Conceptualization of Time in Cultural Landscape Transactions of a Nupe Community in Central Nigeria

Abstract

Cultural landscapes are made up of transactions which are time dependent. However, time conceptualization is contextual and culturally distinctive. The conventional concept of time collectively subjects people to clocks without consideration given to contextual differences of cultures. The understanding of community's experiences, its past and the projections of its future lies in the understanding of the cultural conceptualization of time. However, there exists little or no much study on the explicit examination of the relationship between the concept of time and cultural transactions especially in minority ethnic groups of developing countries. Thus, this research qualitatively explored the conceptualization of time in a rural Nupe community in central Nigeria. The content analysis of the data elicited showcases Nupe community’s conceptualization of time to be tied to natural ecological indicators and sequential performance of farming activities. The finding showcases time for the natives to be tied to the sequential performance of activities.