Revisiting 'Mandingization' in coastal Gambia and Casamance (Senegal): four approaches to ethnic change

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Periodical article

Title:	Revisiting 'Mandingization' in coastal Gambia and Casamance (Senegal): four approaches to ethnic change
Author:	Thomson, Steven
Year:	2011
Periodical:	African Studies Review (ISSN 1555-2462)
Volume:	54
Issue:	2
Pages:	95-121
Language:	English
Geographic terms:	Gambia Senegal
Subjects:	social change Manding Diola ethnic identity acculturation
External link:	http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/african_studies_review/v054/54.2.thomson.pdf
Abstract:	'Mandingization', the gradual process of cultural change whereby Jola peoples of the Casamance region of southern Senegal are becoming more like their Mandinka neighbours, is analysed in this article as comprising four distinguishable processes: ethnogenesis, ethnocultural drift, ethnic osmosis, and ethnic strategizing. By distinguishing among these four processes and analysing their interaction, it is possible to 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 this process must be viewed as contingent, not yet accomplished, and a challenge to the pattern of Mandinka dominance in a time of broader social change. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. in English and French. [Journal abstract]