Synopses & Reviews
The decades of independence in Ghana have strengthened the idea of a national Ghanaian culture. The culture and customs of Ghana today are a product of diversity in traditional forms, influenced by a long history of Islamic and European contact.
Culture and Customs of Ghana is the first book to concisely provide an up-to-date narrative on the most significant elements of the established cultural life and institutions as well as the most recent changes in the cultural landscape. Written expressly for students and the general reader, it belongs in every library supporting multicultural and African studies curricula.
Ghana seeks to cultivate the philosophy of the African personality, to revive, maintain, and promote Ghanaian ways of life and integrate them into political and social institutions. Ghanaians also recognize their relationship to the rest of the world and continue to develop with the forces of globalization. Culture and Customs of Ghana authoritatively discusses the vibrant and adaptable people, from their religions to music and dance. A chronology, glossary, and numerous photos complement the text.
Review
[o]utsiders with fresh eyes have a long history of providing penetrating insights into the functioning of a highly cosmopolitan society. Falola and Salm are able to continue in this tradition....[i]ncludes a useful chronology of events that blends political and administrative milestones with those that are more cultural in nature.International Journal of African Historical Studies
Review
[F]or a nonacademic audience, this book is an exceptional introduction. Moreover, this book should be required reading for academics doing research in Ghana for the first time so that they can round out their inderstanding of the societies with which they are interacting.African Studies Review
Review
Ghana's culture and customs have been influenced by a long history of Islamic and European contact. This book provides a narrative on cultural life and institutions in Ghana and looks at recent changes in the cultural landscape, for students and general readers.Reference &Research Book News
Synopsis
The decades of independence in Ghana have strengthened the idea of a national Ghanaian culture. The culture and customs of Ghana today are a product of diversity in traditional forms, influenced by a long history of Islamic and European contact. Culture and Customs of Ghana is the first book to concisely provide an up-to-date narrative on the most significant elements of the established cultural life and institutions as well as the most recent changes in the cultural landscape. Written expressly for students and the general reader, it belongs in every library supporting multicultural and African studies curricula. Ghana seeks to cultivate the philosophy of the "African personality," to revive, maintain, and promote Ghanaian ways of life and integrate them into political and social institutions. Ghanaians also recognize their relationship to the rest of the world and continue to develop with the forces of globalization. Culture and Customs of Ghana authoritatively discusses the vibrant and adaptable people, from their religions to music and dance. A chronology, glossary, and numerous photos complement the text.
Synopsis
Authoritatively discusses the vibrant and adaptable Ghanaian people, from their religions to music and dance
Synopsis
The decades of independence in Ghana have strengthened the idea of a national Ghanaian culture. The culture and customs of Ghana today are a product of diversity in traditional forms, influenced by a long history of Islamic and European contact. Culture and Customs of Ghana is the first book to concisely provide an up-to-date narrative on the most significant elements of the established cultural life and institutions as well as the most recent changes in the cultural landscape. Written expressly for students and the general reader, it belongs in every library supporting multicultural and African studies curricula.
About the Author
STEVEN J. SALM is a William S. Livingston Fellow in the Department of History at the University of Texas, Austin.TOYIN FALOLA is the Frances Higginbothom Nalle Centennial Professor in History at the University of Texas, Austin. He is the author of The History of Nigeria (Greenwood, 1999) and Culture and Customs of Nigeria (Greenwood, 2001).
Table of Contents
Series Foreword
Preface
Chronology
Introduction
Religion and Worldview
Literature and Media
Art and Architecture/Housing
Cuisine and Traditional Dress
Gender Roles, Marriage, and Familiy
Social Customs and Lifestyle
Music and Dance
Glossary
Bibliographic Essay
Index