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Home » Categories » Society » Make the World a Better Place » Visiting, Volunteering, Studying and Working in Africa - Frequently Asked Communication Questions » Printer Friendly
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Visiting, volunteering, studying or working in Africa can be a life changing experience. Everything will seem quite strange: the heat, the evident material poverty, the crowds, the languages, the food, the sounds and smells as well as the curious stares, the customs and traditions are all bound to be overwhelming.
Here you'll find some of the most frequently asked cross - cultural communication questions about travelling for pleasure, visiting your sponsor child, volunteering with an organization, studying or working in Africa.
1. What is the people's reaction towards Westerners?
Generally, Africans are rightfully proud of their hospitality traditions. All throughout the African continent people are extremely warm, friendly and hospitable. Most Africans living in cities will treat you with a casual nod or greeting as a ways of acknowledging you. In the city outskirts and more rural areas, the presence of foreigners, white, brown or black is small, thus any noticeable differences draw the attention of the locals. This however, is more of curiosity rather than hostility or mistrust. The most annoying or frustrating thing you can expect is stares and children calling you "foreigner" if you are white; "Jackee Chan" if you are Chinese, Korean or Japanese (most rural Africans can not tell the difference) and "Will Smith" or "Oprah" if you are dark-skinned but noticeable different by dress and language.
Since most Africans believe Westerners have more money (and some westerners do like to show some around quite a bit), you may find local people asking you for money everywhere you go. Some westerners find this quite annoying others understand that the Africans are just taking their chances. A nice word or joke might start a wonderful relationship.
The other way that you might be treated differently is in pricing. You are more likely to be charged a lot more than the selling price. It's best to always try to bargain. Africans do not find it offensive, rather it's an art of survival of the most cunning. And once you master the art, you might actually find it a lot of fun!
2. What sort of Questions do the people normally ask?
Africans are always eager to learn about other people and their cultures. One thing that is bound to surprise you is the average African's knowledge of world issues. And do not assume that just because someone is dressed in tatters or looks very old that they are illiterate or can't speak English, French, Portuguese or Arabic. For some, dressing in "expensive" clothes is just not a priority or even of interest. The most common questions would be "Why would you leave a place of such opportunity to come here?" This is not intended as hostility but given that the West is portrayed as a land of plenty, many Africans find it hard to understand why someone with so much material wealth would want to go to a place with so little. An honest answer will gain you respect.
3. Is it safe for a woman to travel alone in Africa?
Single women travelers everywhere face additional risks and hassles, but sub-Saharan Africa is generally regarded to be safer in this respect than most places. However, African men are very assertive in their admiration and approach towards women. Some of the flirtatious behaviour from both men and women (which by the way in Africa is not considered "sexual" but rather playful way to get acquitted) can either be annoying or disarming depending on your own personality. Other than in high risk places, such as bars, dim lit streets and off-road motels, the worst you need fear from African men is the occasional overt marriage proposal "Sister, will you marry me?". This can easily be deflected with a straightforward "No". No body will feel offended, rather they'll be impressed by a strong and assertive woman who is not afraid to demand her respect.
4. I want to volunteer in Africa, what should I expect in terms of living conditions?
One of the greatest benefits of volunteering is being able to learn firsthand about a community, its culture, the people, and the issues they face. It's a truly unique learning experience unlike any other. Most volunteers choose to live with a host family and that often means rugged living conditions -- no hot water, electricity and the comforts you might be used to. It's important that you be honest about your limitations. There is no shame in admitting that a camp setting with an outhouse may not be your ideal living environment. Ask the organization that sponsors you for critical details.
5. I often hear about "African time", what does it mean?
One of the first things you will learn, whether it's standing in a queue at the post office or waiting for the dial-up connection at the local Internet cafe is "African Time". Africans themselves joke about it. Basically what this means is that most things start much later than the time indicated, take longer than usual and the outcome is often not what you might expect. Humility and patience are essential. You won't get far or get much done trying to push people around and insisting they work on Western standards of time management. While waiting try to relax (listen to the land breathing), pick up a conversation with a stranger or simply take time to bask in what makes Africa tick - it's diversity and vitality.
6. Am I likely to get sick from the food or water?
Not likely, but you must take certain precautions. You should only drink water that's been boiled (coffee or tea) or else bottled mineral water, soft drinks or beer. It's also best to bring water purification tablets, as it may not be possible to find bottled water everywhere. For food, you should avoid eating anything raw that you don't peel yourself before eating. And wash your hands often.
7. Can I talk about poverty with Africans?
While many Africans openly discuss their material poverty, if a foreigner initiates a discussion about it, it is likely to be looked at with disinterest or suspicion. It's best to establish rapport and trust before you start to talk about poverty. Also keep in mind that some of the material things Westerners obsess about and are considered basic necessities do not carry the same significance in Africa. Human relationships come before any material goods. Talking about designer clothes, cars etc or arriving at your African host's door with a bunch of expensive roses might be received with mild amusement, depending on how "Westernized" your host is.
8. How much should I tip?
Tipping is a very personal subject and the decision to tip and how much to give is entirely yours. Unlike in North America or most of Europe, tips in Africa are considered a gift, an indication that you are satisfied with the service. They are not a part of wages or payment. They are considered a bonus and are not expected but appreciated and often received with humility and gratitude. In many (not all countries) a good tip will get you far much more and better service. And often word goes around so fast that even relatives, friends and in-laws will treat you well because you tipped one of their own.
