ABSTRACT
There are many symbols used to construct socially the identity of a social system, as well as to reaffirm its integrity and legitimacy. Among these are the national flag, national anthem, sports, national leaders and the use of the names of national heroes for streets, airports or seaports, constitutions, laws and the like. In general, these symbols can be evaluated in two complementary ways: first, as an assessment of the communicative effectiveness of the symbols; and second, as an analysis of the extent to which each symbol can promote national identification and integrative behavior within the context of Africa's teeming social problems. This chapter assesses the integrative messages that African national symbols communicate within the context of their ability to reflect identity, deepen national values, and generate national pride; all of which are elemental to imbuing a national population with integrative behavior.
