Hey there!
Because I am an avid writer of fiction, I am part of an online community of young writers. We trade critiques for each others' work, brainstorm ideas, and also just generally have fun and goof around. Recently someone asked for a prayer request because they have an upcoming missions trip to several African countries, including Malawi. Someone told her that I live here, and so a conversation started about Malawian culture and what she should expect. After writing out a long reply, I realized that it would make an excellent blog post. Here are some interesting facts about Malawi:
First thing to know about this part of Africa - everyone is super friendly (especially in Malawi). You should definitely try to be culturally correct, but don't be petrified of making mistakes because the peeps here are super gracious and forgiving. Also, hospitality is a huge thing here - people will literally vacate their houses for foreigners to sleep in them. A few things to keep in mind:
- When you shake hands, touch your right elbow with your left hand. This is a sign of respect, so definitely do it for adults - maybe not so necessary for kids. (If you forget to do this, it's not the end of the world. I sometimes forget, sadly, just because it's still not what I"m used to.)
- Eat only with your right hand (if you are right handed unlike me, this shouldn't be a big deal). The left hand is used in the bathroom, and so is naturally considered unclean. If you eat with fork and knife this doesn't apply - only if you eat in a village with your hands.
- Bring warm clothing. I know you probably think Africa is super hot, but this time of year it can get chilly at night sometimes. Also, bring sun protection, because the sun is still a factor.
- Try to avoid fresh vegetables, as they might give you diarrhea. Cooked vegetables and fruit should be fine.
- If people in Malawi shout "give me my money" they are really saying "give me mamoney" (ma being the local equivalent of the word "the"). This is just a catch-phrase they have learned to say to foreigners, and you are by no means obligated to give them money (I would suggest not giving money to people you don't know, and not without the knowledge of your leaders). You might also hear people shout "azungu" as you go past, which means "white person". It's not an insult or anything - they just like announcing things to the world : D
- Dress code. Try to bring long, ankle length dresses, because this is what is considered modest here. Not sure what your wardrobe is like, but the longer and looser the better (so no short skirts or pants, unless you are in a big city perhaps). Hopefully your mission trip leaders will talk about this, though.
- Electronics. Despite the friendliness thing, guard your valuables because otherwise they might be stolen (to put things in perspective, stealing a phone might provide several months wages for someone here). Try to keep your smartphone close at all times, and watch your baggage/luggage. Also, some areas of Malawi/Mozambique have internet and electricity problems, so be prepared to be offline for a few days.
Other than that... I guess there a few cultural things I could talk about. African culture is collectivist, meaning that people are focused more on the good of the community than on individual gain (sometimes for good, sometimes for ill). Practically, what that means is that people share everything, are very friendly and outgoing, and don't understand the need for personal space. I'm not sure if you have long hair, but if you do people will probably marvel at it and want to touch it. Another thing to note is that African culture in general is very superstitious - if you see kids wearing necklaces made from natural materials, it is probably a charm. Maybe don't wear necklaces or jewelry made from natural material, because people might think you wear charms and that probably isn't something you want to have them thinking. Consider just avoiding jewelry all together since you don't want it to be stolen or lost. Also - if you have braces people will ask you if it is for decoration XD Ask me how I know.
Some of the above information may not apply if you are in the city or on a missions compound - I'm just trying to prepare you for the worst. A few things more to expect: gorgeous sunsets, bugs, lots of (non-dangerous) bush fires that look impressive but don't burn for long, bumpy roads, adventure, bicycles loaded with all kinds of crazy things, mosquitoes, chickens in church, etc.
Again though, you really don't have anything to be afraid of. Everyone is welcoming and accommodating, and as long as you keep an open mind and are ready for some adventure I'm sure you will have a blast! Also, the terrorist attacks [in Mozambique] have died down from what I've heard - and to put things in perspective, you are much more likely to die in a car crash in the States than you are to die from a terrorist attack here.
Please tell me where in Malawi you are going when you find out what your schedule is gonna be like - it would be cool to meet you here if it works out! Hope you have a great time here and in Mozambique!
Oh, and a few greetings/phrases you should know for your time in Malawi:
Zikomo (zee-ko-mo) = thank you!
Zikomo kwambiri (zee-ko-mo kwam-bee-ree) = thank you very much!
Tionana (tee-yo-na-na) = see you later
Bwanji bwanji (bwan-jee bwan-jee) = How much [does this cost]?
This is how to greet someone:
Greeting: Muli bwanji (moo-lee bwan-jee) = How are you?
Response: Ndili bwino, kaya inu? (dee-lee bwee-no, kah-yah ee-nu?) = I'm good, how are you?
Response to the above: Ndili bwino, zikomo = I'm also good, thanks
Note that in Malawi people don't really differentiate between the letters "L" and "R" which can lead to confusion if you aren't aware of that. If someone says "liver" they might mean "river" and if they say "river" they might mean "liver". I can't help you with greetings for Mozambique, since the trade language there is Portuguese (which I know nothing of).
Boom - just killed two birds with one stone! Answered someone's questions about Malawi and also made a blog post in the process.
Hope you enjoyed this post - if you have any questions concerning Malawian culture leave them in the comments! Zikomo!
