The Tuareg

Language

Lifestyles

Education

Tuareg families (parents and their children) live in each tent or compound (living area). Each compound is named for the married woman who owns the tent. Usually the Tuareg marry in their own social category, preferably a close cousin.

Many Tuareg resisted sending their children to nonreligious schools because they did not trust the government. However, more Tuareg recognize the importance of formal education. Most residents finish primary school. Some continue to junior and senior high schools. Very few Tuareg attend universities.

The main dialect of the Tuareg is Tamacheq, in the Berber language group. A written script, Tifinagh, is used in poetry and appears in Saharan rock art. The Tuareg also speak Songhay, Hausa, French, and read Arabic.