The spelling of "Southern Sudanese" is /ˈsʌðərn suːˈdæniz/. The first syllable "southern" is pronounced as "SUH-thern" with the stress on the first syllable. The second syllable "Sudanese" is pronounced as "soo-DAN-eez". This term refers to people from the southern region of Sudan, which became an independent country called South Sudan in 2011. It is important to use proper spelling and pronunciation when referring to different cultures and regions, as it shows respect for their identity and history.
Southern Sudanese refers to the people associated with the region of Southern Sudan, which was a geographical and political entity until it gained independence as the Republic of South Sudan in 2011. This term encompasses the diverse ethnic and cultural groups inhabiting the southern part of Sudan, including the Dinka, Nuer, Bari, Shilluk, and many others.
The Southern Sudanese are characterized by their cultural, linguistic, and historical distinctions from the northern part of Sudan. Traditionally, they have relied on subsistence farming, cattle rearing, and fishing as their main livelihoods. The region has a rich cultural tapestry, with each ethnic group contributing to the overall diversity through their unique customs, languages, music, and art forms.
The Southern Sudanese have faced significant political and social challenges throughout their history, including prolonged periods of conflict and marginalization. Decades of civil war with the northern government have heavily influenced their collective experience, leading to the demand for greater regional autonomy and eventually, independence.
Following South Sudan's independence, the term "Southern Sudanese" continues to be used to refer to individuals from this region. It encompasses both citizens of the Republic of South Sudan and individuals of Southern Sudanese origin residing elsewhere. These individuals have contributed to various fields, such as politics, academia, arts, and sports, and have played a vital role in shaping the identity and culture of South Sudan.
The term "Southern Sudanese" refers to people from the region of Southern Sudan, which became the independent country of South Sudan in 2011. The word "Southern" in this context simply denotes the geographical location of the region within the larger country of Sudan.
The term "Sudanese" comes from the Arabic word "Sudan", which means "land of the Blacks". It was historically used by Arab traders to refer to the region south of the Sahara Desert, occupied by various African ethnic groups.
The word "Sudan" itself has ancient origins in the Nobiin language, spoken in the region of Nubia, which is today part of northern Sudan and southern Egypt. In Nobiin, "su" means "black" and "dan" means "land", hence "Sudan" can be translated as "black land".