‘GST 112: People and culture of Nigeria:

Module 1: Introduction to Nigerian people and culture

Module description:

In this module, you will explore the foundational concept of culture and its significance in Nigerian
society. You will define key terms such as culture, norms, values, ethnicity, and tradition, and examine
how they shape identity, behaviour, and social life. Through real-world Nigerian examples, you will
consider how culture influences national identity, governance, religion, and everyday experiences.
Interactive activities and discussions will support your critical reflection on cultural diversity and your
own identity within a broader social context.

Module exit-level outcome:

• Analyse foundational concepts such as culture, ethnicity, tradition, values, norms, and social
institutions within the Nigerian context.

• Identify how foundational cultural elements influence national identity, governance structures,
religious practices, and everyday experiences across diverse Nigerian communities.

• Reflect critically on cultural backgrounds in relation to Nigeria’s wider cultural diversity.

Learning outcomes:

• LO1: Define culture, tradition, norms, and values as used in social sciences.

• LO2: Explain the meaning of culture in Nigerian society.

• LO3: Discuss the significance of culture in individual and national identity.

• LO4: Identify how culture contributes to cohesion and development in Nigeria.

CONTENTS

1.0. Background to the Course

2.0. Objectives

3.0. Main Content

3.1. Concept of Culture

3.2. Importance of Culture

3.3. Functions of Culture

3.4. Features of culture

3.5. Types of Culture

3.6. Characteristics of Culture

3.7. Elements of Culture

4.0 Conclusion

5.0 Summary

1.0. BACKGROUND TO THE COURSE (PEOPLE AND CULTURE OF NIGERIA)

Before the year 1900, all the different parts of Nigeria conquered by the British were still under their
original administration. But by 1900, the whole Nigeria was under the responsibility of the British
Colonial Office. The May 1906 amalgamation is known as the first ever amalgamation of the British in
Nigeria and the second amalgamation in January 1914, Lord Frederick Lugard, the governor of both the
Northern Nigeria Protectorate and the Colony and Protectorate of Southern Nigeria, signed a document
consolidating and joining the two, thereby creating the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria.

Furthermore, nationalistic awareness arouse at home and aboard among Nigerians which resulted to
the formation of political parties.

Nigeria was granted independence on October 1, 1960. A new constitution established a federal system
with an elected prime minister and a ceremonial head of state. Nigeria democracy was interrupted
several times by military coup, which resulted to civil war in 6th July, 1967.

Nigeria is a multinational country, as it is inhabited by about 500 ethnic groupings, of which the three
largest and major ethnic groups are the Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. Other ethnic groups in Nigeria are
Kanuri, Fulani, Bini, Tiv, Ijaw, Idoma, Igala, Jukun, Efik, Ibibio, Nupe etc. There are some states that have
more than ten different ethnic groups speaking different languages. These ethnic groups speak over 500
different languages, have diverse cultures, and exhibits unique art.
Nigeria is situated between latitudes 400E and 1400N and longitude 300E and 1400E of the Greenwich
meridian. It is bounded in the west by the Republic of Benin, on the north by the Republic of Niger, on
the north-east, by Lake Chad, on the east by the Republic of Cameroun and in the south by the Atlantic
Ocean. It has a total area of 923, 768 square kilometres. It has a total of 910, 768 landed mass and
13,000 square kilometre water ways. It is mostly located in the tropical region. As one moves from the
south to the north, the vegetation progressively changes from tropical rain forest to savannah grassland.
Typically, there are two main seasons: rainy season and dry season interspersed by the harmattan
season. The rains are heaviest in the south and thinnest in the north. Since the 1970s desert
encroachment and desertification have become a serious environmental problem to the northernmost
states. Nigeria has a population of about 218,087,726 people as of Saturday, November 5, 2022, based
on Worldometer elaboration of the latest United Nations data. Equally, divided between males and
females and Christians and Muslims.

Politically, Nigeria is currently divided into six geo-political zones, namely; North-central, North-east,
North-west, South-east, South-west and South-south.

The North-central region comprises of six (6) states namely; Benue state, Kogi state, Kwara state,
Nasarawa state, Niger state and Plateau state.

The North-east region comprises of six (6) states namely; Adamawa state, Bauchi state, Borno state,
Gombe state, Taraba state, and Yobe state.

The North-west region comprises of seven (7) states namely; Jigawa state, Kaduna state, Kano state,
Katsina state, Kebbi state, Sokoto state and Zamfara state.

The South-east region comprises of five (5) states namely; Abia state, Anambra state, Ebonyi state,
Enugu state and Imo state.

The South-west region comprises of six (6) states namely; Ekiti state, Lagos state, Ogun state, Ondo
state, Osun state, and Oyo state.

The South-south region ( also known as Niger-Delta region) comprises of six (6) states namely; Akwa
Ibom state, Bayelsa state, Cross River state, Delta state, Edo state and River state.

