Maasai and Mayan Cultures
Cultures in Research
The Maasai are ethnic group that are indigenous to Africa. They are currently found to the southwest of modern Kenya stretching to the north western regions of neighboring Tanzania. They belong to the Nilo –Saharan language family and speak Maa (Rapp, 1996). Despite modern influences and pressure from Kenyan and Tanzanian governments to change their lifestyles, the Maasai people have preserved their traditions and still live a predominantly semi nomadic life. On the contrary, the Mayan culture is Native to the Americas. The Mayan civilization (2000 BC to 900 AD) famed for its well-developed written language, architecture, art, knowledge of arithmetic and astrology; fell after the Spanish conquest of the Americas but the Mayan people are still found in the Mayan area to present day (Sharer, Robert, & Loa, 2006). They still practice their ancient traditions albeit influenced by other peoples such as the Spanish. The influence of Mayan civilization in art and architecture can be found in modern day Honduras, Mexico and Guatemala.
Cultural Differences
The difference in the ecologies in which these two cultures exist is clear and thus the difference in the two cultures is evident. Cultures on the other hand have a bearing on the type of personalities that the people who practice them develop. Based on the big five model, the broad personality types are: Extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism and openness (Hsu, 1992). Extraversion is characterized by talkativeness, assertiveness and ease in socializing. Agreeableness is seen in people described as being co-operative, compassionate and trusting. Conscientiousness is marked by self-discipline thus, the individual is likely to be dependable and have a lingering need for achievement. Neuroticism is associated with darker emotions such as anxiety and depression. Openness means the person has an appetite for...