9. Do I have to ask permission to take picture of locals?
Be mindful when taking photographs. Photographing airports or any government buildings is illegal. When taking photographs of people especially those in more rural areas, keep in mind that they don't like it when you take pictures of them, so make sure to ask in advance. The reason some of them don't like having their picture taken is different according to region. In some places they claim the camera is connected to an energy that steals their life-soul. Others simply don't like it because they have found their pictures taken at no cost used for profit in papers or magazines.
10. Is there just one African culture?
Africa is the second largest continent in the world -- with 54 countries and two Islands. Rather than one culture, Africa has a number of cultures that overlap. The differences depend on the region (East, West, North and South), country, ethnic group or clan. There are even differences in behaviour between agriculture-based communities and pastoral -nomadic communities; people living in rural areas and those in the cities; between the elites or "highly educated" and the rest of the population. The range of different cultures, ways of life, languages, and traditions is truly staggering.
Given all that, Africans are linked by shared values, customs and practices that are fundamental features of an African identify. These include spirituality, a very strong sense of self, strong family ties, respect for the elderly, shared responsibility for raising of the young (origin and meaning of the African proverb: "It takes a village to raise a child"), hospitality and good manners, the consensus and common framework-seeking principle, and the emphasis on community rather than on the individual. These features typically underpin the variations of African cultures and identity everywhere. The many shared values, customs and practices even surprise Africans themselves. You'll often hear Africans from different countries and cultures say to each other: "You also know about that belief/custom. I thought it was just us." But not only do a number of African cultures overlap, African countries also share the same historical realities particularly one of colonial rule.
11. What is the most preferred religion in Africa?
Normally, Africans are a tolerant people, and are accepting of all religions -- local and foreign. One of the reasons could be that the spiritual world (Supreme Being, sacredness of the Earth, ancestor spirits and morality) and not religious beliefs/affliation is close and personal in African society. It is not uncommon to find a family where people follow different religions or to find Christians celebrating the end of Muslim fasting or Muslims sharing in Christmas celebrations, and many African governments acknowledge Christian and Muslim holidays as statutory holidays. The exception is among religious fanatics and those who gain financially, socially or politically as a result of affiliation with a particular religious following or group.
12. How should I refer to an African person in a culturally sensitve way?
It is not a compliment to tell an African, "You don't look/behave like an African" or "I don't see you as an African". You might think that because of how Africans have been type cast in the Western media and elsewhere they'd feel bad about being African. On the contrary, a majority of Africans are proud of their African identity and sense of belonging (summarized in the Ubuntu philosophy: "I am Because We Are", translated: I am what I am because of who we all are). The African cultural identity is derived from values transmitted through the family and is a very emotional and passionate identity. Even for a majority of Africans who identify simultaneously with different cultures, flirt with experimental ideas and manage activities and loyalties that cross cultural boundaries, their simultaneous identity is more of a symbolic allegiance or secondary identity. Most of them consider themselves African first (or African in the heart).
Outside of Africa, most Africans identify themselves as "Africans" or by their nationality e.g. Ugandan, Kenyan, Nigerian, Senegalese, South African etc. Within Africa, most prefer to be known first by their "tribe", clan or ethnicity. Many will feel offended if you refer to them as "blacks" because Africans in Africa do not identify themselves by the colour of their skin. Many dark-skinned Africans proudly consider the colour of their skin to be "dark brown" (the colour of the African soil). This is where the term of endearment "Sons and Daughters of the Soil" comes from.
Even if you mean well do not refer to an African as " a thing" i.e. "cute little thing' or "beautiful creature" . This is considered dehumanizing and insulting.
Lastly, there is a lot about Africa that can only be learned through experience. And as long as you approach your volunteer or international work experience in Africa with realistic expectations and realize you probably won't change the world but positively impact it, you will have a very rewarding experience.
Enjoy the learning experience!
About the Author: Christine Akiteng is a Cross Cultural Relations Consultant with experience in cross-cultural negotiations, problem-solving, team-building, project design, project management, project evaluation and monitoring. She has held Program Coordination and Program Management positions with diplomatic missions and international aid agencies including the British High Commission, Canadian International Development Agency and UNICEF Canada. She has also worked in Public Relations with European Union funded programme and done consulting work with IMF/World Bank and World Health Organization affiliated initiatives, as well as many Non-Government Organizations in and outside Africa. Christine is also an internationally renowned Dating and Relationships Coach, Motivational Speaker, AIDS Activist and Youth HIV/AIDS Educator. She currently lives in Toronto, Canada.
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Internationally recognized Relationships Coach and author of three popular eBooks: Dating Your Ex, The Art of Seducing Out Of Fullness and Playing Hard To Get the Love Way, Yangki Christine Akiteng has devoted years of her life helping men and women create loving, authentic, exciting and fulfilling relationships. Having lived and worked in Africa, Europe and North America, Yangki brings a unique international perspective and multicultural understanding to her work. For more articles and information on the services she offers to singles and couples please visit: www.torontosnumber1datedoctor.com
Ask your questions, read answers and join discussions on HOT Topics at: www.askthelovedoctor.com. All are welcome! |
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