In general, Nigeria has thirty-six (36) states. Abuja is the (federal capital territory (FCT) official capital of
Nigeria. It is important to note that, Abuja is not a state but the capital of Nigeria.
Nigeria has very rich tourism and cultural site, namely; Osun-Osogbo sacred groves, Idanre hills in Ondo
state, Ogbunike caves in Anambra state, Oban hills and land scape in Cross river state, Ancient walls of
Kano, Dala hill, the Emir Palace, Zuma rock in Niger state, Ground pyramids, etc.

Nigeria also have rich cultural festivals, such as; Argungu fishing festivals, Calabar carnival, New yam
festival of the Igbo, Igede Agba new yam festival of the Igede people in Benue state, Eyo festival, Durbar
festival of Northern cities of Nigeria etc.

The ethnic, cultural and economic variations and long years of intermingling among the various groups
have combined to produce very rich cultures and art forms which form the heritage of modern Nigeria.

2.0. Objectives

At end of this module, you should be able to:

• know, what culture is and the general concept of culture.

• know the functions of culture.

• know the importance of culture.

• know how culture is built or made within a society.

• know the different types of culture.

• know the characteristics of culture.

• know the element of culture.

3.0. Main Content

3.1. CONCEPT OF CULTURE

The word “culture” comes from the Latin word “cultura” related to cult or worship. In its broadest
sense, the term refers to the result of human interaction.

Culture is a way of life. The food you eat, the clothes you wear, the language you speak in and the God
you worship all are aspects of culture. In very simple terms, we can say that culture is the embodiment
of the way in which we think and do things. It is also the things that we have inherited as members of
society. All the achievements of human beings as members of social groups can be called culture. Art,
music, literature, architecture, sculpture, philosophy, religion and science can be seen as aspects of
culture. However, culture also includes the customs, traditions, festivals, ways of living and one’s
outlook on various issues of life.

Culture thus refers to a human-made environment which includes all the material and non-material
products of group life that are transmitted from one generation to the next. There is a general
agreement among social scientists that culture consists of explicit and implicit patterns of behaviour
acquired by human beings. These may be transmitted through symbols, constituting the distinctive
achievements of human groups, including their embodiment as artifacts. The essential core of culture
thus lies in those finer ideas which are transmitted within a group-both historically derived as well as
selected with their attached value. More recently, culture denotes historically transmitted patterns of
meanings embodied in symbols, by means of which people communicate, perpetuate and develop their
knowledge about and express their attitudes toward life. Culture is the expression of our nature in our
modes of living and thinking. It may be seen in our literature, in religious practices, in recreation and
enjoyment.

Culture varies from place to place and country to country. Its development is based on the historical
process operating in a local, regional or national context. For example, we differ in our ways of greeting
others, our clothing, food habits, social and religious customs and practices from the West. In other
words, the people of any country are characterized by their distinctive cultural traditions.

Cultures are defined as the complex whole that includes the set of knowledge, beliefs, arts, morals, laws
and customs, and any other capabilities and habits that need to be put into operation by the individuals
as members of society. Culture consists of patterns, which are implicit and explicit, of and for behaviour
that are acquired and transmitted by symbols, constituting the distinctive achievements of human
groups, including their embodiment in artifacts.

Culture can be defined as all the ways of life including arts, beliefs and institutions of a population that is
passed down from generation to generation. Culture has been called "the way of life for an entire
society." As such, it includes codes of manners, dress, language, religion, rituals, and art.

Culture is everything which is socially shared and learned by the members of a society. It is that complex
whole including beliefs, art, religion, values, norms, ideas, law, taught, knowledge, custom and other
capabilities acquired by a man as a member of a society.
It is the totality of human experience acquired during transmission of heritage from one generation to
another and to learn the ways of learning, eating, drinking, behaving, walking, dressing, and working is
the culture of man.

Culture is more than traditions or celebrations; it shapes how people think, live, and relate to one
another. In Nigeria, culture influences everything from language and clothing to how communities solve
problems and express identity.

3.2: THE FUNCTIONS OF CULTURE

Culture is not an accessory to life. It is the framework through which human society operates. It defines
how we eat, speak, greet, solve conflict, and relate to others. Every society uses culture to shape
behaviour and organise life. Culture functions to deeply influence control, direct behaviour and life of
the individual and of group. All these functions are controlled through norms or rules made in society.
These norms may be governed by sanctions or punishment, so the study of norms, mores, folkways,
laws etc. is necessary for knowing the culture of society.

The following are key functions that culture performs:

• A design for living: Culture provides routines, customs, and values that guide everyday actions. From
how we greet elders to how we marry or mourn, culture offers a consistent framework for social
behaviour. In many Nigerian communities, for instance, bowing or kneeling when greeting elders shows
respect; a practice deeply rooted in cultural expectations.

