pulaaku

Pulaaku is the code of conduct and set of values associated with the Fulani (Fulbe) people of West Africa and the Sahel. The term pulaaku refers to a philosophy of living that guides how individuals behave, speak, and relate to others, and it is transmitted through oral tradition, proverbs, stories, and daily practice. The concept varies by region but centers on dignified self-presentation and restraint in speech and action.

Core elements include self-control and patience; modesty and courtesy in manner and dress; hospitality to guests; generosity toward kin and neighbors; respect for elders and the dignity of the family; loyalty to clan and community; and composure in conflict or danger. Pulaaku also emphasizes prudent speech, avoiding boastfulness, gossip, or public embarrassment, and it often valorizes restraint over loud display.

Social function: pulaaku serves to maintain group cohesion, define social status, and guide negotiations, marriage, and conflict resolution. It shapes gender expectations, with traditional norms governing behavior and reputation for both men and women, though contemporary contexts introduce diverse expressions of these expectations.

Modern changes: in urban and educational settings, pulaaku interacts with questions of individual rights, gender equality, and mobility. Debates persist about its role in modern life—whether it constrains or stabilizes social order—and about how it adapts to changing norms while preserving cultural identity.

Regional variations exist among Fulani groups across Nigeria, Niger, Mali, Senegal, Guinea, Cameroon, Chad, and beyond, reflecting different histories and local influences.