How significant is it that Ijeoma and Amina are from separate tribes?

How significant is it that Ijeoma and Amina are from separate tribes?

It is extremely significant that they are from different tribes, especially in Nigeria during that time. Hausas are mostly Muslims and Ibos are mostly Christians. The eastern part of Nigeria was mainly Igbo at the time and it was the eastern part that seceded to become Biafra. I lived in Enugu with my family at the time which was in the central part of Biafra. My family was evacuated in 1967 and brought back to the USA.

It added another layer of difference between them, but in the end that seemed less significant than the fact that society was so against women being with other women.

It brought to light the discrimination of gay/lesbians in Nigeria as well as race between the tribes.

Considering the fact that the country was in the middle of a civil war it made a great difference. The country was divided in such a way that tribes had different religious beliefs and considered members of different tribes as being of a lower class. In this case even if Amina was a boy, there union would be discouraged or even forbidden .

2 major strikes against them. Although there were instances when members of 2 tribes intermix which was not easily accepted , To be a lesbian couple is taboo . To be both, puts them in another realm.

It is very significant that Ijeoma and Amina are from separate tribes. Interacting with someone from another tribe is looked down upon and could get you in trouble with the law just like being a homosexual. It is still true today in Africa and other parts of the world that different tribes or class of people aren't allowed to be friends let alone marry. As iread49 states they had 2 strikes against them.

I really don't know how the two tribes differ but I am very aware of the way that various tribes in Africa and the Middle East hate and try to destroy each other. Even in our country there are many families who do not want their children to marry someone from outside their race or religion. I can understand how Ijeoma's Mother would not want her daughter to be friends with Amina, but I think it is rather sad.

I think it is very significant. Like others have stated, it is two major issues that you are fighting against. Which to me shows how in love they were that they were willing to battle both of those issues but still want to be together.

I agree with everyone and also think this goes to the earlier question about what this novel teaches us about love.....you love who you love whether they are from different tribes, different sexes, different religions, or whatever the differences are.

In Nigeria, like other parts of Africa, tribal mixing is unusual. In this case, not only was it tribal mixing, but also the mixing of two different religions.