African characteristics, features, or cultural elements; the study or promotion of African culture and interests; a word or phrase derived from African languages.
From 'African' plus '-ism' (system or practice). This term emerged in the late 19th and 20th centuries as scholars sought to examine and celebrate specifically African cultural contributions to world civilization.
Early linguists discovered that English has secretly absorbed dozens of Africanism words without people realizing it—'zombie,' 'juju,' and 'safari' are all words English borrowed through African languages, showing hidden cultural exchange routes.
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