• A pattern for meeting basic and social needs: Culture helps meet both biological and social demands. It
provides norms for how we eat, where we live, how we reproduce, and how we relate to others. For
example, extended family systems in Nigeria often support childcare, marriage arrangements, and
intergenerational living.

• A set of social rules and \control: Culture outlines acceptable behaviour through norms, taboos,
customs, and laws. These rules regulate social interactions, encourage cooperation, and help maintain
order. Punishments or sanctions are often tied to these rules, ensuring members stay accountable to
shared values.
• A communication system: Through language, signs, symbols, and gestures, culture enables people to
share ideas and emotions. Whether it’s a proverb in Igbo or a facial expression in Hausa, cultural cues
help us make sense of interactions and strengthen relationships.

• A system of meanings: Culture helps individuals interpret the world around them. It gives pre defined
meanings to life events like birth, marriage, illness, and death. For instance, when someone outstretches
a hand at waist level, it might mean friendship in one culture and a warning in another. These subtle
cues shape how we respond to different situations.

• A source of identity and belonging: Culture answers the question, “Who are we?” It binds individuals
to a community, providing a sense of shared origin, values, and aspirations. Identity is formed through
language, religion, dress, names, and rituals that reflect cultural heritage.

• A map for behaviour: Culture serves as a guidepost for individuals, offering a set of behaviour patterns
to follow. It gives people a sense of direction—from how to speak in public to how to resolve conflict. It
helps individuals act in ways that are socially acceptable within their community.

• A framework for understanding human behaviour: Culture offers tools to interpret and predict how
people behave. It influences emotional responses, decision-making, and social roles. Whether through
verbal communication or non-verbal signs like body posture or attire, culture channels how people
interact and express themselves.

• A repository of myths and spiritual beliefs: Cultural myths, legends, and supernatural beliefs provide
meaning, history, and moral lessons. They help explain the origins of a people and shape rituals,
festivals, and community identity. For example, many ethnic groups in Nigeria have origin stories that
are central to their worldview and passed down through oral tradition.

Culture is the invisible thread that weaves individuals into communities, giving structure to life and
meaning to our shared experiences. Without it, society would lack coherence, purpose, and connection.

3.3: IMPORTANCE OF CULTURE

Culture is closely linked with life. It is not an add-on, an ornament that we as human beings can use. It is
not merely a touch of colour. It is what makes us human. Without culture, there would be no humans.
Culture is made up of traditions, beliefs, and way of life, from the most spiritual to the most material. It
gives us meaning, a way of leading our lives. Human beings are creators of culture and, at the same
time, culture is what makes us human. The following are the importance of culture;

1) Ancestry:

Our cultures help us gain valuable information about our ancestry. Cultural traditions are like pages in a
history book which should be read with interest. Human beings do not live for eternity, but their
cultures do. Cultures give us a gateway to study about our ancestors.

2) Self-realization:

When we study about the roots of our cultures and follow them accordingly, we get to know about
ourselves much better. We can better relate to our origin and value ourselves more. It boosts our self-
respect and dignity to follow our culture. It also makes us feel proud to belong to our own culture.

3) Evolutionary enlightenment:

Knowing our culture in-depth gives us a sneak peek into our evolution. Cultures have originated in
ancient times when human beings started to live as a community. Thus, studying about our cultures and
of the entire world`s is extremely interesting and it sure gives us some enlightenment about ancient
times. This also gives us the required clarity against all our doubts.

4) Culture is what preserves our heritage:

Our heritage has been passed down by many generations before us. Without culture and its various
elements such as dressing, language, tribal marks, food, etc. we will have no heritage to show the world
of our roots.

Our ancestors in the older generations did well to pass down our heritage through oratory and symbolic
festivals; otherwise, we will know nothing about heritage and roots.

5) Moral values:
Following a culture instills moral values in us. Every culture has its share of knowledge and beliefs which
make us better human beings. It makes us responsible people who can co-exist with each other in a
harmonious society.

6) Discipline:

Cultural traditions keep us disciplined. Every culture has certain norms and laws laid down, which if
followed leads to peaceful existence. The rules were made for a reason and should be followed rightly.
Neglecting cultural traditions is not wise and should not be kept as an option.

7) Knowledge:

Detailed study about every aspect of our culture can give us profound knowledge. Cultures never
demand blind followers. Everything is well explained and accounted for in history. Studying about them
will make us more knowledgeable.

8) Compassion:

Every culture teaches us to co-exist with all the other cultures in the world. Cultural teachings always
aim for peace. They teach us to live compassionately and respectfully with everyone, so that peace
prevails.

9) Meaning of life:

Cultures teach us the real meaning of life. Every phase of our life demands different actions and our
culture teaches us that. As we grow up and grow old, our culture holds our hand and directs us towards
the right path.

10) Safeguard future generations:

Cultural traditions were made by our experienced ancestors who wanted to pass on their valued
knowledge about life to every generation of mankind henceforth, to make their survival easier.

