Revisiting “Mandingization” in Coastal Gambia and Casamance (Senegal): Four Approaches to Ethnic Change

Abstract

Abstract:“Mandingization,” the gradual process of cultural change whereby Jola peoples of the Casamance region of southern Senegal are becoming more like their Mandinka neighbors, is analyzed in this article as comprising four distinguishable processes: ethnogenesis, ethnocultural drift, ethnic osmosis, and ethnic strategizing. By distinguishing among these four processes and analyzing their interaction, we can understand the dynamics of Mandingization more clearly and also derive insights for understanding ethnic change generally. The current moment of ethnic change in The Gambia includes a resurgence in Karon Jola ethnic identity, but we need to view this process as contingent, not yet accomplished, and a challenge to the pattern of Mandinka dominance in a time of broader social change.

Does ethnic diversity decrease economic interactions? Evidence from exchange networks in rural Gambia

“…Despite the ethnic diversity in the country, several observers have noticed a remarkably harmonious cohabitation of these different groups compared to the rest of the African countries (Mwakikagile, ; Thomson, ; Wright, ). Among the main explanations for this fact are as follows: (i) most people in The Gambia share a common belief—a syncretic variant of Islam—that serves as a unifying factor but also has been the subject of political manipulation to restrain potentially ethnic‐based opposition movements (Darboe, ); (ii) a common cultural influence from the ancient empires and kingdoms, with most of the groups developing a similar social hierarchical structures in the past (where inter‐ethnic marriages within a social class were common) and currently sharing Mandinka as their lingua franca (Barry, ; Thomson, ; Wright, ); (iii) the influence of the British colonial system, where chief districts were defined by territory and not ethnic groups as was typically done in other African colonies (Thomson, ).…”

Mirroring the dialectic of inclusion and exclusion in ethnoheterogenesis processes

“…Furthermore, there are a few relevant alternative concepts applicable to or enhancing ethnogenesis and ethnic change, namely ethnic osmosis (Barth 1969), ethno (re)genesis, ethnocultural drift and ethnic strategising ( Thomson 2011). The question is whether or not ehg might serve as an umbrella category for these concepts.…”

Are neighbours alike? Practices of conviviality in Catalonia and Casamance

“…In these examples, a pragmatic use of languages becomes apparent which complements the analysis of Mandingisation and Wolofisation, the increasing cultural dominance of Mandinka and Wolof, respectively, over other local languages and cultures (cf. Juillard, 1994;Linares, 1992;Thomson, 2011). The acknowledgment of efforts and differences is paired with a positive and joyful engagement with translation.…”