Culture - Botswana is made up of many different tribal groupings spread across the country. - Every ethnic group and tribe has their own distinct culture. -However, there are similarities, overlaps and dis-similarities between the individual Botswana tribal cultures 1

Culture - Botswana is made up of many different tribal groupings spread across the country. - Every ethnic group and tribe has their own distinct culture. -However, there are similarities, overlaps and dis-similarities between the individual Botswana tribal cultures 2

Cultural integration -adoptions and exchanges of cultural practices between the ethnic groups and tribes over time, -an acceptable degree of homogeneity has been established. E.g. intermarriages occur between all ethnic groups Language -Language in Botswana has played and is still playing a significant role as national unifier. -The national language is Setswana, and English is the official language. -Setswana is a language for the Tswana ethnic group -Other ethnic groups such as Bakalanga, Basarwa, Babirwa, Basubiya and Hambukushu have their respective languages. 3

Music -Cultural Festivals: Kuru Arts Cultural Festival Khawa Festival Dithubaruba cultural festival Bahurutshe Letlhafula Dikgafela Domboshaba Dikhwaere Celebration Indigenous Musical Instruments - Tswana traditional music is mostly vocal and performed without drums -Tswana folk music has got instruments such as Setinkane, Serankure/Segaba and for the last few decades, In the absence of instruments a clapping rhythm is used in music with the typical chant and answer manner of singing. Other traditional song and dance found in Botswana are; Borankana, Ndazola, Setapa, Chesa, Phathisi, Stibikoko, Huru, Selete, Tsutsube, Mokomoto 4

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Marriage In the past marriages were arranged by both the groom and the bride’s parents. The couple played a little role in the proceedings. This was because of strong family ties, with aunts and uncles leading the negotiations. -Nowadays some couples go through both traditional and modern processes of marriage. With a traditional process followed by a white wedding. -Parents, uncle and aunts continue to act as negotiators and counsellors and are given specific roles in the period from negotiating the bogadi (bride price) until the wedding day. -In the event of the couples challenges in their matrimonial live, the parents(uncles and aunts), are consulted as mediators, -The groom’s family also has to give bride’s family some gifts to show appreciation. For sego sa metsi., -the couple would then go through the process of buying several sets of clothing including a the bride’s white dress and the other sets for the main dance, as well as traditional attire, usually depicting the culture of where the husband comes from. -On wedding day, beasts, goats, sheep, and chicken are slaughtered to feed multitudes of people invited and uninvited who would happen to know an extended family member (not necessarily the couple. 15

16 -Cuisine -The staple food for Batswana is porridge made from sorghum, maize, or millet. It is served soft and often soured for breakfast, and thickened for the midday and evening meals. -A popular relish is meat and morogo (cooked and dried bean leaves) Mophane worm (caterpillar) is also a common relish in the Central and North Eastern part of the country. -Beef, chicken and mutton are the most widely consumed forms of meat in the country. Sewaa (pounded meat) and serobe (inner parts of cow or goat) are also popular in Botswana. This dish is usually served on festive occasions. Goats and chickens are raised for meat. Cattle are normally slaughtered for special occasions such as weddings and funerals.