11) Responsibility:

Cultural traditions teach us to be responsible human beings. A culture-less and lawless human being is
just another animal. Our culture and society make us be the responsible entities that we are.
 12) Vibrant communities:

The benefits of culture from individuals can spill over to society as a whole. Culture helps build social
capital, the glue that holds communities together. By bringing people together, cultural activities such as
festivals, fairs, or classes create social solidarity and capacity-building, enhancing confidence, civic pride
and tolerance. The social capital created through culture increases with regular participation in cultural
activities.

13) Better health and well-being:

Participation in culture contributes to healthy populations in several ways. Creativity and cultural
engagement have been shown to improve both mental and physical health. A growing body of research
also demonstrates that arts can improve the health and well-being of older adults. Participation in the
arts can relieve isolation and promote identity formation and inter-cultural understanding.

14) Job creation:

Year in year out, people are faced with different cultural festivals and ceremonies that require them to
wear cultural attire. One of such is the traditional marriages between couples, in which they have to use
traditional neckpieces, fabrics, caps, and headgears.

Traditional bead-making or buying and reselling of beads together with other items symbolic to culture
is a way to make a living or have an additional source of income. People that are employed in museums
and some of the cultural sites also make a living from it. The cultural musicians, dancers and movie or
drama actors or actresses earn income from it.

15) Culture can create a vent for stress relief through the recreational activities it brings during festivals:

After having a hectic farming year, the new yam festival for instance is something that can help a yam
farmer, his family and friends, relax.

Wrestling matches for the males and dance competitions for young girls is not only recreational; it
makes for fitness because it is a form of exercise.
 16) Culture has the potential of increasing our gross domestic products (GDP) from tourism:
Fun travelers and tourists from all parts of the world will not only love to visit cultural museums where
ancient paintings and artwork are preserved, but they will also pay for the visit.

Our multi-ethnicity leaves us with a lot to show off, from masquerades to shrines and natural features
that are symbolic of our culture.

Nigeria has a lot to gain if she can invest in culture for the purpose of growing our tourist attractions and
consequently its revenue from tourism.

17) Culture beautifies our towns and cities:

Ancient and cultural paintings and artworks (sculptures, monuments) erected in the strategic locations
within cities and towns beautify them.

Conclusion:

Our culture should be upheld as our heritage. Nothing and no one should be allowed to attack or
destroy our cultural traditions. It is always wise to remember that our cultures define our existence and
make us who we are. It should be passed on generations after generation, like it has been done until
now. Our cultural background should never fade into oblivion and we have to make sure of that. A world
without diverse cultural will not be as colourful as it is now.

The challenges of culture:

While culture enriches life, some traditions or norms may hinder growth, equity, or progress. It’s
essential to reflect critically on what to uphold, adapt, or retire.

Challenges include:

• Harmful practices: Some customs, like early child marriage or gender exclusion, restrict opportunity
and violate rights.

• Ethnocentrism: Believing one’s culture is superior to others can cause conflict or intolerance.

• Rigidity: When culture resists innovation or clings to outdated norms, it can prevent societal
advancement.
• Internal conflict: In multi-ethnic societies like Nigeria, cultural clashes may lead to tension if not
managed with mutual respect. Culture and development are both tools for progress and a lens for
sustainable growth. When intentionally supported, it can contribute meaningfully to national
development.

Positive contributions include:

• Tourism and revenue generation: Cultural festivals (e.g., Argungu fishing festival, Calabar carnival)
attract domestic and foreign visitors.

• Cultural industries: Film (Nollywood), crafts, fashion, and heritage preservation are major economic
sectors.

• Education and lifelong learning: Teaching cultural history and ethics builds a more informed, proud,
and peaceful population.

• Social capital: Cultural activities create bonds, improve civic pride, and promote cooperation.

Yet, without adaptation, culture may also:

• Reinforce inequality (e.g., denial of education to certain groups)

• Cause regional conflict

• Reduce global competitiveness if innovation is stifled

Summary

Culture defines who we are, but it also determines where we’re going. It offers identity, guidance,
belonging, and economic opportunity. At the same time, it must evolve to remain relevant, ethical, and
inclusive. By understanding both its functions and its impacts, we can preserve what is meaningful while
transforming what holds us back.

3.4: FEATURES OF CULTURE

Culture is made up of the key elements that shape how people think, act, and relate to one another.
These features of culture are the building blocks that create identity, shared meaning, and a sense of
belonging within a community. Every society has these cultural features, though they may look different
from one place to another. They are reflected in how we govern, worship, create, communicate,
organise, and sustain ourselves.

The key features of culture include: 1. Government 2. Religion 3. Arts and Literature 4. Customs and
Traditions 5. Language 6. Social Organization 7. Economic Systems.

Government: Culture’s guiding framework.

Government refers to the system of leadership and rule in any society. It includes people or institutions
that make laws, enforce order, and uphold shared values. In Nigeria, government plays a major cultural
role by influencing laws, citizen responsibilities, and even public holidays.

