The Cultural Differences and Similarities Among the Arab, Nubians, Beja and Zaghawa

It’s crucial to remember, before diving into the specifics of Arab culture, that the Arab world is not a single, unified entity, but rather a heterogeneous collection of peoples from various parts of the Middle East and North Africa. Islam has had a profound impact on Arab society, affecting norms and beliefs across the board. The Arabic language is the most widely spoken in the Arab world and is also the language of the Holy Quran. Arabs place a premium on family life, and members of all generations prefer to maintain close relationships with one another. Arabs place a premium on hospitality, treating visitors with warmth and kindness.

The next group to be discussed are the Nubians, who are mostly found in northern Sudan and southern Egypt. The origins of Nubian civilization go back many centuries. Nubian, the language of the Nubian people, is a branch of the Nilo-Saharan family of languages. In traditional Nubian civilization, inheritance and lineage are determined only through the female line. The ancient civilisation of the Nubians is reflected in modern Nubian music, dance, and art.

The Beja are a desert-dwelling ethnic group that may be found in both Egypt and Eritrea. Beja, the language spoken by the Beja, is classified as an Afro-Asian language. Many Beja currently live stationary lives, yet in the past they were nomadic pastoralists. The Beja value storytelling greatly, and this contributes to their rich oral heritage. In addition, their kinship-based social structure sets them apart.

Finally, the Zaghawa are an ethnic group mostly located in Chad, Sudan, and Niger who practice pastoralist lifestyles. The Zaghawa speak their own language, also called Zaghawa, which is related to other Saharan tongues. The camels they raise are famous for their expertise in animal management. The Zaghawa are a tribal people with a leader known as the “sultan” at the top of the social hierarchy. They also place a strong significance on their oral traditions, which include storytelling and poetry.

All four communities have a deep reverence for their native tongues and oral histories. In addition, they place a premium on close family relationships. The Arab, Nubian, and Zaghawa peoples have all been impacted by Islam, but to varied extents.