African

As an adjective

It literally means "of Africa", in the sense of belonging to and arising from Africa. However the term is somewhat fraught, and it can really only be used with assurance in very general terms, for applying the adjective to any specific cultural, economic, political, scientific or social activity is virtually impossible given the size and demographic and cultural diversity of the continent. Indeed, a natural question often asked (e.g. by Kole Omotoso and many others), is: "What Africa are you talking about?"

The fact is that there are really a multitude of "Africas", each with its own particular cultural, social, political, economic, ethical and other characteristics - and ipso facto, its own traditions, conventions and functions. Pinpointing a single, continental "identity" is virtually impossible.

(See also points made under African theatre)

As a noun

Normally "an African" is used to refer to "a person from Africa". However, this has recently become a most difficult and much debated term, particularly in South Africa and some of the other former colonies.

In theory "an African" would signify a "person from Africa" - but what does this mean?