Religion: Belief and moral foundation

Religion is a central part of most cultures. It includes spiritual beliefs, moral values, and practices that
guide how people behave. Nigeria is religiously diverse; with Christianity, Islam, and Traditional Religion
playing influential roles.

Arts and literature: Cultural expression

Culture finds expression through art, music, storytelling, dance, and architecture. These forms carry
meaning across generations and serve as records of identity, struggle, joy, and creativity.

Culture is expressed, conveyed and preserved from one person to another or from generation to
generations through arts and literature.

Customs and traditions: The cultural blueprint

Customs are long-standing ways of behaving or celebrating that are passed down through generations.
They may include marriage rites, naming ceremonies, and communal greetings. Traditions reflect the
shared history of a people and promote continuity.

Language: The cultural connector

Language is one of the most important parts of any culture. It is the means by which people
communicate with one another, build relationships and create a sense of community. Language is more
than communication, it's a carrier of history, belief, and identity. In Nigeria, there are over 500
languages, each rich with idioms, proverbs, and meaning.
Social organisation: How culture builds community

Social organisation refers to the structure of relationships within a community, like families, peer
groups, and associations. These networks shape roles, expectations, and support systems.

Economic system: Culture at work

An economic system refers to how a culture uses resources to sustain life; what people produce, how
they trade, and who does what kind of work.

Economic system is an integral part of culture due to the manner in which a culture produces and
distributes its goods and services. It refers to the conditions under which cultural groups make use of
the capabilities of its individuals and the environment to derive some benefits. For instance, the Urhobo,
Itsekiri, Ijaw people from the south-south region of Nigeria, Jukuns from Taraba state and the people
from Argungu in Kebbi state are predominantly fisher men, this is because they reside along the banks
of Warri river, river Benue and Sokoto river respectively. Fishing as an occupation is transferred from
one generation to the next in those communities.

How cultural features promote identity and social cohesion

When people participate in shared religious services, speak the same language, wear traditional attire,
or join local associations, they are reinforcing a common identity. These features:
• Help individuals feel seen and valued

• Encourage respect and cooperation

• Provide meaning and direction during life events

• Strengthen unity across generations.

In Nigeria, despite diversity, cultural features like festivals, languages, and religion continue to promote
connection among people of different regions and beliefs.

Summary

Culture is built on several features; government, religion, language, art, traditions, and economic
systems. These are not isolated parts of life, they work together to form identity, maintain social order,
and keep communities strong. Understanding these features helps us appreciate not only our heritage
but also how to contribute to a more united society.

3.5. TYPES OF CULTURE

There are two (2) basic types of culture, which are material culture and non-material culture.

a) Material Culture:

Material cultures are physical or tangible objects or things produced and used by a particular ethnic
group (society) and are passed down from one generation to the next, such as tools and technology,
clothing, cooking or eating utensils, mean of transportation, architectural buildings, artifacts,
monuments, sculptures, foods etc.

b) Non-Material Culture:

Non-material cultures are intangible or abstract things produced and used by a particular ethnic group
(society) and are passed down from one generation to the next, such as customs, ideas, values, religion,
norms, laws, languages, attitude, manners, habits, songs etc.

Summary

Material culture includes things we can touch, see and feel, like clothing, tools, or artworks. Non-
material culture includes beliefs, languages, customs, and values which we can’t see nor touch.
Together, they shape how people live and what they pass on to future generations.

3.6. CHARACTERISTICS OF CULTURE

Culture is universal; all human societies have it, but no two cultures are exactly the same. Despite their
differences, most cultures share a set of common characteristics. These features define how culture
works and why it is so important to human life.

Here are ten key characteristics that make culture unique:

1. Culture is learned:

Culture is not inherited genetically; it is acquired through social interaction. It is not an inborn
tendency but acquired by man from the association of others. People learn how to eat, dress,
others, and behave through observation, education, and practice. Example: Greeting elders by
kneeling or prostrating in Yoruba communities is a behaviour learned from family and society.

2. Culture is shared:

Culture exists in groups, not individuals. People in the same community share language, values,
customs, and rituals.

Example: Many Igbo communities celebrate the New Yam Festival together, passing down traditions
through group participation.

3. Culture is transmitted:

Cultural knowledge and traditions are passed from one generation to another, often through
storytelling, education, and Example: Kola nut rituals or clan histories are passed orally among
elders and youth.

4. Culture is symbolic:

Culture relies on symbols, objects, words, or actions that carry meaning. Symbols vary between
cultures can include language, gestures, artifacts.

Example: In Nigerian communities, the palm frond may signify mourning or ritual protection.

5. Culture is dynamic:

It remains changing but not static, Culture evolves over time. Cultural process undergoes changes.
But with different speeds from society to society and generation to generation.

New technologies, globalisation, and inter-cultural contact can reshape traditional practices.

