Why I love Africa

BBC listeners and readers share their personal experiences of the African continent.

Here are the latest contributions celebrating Africa's accents, codes and impromptu invitations.

Sampa K Chiombe, Lesotho

There is nothing more than an African accent that makes me love Africa.

When a person says benki (bank), I know they are from southern Africa

African accents make me identify with our origins.

When a person says shirt - pronounced shati, or work - pronounced waki, I know that he or she is from East Africa.

When a person says son - pronounced sooni, or money - pronounced moone, I know that he or she is from West Africa.

When a person says bank - pronounced benki, or pressure - pronounced prezure, I know that he or she is from southern Africa.

These African accents make me love Africa and enjoy African programmes such as Network Africa and Focus on Africa on the BBC World Service.

The programmes that have exposed me to various countries' accents mean that I now know a Liberian, Malawian, Kenyan, a Somalian or a Zimbabwean when one speaks.

Indeed, African accents make me love Africa.

Epie Emmanuel Njumbe, Cameroon

Each day I wake up, the first thing I see is the large ridge-like multicoloured Mount Cameroon standing in front of me and reflecting light into my eyes.

It is believed Mt Cameroon erupts when its god is angry

The active volcanic nature of this mountain has left the city of Buea and its population below with a lot of superstitious believes.

It is believed that the mountain is sustained by a god who allows it to erupt when angry.

Superstition says this god is only appeased with the sacrifice of an albino.

As such, whenever this mountain starts erupting, all albinos from within and without Buea go into hiding for fear of being sacrificed to the god of the mountain.

Oh Africa, as much as I love you, when will you be free from such superstitious beliefs?

Prudence Hlatshwayo, Swaziland

I love Africa because there are certain 'codes' used in our daily lives that equip us to understand each other as Africans only.

If a new born does not look like the parents, it resembles its great grandfather

In Africa, an elderly person never sleeps in public, but is busy thinking for our future.

One's elders never tell lies, there is simply a misunderstanding.

If a new born does not look like the parents, it resembles its great grandfather.

These nuances are better known to us as Africans and they show respect and avoid humiliations and violence.

After all we are one and that is why I love and treasure Africa.

Alando Chia, Cameroon

Africa, the land of celebrations, appeals deeply to me.

If it isn't Christmas, then it is New Year.

If not, it's Ramadan or there are death celebrations and traditional festivals.

I left the house today for a graduation ceremony. On my way back I had an impromptu invitation for a traditional party.

Tomorrow I have to attend a death celebration and I am sure that the day after that someone will invite me to share a jug of palm wine with roasted chicken and corn fufu.

That is why my stomach is always full!

Ah Africa I love you so much.

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What do you think?

Do you find Africa annoying, frustrating and slow or is it fun, fast and exhilarating? Share your joys and sorrows of the continent in the new 2005 BBC competition - Why I love Africa.

If you have photos to accompany your contribution send them to [e-mail], otherwise use the form at the bottom of the page. Entries should be no more than 300 words.

The best will be published on the news website and broadcast on the BBC World Service's Network Africa programme. Some will receive small prizes.

Use the form below to send your entry.

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