Exploring the Garifuna Culture

Cueponi Cihuatl, Afrolatinizamos Cohort 2023

Objectives

• Students will gain an understanding of the history, culture, and contributions of the Garifuna people.

• Students will analyze the challenges and resilience of the Garifuna community in preserving their cultural identity.

Content objectives

• Describe the historical origins of the Garifuna people and their journey to the Caribbean and Central America.

• Explain the cultural elements of the Garifuna community, including music, dance, and oral traditions.

• Identify the challenges the Garifuna community has faced in preserving their cultural identity.

• Discuss the contributions of the Garifuna people to the cultural diversity of the Caribbean and Central America.

• Analyze the resilience and activism of the Garifuna community in the face of contemporary challenges.

Language objectives

• Participate in discussions about Garifuna culture using appropriate vocabulary and expressions.

• Present information about a specific aspect of Garifuna culture in a clear and organized manner.

• Engage in group activities, such as research and presentations, to enhance their speaking and listening skills.

• Read and comprehend informational texts about the Garifuna people, summarizing key points.

• Write a reflection on the importance of cultural diversity and the lessons learned from the Garifuna community's resilience.

**See essential vocabulary list for this unit**

Academic Vocabulary: 

• Cultural Assimilation: The process by which individuals or groups from different cultures adopt the customs, language, and practices of the dominant culture.

• Cultural Heritage: The practices, customs, traditions, and beliefs passed down within a cultural group from generation to generation.

• Ethnic Identity: A person's sense of belonging to a particular ethnic group, often based on shared cultural traditions, language, and history.

• Cultural Preservation: The efforts to maintain and protect cultural identity, traditions, and artifacts from being lost or diluted over time.

• Cultural Diversity: The existence of a variety of cultural groups within a society, encompassing different customs, languages, and traditions.

Content Vocabulary:

• Oral Tradition: Passing down cultural knowledge, stories, and history through spoken word rather than through written texts.

• Ancestral Homeland: The original or historic place where a particular cultural group or community originates.

• Folklore: Traditional stories, customs, and beliefs of a particular culture passed down orally through generations.

• Cultural Diaspora: The dispersion of a cultural group or community beyond their ancestral homeland, often due to historical events or migration.

• Cultural Significance: The importance or value of particular customs, traditions, or practices within a cultural group.

Support Vocabulary: 

• Emigrate: To leave one's country or region to settle in another.

• Assimilate: To integrate into a different culture or adopt its practices and customs.

• Heritage Language: The language spoken by an individual or community that reflects their cultural heritage.

• Resilience: The ability of a community or culture to recover and maintain its identity in the face of challenges or adversity.

Cultural Exchange: The sharing of customs, traditions, and ideas between different cultural groups. 

Building Background

How are you building background for your unit?

• Pre-Assessment Activities: Begin with pre-assessment tasks or discussions to gauge students' existing knowledge about Garifuna culture. This could be a brief quiz, a brainstorming session, or a class discussion where students share what they know or have heard about the Garifuna people.

• Cultural Artifacts and Resources: Introduce authentic cultural artifacts, such as traditional clothing, music, artwork, or videos showcasing Garifuna dances. These artifacts serve as visual aids to pique students' interest and provide a tangible connection to the culture.

• Guest Speakers or Interviews: Invite guest speakers from the Garifuna community or conduct virtual interviews with individuals who have firsthand experience or expertise in Garifuna culture. Their personal stories and insights can enrich students' understanding and offer authentic perspectives.

• Language Introduction: Introduce basic Garifuna language expressions, phrases, or words relevant to the topic. This could include common greetings, expressions of gratitude, or cultural terms to familiarize students with the linguistic aspect of the culture.

• Cultural Activities: Engage students in hands-on cultural activities, such as traditional dance workshops, cooking classes to prepare Garifuna cuisine, or art projects inspired by Garifuna designs. These activities immerse students in the cultural experience.

• Discussion and Reflection: Encourage open discussions about cultural diversity, identity, and the importance of preserving heritage. Allow students to reflect on their own cultural backgrounds and draw connections to the themes presented in the unit.

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Pre-assessment on Garifuna Culture

2. Show a map of Central America and the Caribbean and ask students if they are familiar with the Garifuna people or their culture.

3. Provide a brief overview of the lesson objectives and the significance of the Garifuna culture in the region.

Historical / Cultural Background (40 minutes)

1. Present the presentation on the Garifuna historical and cultural background

2. Discuss the origins of the Garifuna people, their African and Indigenous heritage, and their arrival in the Caribbean.

3. Explain the conflicts with colonial powers and their exile on the island of Roatán, Honduras.

4. Explain some of their cultural practices like funerals, religion, clothing, etc. 

5. Discuss the challenges the Garifuna community faced in preserving their culture during colonization

Cultural Element:

1. Show videos or images of Garifuna music and dance, such as punta and paranda.

2. Discuss the significance of music, dance, and oral traditions in Garifuna culture.

3. Explore traditional Garifuna instruments like the drums and turtle shells.

Notable Garifuna Figures:

1. Students will present on notable Garifuna figures* to their peers. *Rubric is included.