Example: Young Nigerians may mix native attire with Western fashion or use WhatsApp to celebrate
traditional events virtually.

6. Culture is integrated:

Cultural elements are interlinked. Changes in one part of culture (e.g. economy) affect others (e.g.
family roles or values).

Example: Urbanisation affects housing styles, family structures, and even food preparation practices.
7. Culture is cumulative:

Each generation builds on the past by adding new knowledge, experiences, and inventions. Culture
combines old and new to remain relevant.

Example: Traditional storytelling has evolved into Nollywood films that reflect both history and
modern realities.

8. Culture varies across societies:

While all human groups have culture, the content differs. What is polite, sacred, or humorous in one
culture may not be in another.

Example: While it is polite to maintain eye contact in some Nigerian communities, it may be
considered disrespectful in others.

9. Culture is gratifying:

Culture helps people meet their needs, both physical and emotional. It gives people a sense of
meaning and offers ways to fulfil desires.

Example: Festivals provide joy, identity, and social bonding, while also offering economic
opportunities (e.g. food vendors or musicians).

10. Culture is pervasive:

Culture influences every part of life, from what we eat, how we speak, to how we view success or
happiness. Even choices we don’t question are shaped by culture.

Example: The practice of using right hand only for greetings or eating in many Nigerian communities
is a cultural norm that guides behaviour in subtle ways.

How these characteristics shape identity

Together, these characteristics define how cultures grow, adapt, and distinguish themselves from
others. They help individuals answer big questions like:

• “Who am I?”

• “What do I value?”
 • “How should I live with others?”

Whether it’s language, rituals, symbols, or norms, each cultural element carries meaning and
connects individuals to a broader story.

For example, undergoing a rite of passage, like the Iria or Iwa Akwa does more than mark adulthood.
It helps young people feel seen, respected, and rooted in their history.

Everyday Nigerian expressions of culture

Culture isn’t just visible during festivals or public ceremonies. It shows up in daily life:

• Family structure: In many Nigerian households, families are extended, including grandparents,
uncles, and cousins all living together or supporting one another.

• Greetings: An Igbo person might say “Nnoo” to welcome you, while a Hausa person may say
“Sannu da zuwa”. Each greeting reflects respect and community values.

• Rites of passage: Events like naming ceremonies, initiation rituals, and marriage celebrations mark
life stages and reflect beliefs, identity, and heritage.

3.7. ELEMENTS OF CULTURE

Culture was defined earlier as the total ways of life of people, such as the food you eat, the clothes you
wear, the language you speak in, the God you worship, symbols you communicate with, beliefs, values,
and artifacts that are part of any society. As this definition suggests, there are two basic types of culture:
ideas and symbols (non-material) on the one hand and artifacts (material objects) on the other. The first
type, called non-material culture, includes the values, beliefs, symbols, and language that define a
society. The second type, called material culture, includes all the society’s physical objects, such as its
tools and technology, clothing, eating utensils, and means of transportation.

The elements of culture explain culture from the standpoint of what’s common across all cultures. For
example, all cultures sings and dance. However, two cultures may differ in the way they sing and dance,
or they may have similar elements that are being expressed in different ways. These differences help
create distinction between different cultures, making for many different ways that the human being can
come to live and take a perspective of the world.

These elements of culture are discussed below;

 i) NORMS

Cultures differ widely in their norms, or standards and expectations for behaving. Norms are the formal
and informal rules regarding what kinds of behavior are acceptable and appropriate within a culture.
Norms are specific to a culture, time, period, and situation. Norms are specific cultural expectations on
how to behave in a given situation and society.

Norms are standard set up to tell one is right from wrong and it is an aspect of culture, human lives by.

Norms are often divided into two types, formal norms and informal norms. Formal norms; are norms
that is specifically taught. Formal norms also called mores and laws refer to the standards of behavior
considered the most important in any society. Examples in Nigeria include traffic laws, criminal codes,
and, in a college context, student behaviour codes addressing such things as examination mal-practice
and mode of dressing.

Informal norms; are norms that are learned by observation or without direction. Informal norms also
called folkways and customs refer to standards of behavior that are considered less important but still
influence how we behave. Table manners, respects for elders, greetings are common examples of
informal norms, as are such everyday behaviours as how we interact with one another.

All cultures have norms that they live by but many norms differ dramatically from one culture to the
other.

ii) SYMBOLS

Every culture is filled with symbols, or things that stand for something else and that often evokes various
reactions and emotions. Some symbols are actually types of non-verbal communication, while other
symbols are in fact material objects. Culture is emphasized as shared symbols which makes social
interaction possible.

