Although much has been written about African contributions to world civilization, the authors would like to discuss in this paper the reasons why Africa is considered the cradle of civilizations and some specific elem...Although much has been written about African contributions to world civilization, the authors would like to discuss in this paper the reasons why Africa is considered the cradle of civilizations and some specific elements of African culture found in other parts of the world. The dominant view is that the history of humankind began in Africa, particularly in East Africa （Ethiopia and Tanzania）. Human history in Africa is immensely long. In fact, both archaeological research and genetic studies strongly support the theory that the evolution of the modern human species （Homo sapiens） occurred in Africa. Thereafter, these early human beings spread rapidly from East Africa throughout Africa and the rest of the world. As they spread across the globe, the early human beings adapted to very different environments by developing the slight genetic variations which produce differences in skin color, hair, body type, and facial features. From Africa some people migrated into Asia before continuing to other parts of the world. The idea that the first Africans chose Asia when they decided to migrate provides the first link between Africans and Asians. Early Asians must be the closest cousins of the early Africans. Although there are historical, cultural, and linguistic connections between the African and Eastern Cultures, the authors will only discuss four major cultural elements. These include religious beliefs, concept of history and time, social structures, and the human body.展开更多
文摘Although much has been written about African contributions to world civilization, the authors would like to discuss in this paper the reasons why Africa is considered the cradle of civilizations and some specific elements of African culture found in other parts of the world. The dominant view is that the history of humankind began in Africa, particularly in East Africa （Ethiopia and Tanzania）. Human history in Africa is immensely long. In fact, both archaeological research and genetic studies strongly support the theory that the evolution of the modern human species （Homo sapiens） occurred in Africa. Thereafter, these early human beings spread rapidly from East Africa throughout Africa and the rest of the world. As they spread across the globe, the early human beings adapted to very different environments by developing the slight genetic variations which produce differences in skin color, hair, body type, and facial features. From Africa some people migrated into Asia before continuing to other parts of the world. The idea that the first Africans chose Asia when they decided to migrate provides the first link between Africans and Asians. Early Asians must be the closest cousins of the early Africans. Although there are historical, cultural, and linguistic connections between the African and Eastern Cultures, the authors will only discuss four major cultural elements. These include religious beliefs, concept of history and time, social structures, and the human body.
