Ethnic Groups of Africa and the Middle East: An Encyclopedia

(Hardback)

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Description

This encyclopedia is an essential guide to the different ethno-linguistic groups in Africa and today's complicated Middle East region. Ethnic Groups of Africa and the Middle East contains encyclopedic entries arranged alphabetically within ethno-linguistic classifications. Each entry has four main sections: an introduction identifying the language group, where they are found, and their numbers; a brief discussion of their origins and early history; a section on cultural life that includes religion, literature, social organization, and art; and a final section on political organization and recent history. The contents are appropriate for high school and undergraduate students as well as for experts who need a refresher on groups in Africa and the Middle East. While certain ethnic groups have been combined into a single entry, somesuch as the Tuareg, who are a Berber peopleare described within their own entries because of their importance in history or cultural domination.

Reviews

This unique guide presents basic historical, demographic, and political background information on more than 100 ethnic groups found in Africa and the Middle East. . . . This specialized reference presents a great deal of obscure material assembled into one accessible resource. Recommended for academic and large public library collections that support sociology, linguistics, or ethnic-studies programs. * Booklist *

Author Bio

John A. Shoup is associate professor of anthropology at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Ifrane, Morocco.