Africa: Vocab Flashcards
A group of indigenous people of North Africa, primarily living in Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania, and northern Mali. They are believed to have descended from the ancient people of North Africa who spoke the Afro-Asiatic language family. Berber culture is known for its strong sense of identity, vibrant traditional music and art, and a deep-seated commitment to communal values.
Berbers
West African storyteller, poet, and musician, typically from the Mande ethnic group, who serves as a repository of oral tradition, passing down stories and histories from one generation to the next.
Griots
A type of saddle used to ride camels, consisting of a wooden frame padded with felt or blankets and sometimes covered with heavy fabric or leather. It is designed to spread the rider’s weight evenly across the camel’s back and to provide support and stability while riding.
Camel Saddle
A type of fruit that grows on a tall, tropical plant. They are curved, elongated yellow fruit with a slightly sweet flavor and creamy texture. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber and are a popular snack or addition to many meals.
Bananas
A yellow precious metal that is used in jewelry and coins, as well as in industrial applications. It is one of the most malleable and ductile of all metals and is extremely resistant to corrosion and tarnishing.
Gold
A mineral composed primarily of sodium chloride (NaCl). It is used to flavor and preserve food, and for many other purposes. Salt is an essential part of the human diet, and it is found in almost every type of food.
Salt
A dish consisting of cooked okra, rice, and other seasonings. The okra is typically cooked with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a variety of spices. The dish is usually served as a side dish or a main meal. It is popular in many parts of the Caribbean, Africa, and the Southern United States.
Okra and Rice
The exchange of plants, animals, and other items between the Americas and the rest of the world following the voyage of Christopher Columbus in 1492.
Columbian Exchange
A type of carbohydrate found in many foods and drinks. It is a sweet substance, usually in the form of white or brown crystals, that is used to enhance the flavor of food.
Sugar
A series of migrations of the Bantu peoples – speakers of a branch of the Niger–Congo languages – across Africa, from the West African Savannah to the southern and central parts of the continent. The migration is believed to have begun in the 2nd millennium BCE and continued in waves until the 19th century.
Bantu Migration
An annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, that Muslims undertake to fulfil the fifth pillar of Islam. It is a spiritual journey which includes several rituals, such as walking around the Kaaba seven times, and is considered a demonstration of devotion to Allah.
Hajj
A Bantu language that is spoken in eastern and southeastern Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, and parts of Uganda and Mozambique
Swahili
A city in Mali, West Africa, located on the southern edge of the Sahara Desert. It was an important trading center in medieval times and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is known for its rich culture, Islamic scholarship, and beautiful architecture.
Timbuktu
historic mosque located in the city of Timbuktu, in Mali. It was built in the 14th century and is considered one of the most important examples of Sudanese architecture in West Africa. The mosque is known for its distinctive architectural style, which combines elements of traditional Sudanese and North African design with elements of local Malian building techniques. The mosque is also notable for its role in the spread of Islamic learning in West Africa, as it was an important center of scholarship and education during the medieval period.
Djinguereber Mosque
A form of labor in which an individual is forced to work against their will, without any payment or other compensation. It can involve physical labor, mental labor, or a combination of both.
Coerced Labor
