Grade 10 Social Studies Week 5 Lesson 2
Grade 10 Social Studies Week 5 Lesson 2
Grade 10 Social Studies Week 5 Lesson 2
Identify the correct order in which our ancestors came to the Caribbean.
List the contributions of our ancestors to the cultural diversity of the Caribbean
Region.
Explain how the Cultural diversity of the Caribbean Region can be promoted.
Concept: In the Caribbean region there exist a rich blend of cultural patterns, customs,
ceremonies, religions and festivals that has been brought by our ancestors.
Content: Terms:
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List the correct order in which our ancestors came to the Caribbean.
1.__________
2.__________
3.__________
4.__________
5.__________
6.___________
The Amerindians
The first recorded settlers of the Caribbean. We have adopted words such as
hammock, canoe, barbeque, Jamaica, maize and cassava from them. They have left
the following with us: barbequed fish and other meat, the making of cassava bread
and pepper pot, and the smoking of tobacco. The worship of many gods was a
feature of the Amerindians lifestyle.
Africans
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Birth - ceremonial cutting of the 'navel string'. Mother stays in for nine days after
giving birth.
Europeans
Europe's interaction with the Caribbean began in 1492 with the Spanish-sponsored
voyages of Christopher Columbus. Columbus' voyages to the Caribbean
incorporated two differing traditions of expansion. The first was influenced by his
Genoese roots and his experience in the Portuguese mercantile system. This
background allowed Columbus to view his task as mainly one of discovery to be
followed by the establishment of commercial outposts and trading centres that
would tap into indigenous resources. The primary goal of this system was the quick
exploitation of the local area with minimum investment.
Cultural impact:
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Dances - Quadrille, maypole, etc.
Diet - Peas and bean dishes. The making of buns, cakes, puddings, cheese, ham,
bacon, wines, etc.
Asians
Indians: They arrived as indentured labourers between 1845 and 1917. At the end
of the indentureship contract, many Indians reverted to their ancestral occupations;
some became fishermen or farmers, and others became barbers, goldsmiths,
ironsmiths and moneylenders.
The Indians introduced several plants and trees, such as the betel leaves, betel nut,
coolie plum, mango, jackfruit and tamarind. The food habits of Indians have a
distinctly Indian flavour and taste.
Chinese celebratory dances such as the lion and dragon dances are always looked
forward to by many Guyanese as part of our national events. Chinese industry and
their disciplined approach to work, their care and nurturing of children and the
emphasis they place on education and on family life, set examples for the Guyanese
society. The tradition of the extended family in Chinese culture parallels that in
African cultures, so is respect for age, whether it be to a member of the immediate
family or to an outsider.
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Marriage - endogamy and may even be arranged. Special wedding garments.
Diet/food - roti, curried goat, rice, pak choi, spices and vegetables.
Activity: For the ethnic groups identified below state the main reason for them coming to the
Caribbean region.
Europeans
• ________________________________
Africians
• _______________________________
East Indians
• ________________________________
Activity: Caribbean family life patterns include some cultural practices passed on through
generations.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
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Home work:
1. Give THREE reasons why some cultural practices from many years ago have continued
to be important in present-day Caribbean life.
2. Suggest THREE actions that the government can take to support the efforts of cultural
groups in the country.
Reference:
Ramsawak, R. and Umraw, R. (2001). Modules in Social Studies, Trinidad and Tobago,
Caribbean Educational Publishers Ltd.
Sandy, M. et al. (2000). CXC Social Studies Essentials with SBA Study Guide and Exercises,
Kingston: Jamaica, Carlong Publishers Caribbean Ltd.
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