IndexMeans of communicationMarket squareTown squareBrightSpeakerChief priests/priestessesConclusionBefore the advent of the telephone, before the mailbox, the Internet and social media apps, communities on the African continent they had mediums with whom they interacted with each other at intra- and inter-community levels. The different communities had been able to evolve communication beyond the family unit, beyond the kindred unit, beyond the community as a whole. People had been able to make contact across long distances and as a result information had been spread across kingdoms divided by large rivers, dense forests or large deserts. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay In a world obsessed with the social media phenomenon, it would seem that communication across great distances began today. Yes, it is true that today communication is instantaneous, transactions are carried out in real time over great distances, and people learn about other cultures and people without leaving the comfort of their sofa, but this does not mean that communication across borders is a new concept. Traditional media didn't just mean word of mouth, interaction between two individuals, no. there were places of communication, tools of communication and times of communication. The old world was a place of rules and every action or activity had its time and place. Nothing was done out of random necessity. People established a period where communities could align and exchange ideas and information. Medium of Communication Market Square One of the most popular information centers in the old African world was the market place. The market was a place of buying and selling but it was also a place of gossip, rumors and exchange of information. Traders came not only with their goods but also with news from other communities they had been to. They came with news of fashion, of war, of diseases; cures for illnesses, deaths, etc. this way, a community that had a large market could keep up with the affairs of the world outside their community. Many wars were fought on trade routes because, despite the wealth that came through those routes, who ever controlled those routes, controlled the flow of information and in the ancient world; information was gold as it is today. Unlike today's proliferation of useless information and information overdose, information back then was priceless and carefully collected. As a result, communities had spies among the traders who brought secrets from other communities to their parent community. This information gave one community an advantage over another during negotiations or during war. This is not so different from the embassies of foreign nations that are located on the soil of other nations. On paper, they are there to connect two sovereign nations, but in reality they are there to spy on the host country, thus serving as a first defense against aggression from a potential enemy nation. Town Square The town square was in most cases the center of the community and at any time any member of the community could be found there. Activities such as dances and community meetings were held in these places. Before the advent of nightclubs and bars, the town square was where singles met and courted. It was the place where beautiful maidens showed off their beauty and young men flexed their muscles in feats of strength. It was a great place for people to connect, not too different from the dating apps that abounded in the place..