Because I am an avid writer of fiction, I am part of an online community of young writers. We trade critiques for each others' work, brainstorm ideas, and also just generally have fun and goof around. Recently someone asked for a prayer request because they have an upcoming missions trip to several African countries, including Malawi. Someone told her that I live here, and so a conversation started about Malawian culture and what she should expect. After writing out a long reply, I realized that it would make an excellent blog post. Here are some interesting facts about Malawi:
First thing to know about this part of Africa - everyone is super friendly (especially in Malawi). You should definitely try to be culturally correct, but don't be petrified of making mistakes because the peeps here are super gracious and forgiving. Also, hospitality is a huge thing here - people will literally vacate their houses for foreigners to sleep in them. A few things to keep in mind:
- When you shake hands, touch your right elbow with your left hand. This is a sign of respect, so definitely do it for adults - maybe not so necessary for kids. (If you forget to do this, it's not the end of the world. I sometimes forget, sadly, just because it's still not what I"m used to.)
- Eat only with your right hand (if you are right handed unlike me, this shouldn't be a big deal). The left hand is used in the bathroom, and so is naturally considered unclean. If you eat with fork and knife this doesn't apply - only if you eat in a village with your hands.
- Bring warm clothing. I know you probably think Africa is super hot, but this time of year it can get chilly at night sometimes. Also, bring sun protection, because the sun is still a factor.
- Try to avoid fresh vegetables, as they might give you diarrhea. Cooked vegetables and fruit should be fine.
- If people in Malawi shout "give me my money" they are really saying "give me mamoney" (ma being the local equivalent of the word "the"). This is just a catch-phrase they have learned to say to foreigners, and you are by no means obligated to give them money (I would suggest not giving money to people you don't know, and not without the knowledge of your leaders). You might also hear people shout "azungu" as you go past, which means "white person". It's not an insult or anything - they just like announcing things to the world : D
- Dress code. Try to bring long, ankle length dresses, because this is what is considered modest here. Not sure what your wardrobe is like, but the longer and looser the better (so no short skirts or pants, unless you are in a big city perhaps). Hopefully your mission trip leaders will talk about this, though.
- Electronics. Despite the friendliness thing, guard your valuables because otherwise they might be stolen (to put things in perspective, stealing a phone might provide several months wages for someone here). Try to keep your smartphone close at all times, and watch your baggage/luggage. Also, some areas of Malawi/Mozambique have internet and electricity problems, so be prepared to be offline for a few days.
Other than that... I guess there a few cultural things I could talk about. African culture is collectivist, meaning that people are focused more on the good of the community than on individual gain (sometimes for good, sometimes for ill). Practically, what that means is that people share everything, are very friendly and outgoing, and don't understand the need for personal space. I'm not sure if you have long hair, but if you do people will probably marvel at it and want to touch it. Another thing to note is that African culture in general is very superstitious - if you see kids wearing necklaces made from natural materials, it is probably a charm. Maybe don't wear necklaces or jewelry made from natural material, because people might think you wear charms and that probably isn't something you want to have them thinking. Consider just avoiding jewelry all together since you don't want it to be stolen or lost. Also - if you have braces people will ask you if it is for decoration XD Ask me how I know.
Some of the above information may not apply if you are in the city or on a missions compound - I'm just trying to prepare you for the worst. A few things more to expect: gorgeous sunsets, bugs, lots of (non-dangerous) bush fires that look impressive but don't burn for long, bumpy roads, adventure, bicycles loaded with all kinds of crazy things, mosquitoes, chickens in church, etc.
Again though, you really don't have anything to be afraid of. Everyone is welcoming and accommodating, and as long as you keep an open mind and are ready for some adventure I'm sure you will have a blast! Also, the terrorist attacks [in Mozambique] have died down from what I've heard - and to put things in perspective, you are much more likely to die in a car crash in the States than you are to die from a terrorist attack here.
Please tell me where in Malawi you are going when you find out what your schedule is gonna be like - it would be cool to meet you here if it works out! Hope you have a great time here and in Mozambique!
Oh, and a few greetings/phrases you should know for your time in Malawi:
Zikomo (zee-ko-mo) = thank you!
Zikomo kwambiri (zee-ko-mo kwam-bee-ree) = thank you very much!
Tionana (tee-yo-na-na) = see you later
Bwanji bwanji (bwan-jee bwan-jee) = How much [does this cost]?
This is how to greet someone:
Greeting: Muli bwanji (moo-lee bwan-jee) = How are you?
Response: Ndili bwino, kaya inu? (dee-lee bwee-no, kah-yah ee-nu?) = I'm good, how are you?
Response to the above: Ndili bwino, zikomo = I'm also good, thanks
Note that in Malawi people don't really differentiate between the letters "L" and "R" which can lead to confusion if you aren't aware of that. If someone says "liver" they might mean "river" and if they say "river" they might mean "liver". I can't help you with greetings for Mozambique, since the trade language there is Portuguese (which I know nothing of).
Boom - just killed two birds with one stone! Answered someone's questions about Malawi and also made a blog post in the process.
Hope you enjoyed this post - if you have any questions concerning Malawian culture leave them in the comments! Zikomo!
No comments:
Post a Comment