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Research Paper | Social Science | Cameroon | Volume 12 Issue 5, May 2023 | Popularity: 4.9 / 10

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Ethnic Diversity and Social Relations in Buea, South West Region of Cameroon

Dr. Louis Besinga Ekane, Ayuk Collinayamba

Abstract: Every human community has its unique culture which must be respected and enhanced by its members. Culture shapes the way people see themselves and others, and how they interact with others. The town of Buea has recently experienced a tremendous population growth rate with the pull factor been its calm nature despite the present socio - political crisis that has been plaquing the North West and South Region for the past seven years. The urbanism of the area could be characterised by the proliferation of many churches, the presence of many associations and cultural groups. In the midst of all this, it is sometimes very difficult to actually know people?s personality or cultural affiliations; the cultural diversity of people found in Buea, and how this diversity affects their relationship with one another had been of great concern. This study therefore is aimed at describing the relationship that exist between the different ethnic groups in Buea and to examine the extent to which ethnic diversity affects social relations in Buea. Data was gotten through critical observation, and with the use of an open - ended questionnaire, vital information was obtained from 100 respondents drawn from the neighborhoods of Molyko, Great - Soppo, and Buea - Town. The age range of the respondents was between 20 - 59 years and purposive sampling technique was deployed. The data was described in a constructive way, while eliminating irrelevances, grouping and naming data into constituents, and arranging them into themes that accurately and fully describes the participants? lived experience. The data was analyzed using qualitative and quantitative approach. The findings reveal that despite the fact that issues of ethnic diversity is very eminent amongst the settlers of Buea, they are virtually living in harmony thereby adhering to the principle of ?unity in diversity?. The research concludes that though people relate at a reduced rate through ethnic lines, social relations in Buea is based on accommodating and respecting one another?s way of life, mutual understand, manner of approach, same passion for something, common goals, speaking of the same language, andethnic diversity has positive effects on social relations in Buea. The study proposes that thegovernment of Cameroon should development Pidgin Language and make it an official language. Also, theDepartment of Cultural Sciences should be extended to other state and private institutions in which Cameroonians will be given an in - depth knowledge of the different people that make up Cameroon, their values, beliefs, artifacts, and customs.

Keywords: Ethnic Diversity, Social Relations, Ethnicity, Ethnic Group, Buea

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 5, May 2023

Pages: 377 - 385

DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.21275/SR23501224201

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