Editing Mossi people (section)

==Language and cultural values==
Group identity and values within the Mossi and contrasted against other ethnic groups are tied first and foremost to [[language]].

===Mossi language===
{{main|Mooré language}}
The Mossi speak the [[Mooré language]], of the Western Oti-Volta group of languages, northwestern sub-group. It is spoken in [[Burkina Faso]], [[Ghana]], and [[Ivory Coast]].<ref>{{cite book| author-link= Tony Naden |last1= Naden |first1=Tony|title=Gur|date=1989|pages=141–68}}</ref><ref>{{cite book| editor-last1=Bendor-Samuel |editor-first1=J.T .|title=The Niger-Congo Languages| date=1989|publisher=University Press of America|location=Lanham, Maryland}}</ref> This language group is part of a larger grouping, [[Gur languages]] belonging to the Niger–Congo family. In the language there are a few dialects based mainly on region. For example, there is a dialect spoken in [[Yatenga]] ([[Ouahigouya]]), another distinct dialect in the northern region, a third in the southeast in [[Koupela]], different from a fourth dialect in the same region called [[Tenkodogo]].<ref name=UIowa /> Despite these regional differences, the dialects are [[mutual intelligibility|mutually intelligible]].{{citation needed|date=February 2015}}

===Cultural values===
According to the explanations of Marie Tapsoba, the former Cultural Counsellor at Burkina Embassy in Senegal and Mossi herself, Mossi culture can be divided into four main values characteristic of the ethnic group.<ref name="values" />

====Attitude towards ancestors====
Ancestors are believed to have reached a better world from which they can influence life on earth. They can help or punish their descendants depending on their behavior. Ancestors are also the judges that have the power to allow a descendant to enter the "pantheon of the ancestors". If an ancestor chooses to deny entrance, the soul of the disavowed one is condemned to run at random for all eternity. Because of these beliefs, Mossi swear by their ancestors or by the land; when they do so (which only occurs in extreme situations), it is more than symbolic — it is a call to imminent justice.

====Land====
Land is related to the ancestors, being a path by which one can access the ancestors.<ref name="values" /> Even today, this notion gives a unique value to land in Mossi thought. Land is considered to be much more than simple dust and has a spiritual dimension to it. A Mossi's life depends on his/her land, and it is essential for the family settlement.

====Family====
[[Family]] is an essential cultural element of the Mossi, who hold [[Collectivism and individualism|collectivism]] in high regard.<ref name="values" /> [[Individualism]] does not exist in traditional Mossi culture: one's actions and behaviors are always taken to be characteristics of one's family. They must always ask an elder in order to do something. As a result, all are expected to act in their family's name; thus, the family is the smallest entity in the Mossi society. [[Tradition|Heritage]] is patrilineal, passed down from a father to his sons. However, when a man has no sons, women can inherit from their husbands and even from their father.

====Hierarchy====
Hierarchy is a fundamental concept for the Mossi and pervasive in their culture.<ref name="values" /> The family is organised like a kingdom with its king&nbsp;— the husband and father, his advisor&nbsp;— the wife, and the people&nbsp;— the children. Aunts and uncles play a role by helping in the education and raising of children.