Non-verbal symbols: Non-verbal symbol is a way we communicate or interact with one another in a
community or society without making a sound. It could be soundless communication through signs and
symbols understood by only the members of the society or community or generally understood by every
societies or communities. For example; facial expressions, gestures, paralinguistic, body language,
proxemics or personal space, eye gaze, haptic (touch), appearance, and artifacts. A common one is
shaking hands, which is done in some societies but not in others. It commonly conveys friendship and is
used as a sign of both greeting and departure. Probably all societies have non-verbal symbols we call
gestures, movements of the hands, arms, or other parts of the body that are meant to convey certain
ideas or emotions. However, the same gesture can mean one thing in one society and something quite
different in another society. In some cultures in Nigeria, for example, if we nod our head up and down,
we mean yes, and if we shake it back and forth, we mean no. In Bulgarian culture, however, nodding
means no, while shaking our head back and forth means yes!

•Gestures are the signs that we make with our body, such as hand gestures and facial expressions; it is
important to note that these gestures also carry meaning. Some gestures have the same meaning in
some cultures while it has different meaning in other cultures.

Some of our most important symbols are objects. For instance, in some cultures in Nigeria, palm frond
at the entrance to a house, symbolize a death of someone from that house. In the Igbo culture, kola nut
basically symbolizes peace, unity, reconciliation, integrity, life, fraternity, hospitality, goodwill and
kindness.

As these examples indicate, shared symbols, both non-verbal communication and tangible objects, are
an important part of any culture but also can lead to misunderstandings and even hostility. These
problems underscore the significance of symbols for social interaction and meaning.

iii) LANGUAGE

Perhaps our most important set of symbols is language. Language could be seen as a set of symbols and
rules that lead to complex communication system. Some scholars even see the life we live as a series of
conversations, either verbal or non-verbal. Members learn spoken language and the special terms of
reference used by the ethnic group. For instance; money in Hausa language is Kudi, money in Igbo
language is Ego and money in Yoruba language is Owo. As long as we agree how to interpret these
words, a shared language and thus society are possible. By the same token, differences in languages can
make it quite difficult to communicate. For example, imagine you are in a foreign country where you do
not know the language and the country’s citizens do not know yours. Worse yet, you forgot to bring
your dictionary that translates their language into yours, and vice versa, and your iPhone battery has
died. You become lost. How will you get help? What will you do? Is there any way to communicate your
plight?

As this scenario suggests, language is crucial to communication and thus to any society’s culture.
Children learn language from their culture just as they learn about values, norms, habits, morals, shaking
hands, about gestures, and about the significance of signs and symbols. Humans have a capacity for
language that no other animal species possesses. Our capacity for language in turn helps make our
complex culture possible.

All ethnic groups (cultures) communicate and express themselves through languages but it differs in the
way it sounds and manners of communications.

iv) RITUALS

In various parts of the world, there are different practices that mark transitioning from one phase of life
to another. It could be as simple as handing o=ver the keys to a car to a young teenager showing that he
is now an adult and responsible for their own decision or as elaborate as throwing rituals or spiritual
events that welcome the person to a new phase.

Ritual is defined as a religious or solemn ceremony consisting of a series of actions performed according
to a prescribed order. In Nigeria, most of these rites are typically celebrated through music, dance and
ceremony. These rites may be similar to one or more tribes, bearing a different name somewhere else
and having a slight alteration. A lot of them used to be barbaric with female genital mutilation being one
of the most well-known amongst the others. While the numbers of tribes practicing these barbaric rites
are reduced and more tribes are adopting new practices that are less harmful, there are still some
groups in the country that celebrate these today.

Here are some of the most interesting rites of passage in Nigeria.

Iria Ritual

The Iria Ritual is popular to various tribes in the Niger Delta, with some forms of the ritual being harsher
than the others. It typically involves young girls who are between 14 and 16 years undergoing rituals
that prepare them for marriage. In some places, these girls have to be bare-breasted in front of the
crowd for inspection. The goal of this is to ensure that their virginity is intact.
The young girls also get to visit the fattening room where they are well fed with body nourishing meals,
especially pounded yam mixed with pounded plantain. In the fattening room, the ladies are pampered
and are prepared to dance half-naked at the market square. At the end of their stay in the fattening
room, they are changed and look more beautiful. Their bodies are then painted in different colours for
the dance.

In time past, it was believed that if one did not go through the Iria ritual it would be very difficult for her
to have a child. One of the common beliefs among the people is that young women going through
puberty have attachments to water spirits and so, they gather at dawn to chase the spirits. After this, a
senior male member of the tribe strikes the girls with sticks sending them back to the village.

Iwa Akwa

In some parts of Eastern Nigeria, Iwa Akwa, also known as cloth wearing is the tradition that marks a
young boy’s initiation into manhood. It used to be more widespread in times past but today, it is
celebrated once in three years in some communities such as Ugbo, Uboma, Umuezegwu to mention but
a few. When a young man is in his twenties, there is an investigation into his family and lifestyle to know
about his eligibility. Some of the questions asked include whether his mother was properly married and
whether he is linked to the Osu caste system, paternally or maternally. When everything checks out, he
would then join an age group and he would have to buy a high-quality George wrapper. The festival is
traditionally a two-day event. On the first day which is the initiation, previous celebrants come to show
their seniority to the new initiates. The new initiates have to perform certain rites such as fetching water
and shining the shoes of the older initiates as a sign of respect. On the second day, which is the main day
of Iwa Akwa, the wrapper is spread in front of the family compound and blessed. Then the wrapper is
worn and there’s a procession along the streets with pomp and fanfare.

