The biggest difference is CULTURE; yes both are of the same race, which is understandable but culturally Africans(traditional tribal culture) and African Americans(westernized American culture) are very different. As a result both communities see things differently when it comes to many things that make up culture when it comes to language(which is different from one African country to another), customs, traditional practices(engagements, weddings, naming ceremonies), how the children are raised, traditional family practices, education, certain community beliefs(certain beliefs & influences African Americans do or except are not accepted in the African community) and etc. Not to add that by nationality African Americans are born in America and Africans are not, except the first or second g