tribal

Everyday

1. Belonging to a tribe – a group of families or communities who share ancestors, language, customs and often land, with their own leaders. tree →
2. Showing strong loyalty to your own group and dislike of others: «tribal football fans». tree →

In the lessons

In history and geography lessons we learn about tribal peoples in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific; many Native American nations and Aboriginal and Māori groups prefer their own names («nation», «iwi», «mob»). «Tribal» can be used respectfully about traditions, but old books sometimes used it in a looking-down way, which is wrong. Phrases: «tribal lands», «tribal art», «tribal leaders».

Examples

• The museum showed tribal art from many parts of Africa. tree →
• Tribal elders met to decide what to do. tree →
• Many tribal lands were taken by settlers in the past. tree →
• Football fans can be very tribal about their team. tree →
• The tribal dance told the story of the first people. tree →
• Māori groups called iwi have their own lands and leaders. tree →
• This is an essentially Indian trait; almost all Hindus have some tribal or caste mark on their bodies or faces. tree →

Note

Adjective only; the noun is «tribe». Be respectful: call peoples by their own names when you can, and avoid using «tribal» to mean «primitive» – that idea is wrong.