As funny as it may sound, before I came to Tanzania I would not have been able to put into words what defines American culture (I could, however, describe to you a bacterial culture). I guess I never gave my own culture much thought. I grew up in it, I lived in it, and I knew what was expected of me and how to behave. Now I find myself in Tanzania-and making mistakes, like not bowing to let the little children touch my head when they greet me. According to the experts from our Peace Corps training, being aware of your own culture and being aware of your own limitations are the top two qualities necessary for living and working in another culture. Seeing and experiencing a different culture has made me more aware of my American culture as I learn about my new culture.
One of the striking differences between American and Tanzanian culture is independence/community. Americans are very independent. We like to figure out solutions to problems on our own with minimal intervention from others. Here in Tanzania, however, you rely on your community much more heavily. For example, today Jason and I took a long walk into the village situated along the main highway. This village has more shops than the little village located just outside of the University grounds. We were looking to buy some mahindi ya bisi (popcorn!) as well as some siage ya karanga (peanut butter!). While searching we ran into a worker at the University who has been helping us with repairs around our apartment. Our American mindset would be to fix our broken cooker ourselves, but here in Tanzania we are learning there is a great need for community support. We never would have found a proper electrician without the aid of our friend. Today while talking we mentioned we would like some little stools made. Our friend immediately offered to talk to the carpenter who he uses and get the stools made for us. My American reaction is to not have our friend handle the making of the stools for us, as I would like to have a say in how our stools are made. We see the world through our culture-colored lenses and I am learning to adjust mine.
Another difference between American and Tanzanian culture is in the way each culture handles greetings and goodbyes. In America, we are casual with greeting each other (Hey! What's up?) and we spend time saying goodbye to each other and wrapping up conversations. In Tanzania, greetings are elaborate. We are asked "Habari za leo?" (what is the news of the day?), "Habari za nyumbani?" (what is the news of home), Habari za sokoni? (how was the market?). Because we are teachers, school children will often say "Shikamoo" to us, which is a greeting of respect meaning literally "I hold your feet." While greeting each other, you often shake hands and continue to hold hands for what feels like a very long time to this American. While we are on the topic of holding hands, it is perfectly normal to see two males or two females walking and talking and holding hands, but a male and a female should not hold hands in public (scandalous!). Tanzanian goodbyes are brief. In fact, if you are having a phone conversation, there may be no goodbye. Tanzanians just hang up when they feel like the conversation has come to an end. Jason and I have not mastered how to discern when the end is yet.
As Americans, we value privacy. We enjoy alone time, especially when sick. If you come to Tanzania, you may feel like Tanzanians are nosy, but their inquisitiveness is actually a part of their culture and how they build relationships. For example, when meeting someone for the first time, you may be asked if you are married, if you have children, and what your religion is. In America, these are not the usual questions you ask after asking a person's name. Another example is when Americans are sick, they like to be alone and rest. Tanzanians want to be constantly checked on to make sure they are alright.
Lastly, I would like to share with you how Tanzanians view Americans. Some of these attributes may come as a shock, while others may make you proud. I know that listening to Tanzanians describe Americans was enlightening to me, so I hope you find the following list interesting and challenging:
- Not tolerant
- Punctual
- Hard-working
- Direct
- Frown upon corporal punishment
- Anxious to know what we do not know
- Risk takers
- Self-centered
- Like space and privacy
- Appreciate nature
- Gender sensitive
- Like animals
- Like to cry/emotional
- Concerned about human rights and democracy
