Cameroon Traditions

Cameroon people comprise a variety of ethnic groups of Africa like the Bantus, Kirdis, Cameroon Highlanders, etc. Each of the ethnic groups thriving in Cameroon has contributed to the society and culture of Cameroon.

Cameroon Culture

Cameroon culture is an amalgamation of the traditions and customs of the Cameroon people. Different facets of the culture of Cameroon are witnessed in the language, literature, music, art, religion, and cuisine of the country. Cameroon language constitutes of various indigenous languages spoken by the ethnic groups. Cameroon’s religion is also based on indigenous beliefs.

The food and clothing of the Cameroonians, the art and literature of Cameroon, including the masks, statues, and other artifacts, and the popular Cameroon music, and Makossa, all form parts of Cameroon culture.

Cameroon Religion

Cameroon religion comprises a number of religions including Islam, and Christianity along with several indigenous religions. The Constitution of Cameroon guarantees freedom of religion. As a result, the citizens are free to practice any religion of their own choice. The northern part of the country is occupied by the Fulani tribe. The people of this community are mainly Muslims. The Bamoun community inhabiting the western part of the country also practices Islam. Christianity is the predominant religion in other parts of the country. The French-speaking people of the country inhabit the southern and western parts of the country and are mostly Catholics while the English-speaking population of the western region is Protestants. The total number of Catholics in the country is far more than the number of Protestants. The Christian churches exert a strong influence in South Cameroon.

Cameroon Languages

The languages of Cameroon reflect the diversity of Cameroon’s society and culture. The existence of approximately 286 indigenous languages in Cameroon is because of the various ethnic groups living in the country. The official languages of Cameroon are English and French which have become important means of communication during the colonial era.

The endemic languages of Cameroon include 279 languages that are spoken by the people and therefore classify as living languages. Four of the Cameroon indigenous languages are not in use anymore while three are used as secondary languages in Cameroon. The tribal groups of Cameroon are not usually proficient in English or French.

Some of the indigenous languages of Cameroon spoken by the people are as follows:

Akoose
Arabic, Shuwa
Babanki
Gidar
Gbaya
Fulfulde
Giziga
Gyele
Kako

Isu
Koonzime
Mundang
Ngamambo
Ngie
Vengo
Wandela
Vute
Tibea

Specific languages are spoken in different parts of the country. The ethnic groups of Cameroon have developed a language of their own understanding by all members of the tribe. Many of the indigenous languages of Cameroon are again divided into dialects. Bilingualism is encouraged by the government.

Cameroon Clothing

Cameroon clothing is influenced by western clothing. In the area of Cameroon which was under the influence of the west and was colonized, one finds a great impact of the western world, its culture, and religion. The traditional clothing of Cameroon includes the Kabba which is mostly worn by women in the confines of their homes. These are free-flowing garments and movement is pretty easy. Cotton is used to make most of the clothing. It is locally produced at the CT-CAM factory. Embroidery and basain are frequently used in Cameroon clothing. A cotton fabric in a single color with a pattern woven on it is known as basain. The Afritude style of clothing is common in Cameroon. It is a more contemporary style of dressing up and is reflective of modern life in Cameroon. Afritude is also a popular brand of clothing in Cameroon and has several stores across the country. The ‘ un boubou Avec Pantalon’ is a popular male outfit. The garment is characterized by large pockets and is also a free-flowing outfit. The ‘ QuatrePoches’ is two-piece clothing and is worn by males. It is very popular among the people of Yaounde. It resembles the patterns of the West African mud cloth designs.

Cameroon- Society, and Culture

provides an overview of the various amazing aspects relating to the diverse components of the society and the rich and intriguing cultural heritage of the country.