7/28/2019 17 TRADITION AND CULTURE IN AFRICA.docx

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7/28/2019 17 TRADITION AND CULTURE IN AFRICA.docx

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Africa will teach you to be flexible. Closely relating to how future-time is of less importance, schedulesarent always at the forefront of lifestyle. If a plan gets shut down or changes drastically, theres not

always something you can do besides accept it and continue with a positive attitude.

11. Do NOT Publicly Show Anger, Frustration, or Impatience

Though circumstances have potential to become frustrating, its highly important to NOT publicly

display any sort of negative feeling in public. Africans have incredible self control, being careful not tooffend or shame anyone in public.

12. Positive Communication

Positive communication is a keyAfrican cultural value. Along with not displaying public negativity there

are countless ways to express good, or ok. Dont immediately get into a discussion about a hardshipor struggle, these topics can be gradually be brought forth.

13. Relationships Matter

With future-time a little less important, current time is of extreme value. Meeting people and spendingtime with others to develop lasting relationships is an aspect of African culture that is truly cherished.

14. Dont Talk Too Much During a Meal

Simple small talk is permissible, but dont try to talk too much business or seriousness during a meal. Serious issues are handled after the meal.

15. Receive a Gift With Both Hands

If someone graciously gives you a gift, a non-verbal way to show extreme thankfulness is to accept it withboth hands outstretched.

16. The Un-StatedSorry Were Out

There will inevitably be a circumstance in Africa where you go to a restaurant, order a dish, and a totallydifferent dish is served to youno questions asked. You will naturally complain, saying thi s is not the

dish I ordered. The waiter will shyly back away and simply tell you that what you ordered was notavailable. It can be a bit frustrating to say the least (remember #10, 11, and 12, and that African

flexibility!).

17. Personal Space

It might seem odd (or even drive you crazy) when you are the only person on an empty bus and anotherperson gets on and sits down right next to you. Imagine growing up in a single room with 10 peopleliving together, or living with a clan of extended family; your idea of personal space might be a littledifferent thinking in African terms.

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