The wrapper is seen as a sign of coverage. Before now, he was a naked child and now he is a clothed
adult. It welcomes him into manhood and he can now take up responsibilities in his family and
community.

The Sharo

The Sharo is practiced amongst the Fulani tribe in Nigeria. Sharo means flogging and celebrates the
bravery and endurance of young men who intend passing from that phase to being referred to as men.
They are bare-chested and are escorted to the ring by young women with drums and cheers from
spectators. A couple of these young men recite mantras during the flogging and others undergo a
fortification process in preparation for the day. The families, on the other hand, pray that their sons do
not bring disgrace to them as one who doesn’t withstand the flogging is seen as a disgrace. After the
flogging, the boys become men and are allowed to marry the women they want.

All cultures perform rituals which is practices that mark transitioning from one phase of life to another.
Although, the practice differ dramatically from one culture to the other.

v) VALUES

Values are another important element of culture and involve judgments of what is good or bad and
desirable or undesirable. Values stipulate what is desirable and morally correct.

Cultural values are a series of principles and values passed on generation after generation by our
ancestors. Based on values the entire cultural community decides their way of life. Those ideas decide
how a person of that culture will behave and how they will live their lives.

All culture in Nigeria has their values as integrity, greeting, respect for elders and for other people,
honesty, patriotism, charity, freedom, equality and justice, individualism, responsibility, accountability,
transparency, trust, and selfless service to the community. A culture's values shape its norms.

It makes people learn tolerance and understand brotherhood which paves the path of social harmony,
economic improvement and physical well-being of the community and the others. In Nigeria, for
example, a central value is group harmony. The Nigerians place great emphasis on harmonious social
relationships and dislike interpersonal conflict.

vi) Artifacts

The last element of culture is artifacts. Artifacts are material objects that constitute a society's material
culture. In the simplest societies, artifacts are largely limited to a few tools, the huts or buildings people
live in, and the clothing they wear. An artifact reminds us of our great march from history into posterity.
It describes the identity, culture and heritage of a particular people. Anything that evidences the social,
political, economic or religious organization of the people to whom it belongs is qualified as an artifact.
Thus, an artifact may be defined as an object that has been intentionally made for some purpose.

Artifacts are arts which represent the cultural identity of a group of people; they are often time-linked
with the history and culture of any nation and are part of its cultural heritage.

Artifacts such as an archaeological item, a tool or a vessel are man-made objects which reveal valuable
information about the society that made or used it.

Examples of artifacts in different cultures in Nigeria are; Nok terracotta pieces from Jaba local
government area of Kaduna state, Benin Bronze, Ife bronze head Esie soap stones, Oron monoliths, ivory
carvings from Benin, Igbo ukwu arts in Aguata local government area of Anambra state, traditional
attires are also cultural artifacts.

Just as language and dance depict different cultures, so do artifacts depict the group of people it
represents as well as those who made and used them, and this is important in national identity.

All cultures have artifacts which represent the cultural identity of their people. Although, the artifacts
differ dramatically from one culture to the other.

Summary

In this module, you explored the foundation of cultural understanding—what culture is, how it works,
and why it matters. We started by breaking down the term "culture" into its core elements: shared
values, beliefs, norms, practices, and symbols that are passed from one generation to another.

You learned that culture is not biologically inherited, but rather socially learned through participation in
community life, how we greet elders, celebrate events, or dress for occasions are all culturally learned
behaviours. We explored how culture is shared, transmitted, and symbolic, and how it touches every
part of life, from religion to language, from rituals to everyday choices like food and clothing.

Using Nigerian examples, we looked at the features of culture such as government, religion, customs
and traditions, language, social organisation, economy, and the arts. These features build and preserve
cultural identity and create a sense of belonging within communities.
You also examined the characteristics that make culture unique across the world and within Nigeria.
These include the facts that culture is dynamic, cumulative, integrated, gratifying, and diverse. You saw
how culture changes over time, through exposure to new ideas, technologies, and inter-group contact
and how these changes can be both beneficial and challenging.

Importantly, we discussed the functions and benefits of culture, including how it provides people with
meaning, moral direction, and patterns for social behaviour. At the same time, you were encouraged to
think critically about challenges, such as rigid traditions, exclusion, or practices that may no longer serve
society.

You also reflected on how cultural elements, such as language, rituals, norms, and values, shape identity
and social cohesion, especially in a multi-ethnic society like Nigeria. Understanding these elements can
help build empathy, respect, and unity across differences.