication depend on the social status of individuals in the society. When addressing the rich (nnukw madu or ogaranya), the moderately rich and poor look for a way to express their problems (Stevenson, 1985). The case is different when it comes to Americans as there are no limitations when expressing oneself. They do not face any restrictions when expressing their anger as they have the right to come out and complain.
Similarities and Differences
On the other hand, differences arise between the two cultures as the Americans take more of an individualistic approach while the Igbo live in togetherness and harmony. However, there is a conflict at times as the villages of the Igbo have experienced civil wars in the previous years. Therefore, it becomes evident that despite living in harmony and togetherness, there are particular groups within the Igbo population which are more suppressed than others. Chiadikobi Nwaubani in an interview explains that “the sports of the Igbo, the have a higher preference of wrestling over other sporting activities such as football” (African Business Central, 2016). Therefore, the thrill of competition evident in such events shows clearly that there is a similarity with Americans who take a hard stance when it comes to competing.
Governance
The Igbo system of governance involved politics which were different from those of Americans. The head was a king known as Obi, and he got assistance from the council of elders. The citizen took part in choosing the leaders who would serve in the council of elders assembly (Ogbulogo, 2002). Additionally, some independent communities formed councils comprising of the executive, legislative, and judicial bodies who made various decisions. Despite there being variations, the similarity between the Igbo and the American culture stem from the democratic-republican system of government.
Conflict Resolution
Regarding the manner in which the two cultures handle conflict resolution, the Igbo perceived matters arising had a direct effect on the needs of the community. Therefore, they treated these matters in a way that was open and public. The approach assumed by the Igbo to an even much broader perspective where they involved families and other community members in conflict resolution. On the other hand, the system of governance used by the Americans sought the use of the intermediaries to assist in solving conflicts. The intermediaries are professionals who hold a neutral ground in the matter under examination. Moreover, these individuals have no power to impose a given decision without following the required criteria. Therefore, a difference arises between the two cultures. Important to note is that in the American culture, conflict resolution may take place privately without any information leaking out to the public.
Family Life
The Igbo practiced polygamy where it was allowable for many to marry more than one wife. Besides, the rich men had no limitations when it came to the number of women they wanted to marry provided they could offer the necessary support. Therefore, if one had the ability to provide enough land to his wives and other dependants, he was able to marry the number he wanted. In an interview with Chiadikobi Nwaubani, it is evident that “the family of the Igbos widened to the extended family which involved unmarried children, wives and their parents” (African Business Central, 2016). The residence of the extended family was confined in one compound as a symbol of togetherness. On the other hand, the Americans possessed different cultural practices where men are legally allowed to marry only one wife. Regarding the residence of the family members, they had the freedom to live where they wanted to given it was convenient for them.
Conclusion
The Igbo people comprise the second largest group of individuals in Nigeria. Currently, there are various similarities between the Igbo culture and that of Americans. Regarding work and other duties, the Igbo conduct their duties to strengthen their relationships in the family. Owing to the growth in cities, participation in wage labor is more common between the Igbo and Americans since it is a source of livelihood. When it comes to relationships and expressing oneself, the poor among the Igbos present themselves uniquely to express their problems to the rich. Americans, on the other hand, do not face any restrictions when expressing their anger as they have the right to come out and complain.
Regarding the manner in which the two cultures handle conflict resolution, the Igbo perceived matters arising had a direct effect on the needs of the community. Hence, they solved them publicly. In the American culture, conflict resolution may take place privately without any information leaking out to the public. Family life also has its differences in the two cultures as the Igbo allow polygamous marriages while in the American culture one can only marry one wife. On the other hand, the family members in the Igbo community resided in one compound but in the American culture, they stayed in various locations given the convenience.
References
African Business Central. (2016). The images of Igbo before: An interview with Chiadikobi Nwaubani, Founder of Ukpuru. African Business Central. Retrieved 18 May 2017, from http://www.africanbusinesscentral.com/2016/09/06/the-images-of-igbo-before-an-interview-with-chiadikobi-nwaubani-founder-of-ukpuru/
Ogbulogo, C. (2002). The Example of Igbo Youth and Cultural Heritage. Journal Of Cultural Studies, 4(1). http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jcs.v4i1.6189
Stevenson, I. (1985). The Belief in Reincarnation Among the Igbo of Nigeria1. African And Asian Studies, 20(1), 13-30. http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/156852185×00027
