Religious Syncretism and Cultural Adaptation in Gambiaan Diasporas: A Theoretical Framework

Religious syncretism in Gambiaan diasporas is a complex interplay of traditional African beliefs with Christianity and Islam, reflecting cultural adaptation over generations. This study employs qualitative thematic analysis on existing literature, focusing on historical documents, ethnographies, and scholarly articles from the Gambia and other African contexts where similar diasporic experiences occur. This theoretical framework offers insights into how religious syncretism shapes cultural identity and resilience across generations within Gambiaan diaspora communities. It highlights the importance of recognising the diverse yet interconnected nature of these practices. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to track changes over time, as well as comparative analyses with other diasporic groups in Africa and beyond for a broader understanding of religious syncretism.