Somalian Culture
Due to Somalia’s long history of trade and it’s importance as a center for commerce, Somalia culture is a blend of cultures from surrounding countries. These countries include Ethiopia, Yemen, Persia and India. Much of Somalian culture has been influenced a great deal by Islamic culture, as Somalia has been ruled by Muslims for many years. Somalia culture places a great deal of importance on language and an individual’s ability to use words as a means of expression. The majority of Somalia speaks the Somali language. The dialect called common Somali is the most popular dialect and is used by television and radio stations in Somali. Somalians often judge an individual’s capability and potential based on their ability and skill with words and language. Words are carefully chosen and common, everyday exchanges between individual’s tend to be poetic. Because of this oral poetry and story telling in considered an important form of art in many Somalia cultures. An official Somali Latin script was required to be used in the government. After the introduction of the script Somalia culture began to progress because academics were able to create a vocabulary that was used to write books on subject such as science, math and philosophy.
During the 7th century Somalis began to convert to Islam. The large majority of Somalis follow Sufism, a distinct sect of Islam. Somalia cultures have developed many of their beliefs, as well as social norms, from Islam. For instance, Pork is left out of the cooking and diet of the Somalis. Men will not shake hands with women, they will only shake hands with men. Most Somalis do not drink alcohol and do not take part in gambling. Islam has also influenced the way that Somalis dress. In Somalia cultures many women will choose to cover their bodies and heads with a hijab when they are in public. This is a cloth covering that allows only a woman’s face and hands to be exposed. Other forms of clothing that are popular worm by women of Somalia cultures include a guuntino, which is a long piece of fabric that they tie over one should and wrap around their waist. In more formal situations a woman may choose to wear a Dirac, which is a long dress constructed from a lightweight material. A head scarf and shawl are often worn by married or modest women in Somalia cultures. In Somalia cultures men may choose to wear western clothing, such as jeans and a t-shirt. If a man chooses to he can wear a garment known as a macawis. This is a long piece of cloth that is worn around the waist. They may also choose to wear a turban or a fez. Somali music is an extremely important part of Somali culture and seeks to illustrate the collective experience of the Somali people. In Somalia cultures the marriage between a man and a woman is also essential in creating bonds between clans. Other important aspects of Somalia culture is gender roles, architecture, art and literature.