Explore p7-9 DE 6.3 Ethnicities Of SW Asia/N. Africa

What is the most common religion that unites North Africa and Southwest Asia?

• Christianity

• Islam

• Hinduism

• Buddhism

Answer explanation

Islam is the predominant religion in North Africa and Southwest Asia, with a significant majority of the population identifying as Muslim. This unifying faith influences culture, law, and daily life across the region.

During a cultural exchange program, Reema and Delilah were introduced to various traditional foods from different regions. Which of the following foods is a staple across North Africa and Southwest Asia?

• Sushi

• Falafel

• Tacos

• Pizza

Answer explanation

Falafel is a popular food made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, commonly served in North Africa and Southwest Asia. In contrast, sushi, tacos, and pizza are associated with Japanese, Mexican, and Italian cuisines, respectively.

One leisure activity that is popular in North Africa and Southwest Asia is (a)   .

• Ice Hockey

• Soccer

• Cricket

• Rugby

Answer explanation

Soccer is the most popular leisure activity in North Africa and Southwest Asia, with a rich history and widespread following, unlike ice hockey, cricket, or rugby, which are less prominent in these regions.

During a cultural exchange program, Grace and Zaiden were discussing the diverse ethnic groups in Southwest Asia and North Africa. Grace asked Zaiden, "Which ethnic group is the largest in this region?"

• Kurds

• Arabs

• Berbers

• Persians

Answer explanation

The largest ethnic group in Southwest Asia and North Africa is Arabs, who make up a significant majority in countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Iraq, among others. This distinguishes them from the smaller populations of Kurds, Berbers, and Persians.

What language is dominant in North Africa and Southwest Asia due to the influence of Islam?

• English

• Arabic

• French

• Spanish

Answer explanation

Arabic is the dominant language in North Africa and Southwest Asia, largely due to the spread of Islam, which has its holy texts and teachings in Arabic, influencing the region's culture and communication.

Explain why Arabic is a dominant language in North Africa and Southwest Asia.

• It is the language of the Quran.

• It is the language of international business.

• It is the language of ancient trade routes.

• It is the language of the United Nations.

Answer explanation

Arabic is dominant in North Africa and Southwest Asia primarily because it is the language of the Quran, which is central to Islamic faith and culture, influencing education, law, and daily life in the region.

One way in which the Berbers have maintained their cultural identity in North Africa is by (a)   .

• By adopting Western clothing

• By speaking their own languages

• By converting to Christianity

• By moving to urban areas

Answer explanation

The Berbers have maintained their cultural identity primarily by speaking their own languages, which helps preserve their traditions and distinctiveness in North Africa, unlike adopting Western clothing or converting to Christianity.

What is one reason for the conflict between Arabs and Berbers in Algeria?

• Disputes over oil resources

• Differences in religious beliefs

• Historical use of differences by colonial powers

• Competition in sports

Answer explanation

The conflict between Arabs and Berbers in Algeria is partly rooted in the historical exploitation of their differences by colonial powers, which exacerbated tensions and divisions that persist today.

During a class discussion, Jeremie and Adela explored how ethnic differences have led to conflict in the Kurdish regions of Southwest Asia. What did they discover?

• Kurds have their own nation-state.

• Kurds have struggled for independence across multiple countries.

• Kurds have been fully integrated into all countries.

• Kurds have no distinct cultural identity.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that Kurds have struggled for independence across multiple countries, leading to ethnic conflicts as they seek recognition and autonomy, unlike the other options which misrepresent their situation.

After the fall of Saddam Hussein, which country granted its Kurdish region some level of independent power, as discussed by Grace and Mallory in their history class?

• Turkey

• Iran

• Iraq

• Syria

Answer explanation

After the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003, Iraq granted its Kurdish region a significant degree of autonomy, allowing it to govern itself in many areas, unlike Turkey, Iran, and Syria, which have not provided similar levels of independence.