Section #2: Codes of Cultural Behavior (Do’s and Don’ts)
Choice of Country
My country of choice for this project is Tanzania. I chose Tanzania because of its scenery and multiple tourist destinations. Also, Tanzania provides homage to some of the wildlife that are predominantly found in Africa (Country Watch). Lions, Wildebeests, Giraffes, and other tropical wild animals can be found in Tanzania. It is in Tanzania where the seventh wonder of the world originates from when Wildebeests migrate to the Kenyan side of Maasai Mara. It is possible to view the migration as it starts in Tanzania (Country Watch). Other good sceneries are the larger Lake Victoria, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the Maasai culture. Lake Victoria is considered the largest freshwater lake in Africa, and having the opportunity to see and ride a boat in it can be a wonderful experience. Even though Lake Victoria spreads into three East African countries, its largest section is in Tanzania (Country Watch). There are several rivers from Tanzania that flow to the lake, and it is possible to track some of these rivers when one is in Tanzania. The country also has beautiful mountains, with one of the tallest mountains in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro.
The other reason for choosing Tanzania is because the country has a stable political environment. Tanzania is one of the few countries in Africa that have managed to maintain a peaceful coexistence of its citizens since it attained independence (Country Watch). Apart from disgruntlement from members of political parties, the country has never had war-related conflicts with its neighbors or within its borders. This calm sense does not only generate confidence to tourists who would want to visit the country, but also provides a sense of security that is important to any foreigner visits another country (Country Watch). Tanzania also operates on a democratic ideology, and this means that in case of any friction or unfortunate incidences between a foreigner and locals, there is a platform through which a diplomatic approach can be used between a foreigner’s home country and Tanzania’s government to solve the dispute (Country Watch). Equally, the rule of law will likely prevail, meaning that it is possible to attain justice when in the country. The other reason for choosing Tanzania is its road network and accessibility to tourist destination areas (Country Watch). The country has managed to ensure that it has a functional road network to tourist attraction sites, making it possible for visitors to tour some of the sites read in online and historical sources.
I finally chose Tanzania because of my interest in East African countries. East African countries have a rich agricultural tradition that emanates from the tropical climate in the region. Also, the countries have lived peacefully for several decades, and it will be interesting to understand the reason for this coexistence (Country Watch). Unlike other regions across Africa where there have been militants that create havoc, there is minimal to no militants in the region. This could be because of the cultural traditions of the member-countries of the East African community, or inherent traits by member-countries that allow for peaceful coexistence. By visiting Tanzania, I could discover more about their political and cultural perspectives on issues, and the conflict resolution mechanisms that make the region one of the tourist destination places in Africa (Country Watch). The visit would also allow me to understand the cultural integration in the country, which has allowed for different tribes to adopt a single identity. This has been a struggle for other African countries, and by visiting Tanzania, I could see how the aspect of the tribe and the desire to accommodate each other has allowed Tanzania to be one of the most peaceful countries in Africa (Country Watch). Lastly, the choice of Tanzania is to expand my understanding of the Ujamaa tradition that I have always read about from historical sources.
Brief Cultural Overview
Tanzania does not have elaborate colonial mansions or ancient architecture like some of the African countries. However, the country has several wild animals that attract tourists. The inland section of the country lacks the ancient architecture, but Zanzibar, which is a coastal island that is part of the country, has some sights of the slave trade that was largely practiced in the Spice Islands, and evidence of the long Arabic history that the country had before it got independence (Every Culture). History records that the mainland part of Tanzania, which was initially called Tanganyika, was named in 1920 by a British civil servant using the words tanga and nyika. Tanga means sail, while nyika means the bright arid land. When the German settled in the area, it was known as Tanganyika Territory (Every Culture). Zanzibar, which was an offshore archipelago, was joined with Tanganyika in forming the presently known United Republic of Tanzania.
The unique combination of both cultural, historical, and political factors, has made Tanzanians to have a strong feeling of both cohesion and national pride. It is this nationalism trait that has allowed the country to remain peaceful over the decades that it has been in existence, despite its African neighbors having internal squabbles and territorial disputes (Every Culture). The other benefit that Tanzania has realized from the sense of nationalism that its citizens possess is the ability to solve conflicts and disputes in a peaceful manner without resorting to violence. A key contributor to this ability is the shared language and the lack of one ethnic group dominating other ethnic groups in the governance of the country (Every Culture). This attribute was instilled in Tanzanians by their first president, Julius Nyerere.
The Tanzanian culture is a mix of 120 tribes, and this makes it one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world (Tanzania embassy). The southern part of the country is graced by the tall Maasai warriors, while the central plains have the Hadza bushmen. There are the Wameru who are known for their resourceful agricultural practices, and the Makonde are known for artistic talents (Tanzania embassy). The country also has the Chaga, who are predominantly recognized for their craft of trade and farming. Each of Tanzania’s 120 tribes has distinct lifestyles, but together, they unite to call themselves Tanzanians (Tanzania embassy). Even though the 120 tribes have their independent languages, most of them are Bantus. This makes it easier for one tribe to learn and understand the other tribe’s language easily.
Immediately after independence, Tanzania’s government felt that having many distinct languages posed a problem to the clamor for national unity. Consequently, the Kiswahili language was made the country’s official language, and the government subsequently introduced it in schools (Tanzania embassy). Some of the Tanzanians living in the coastal areas were already using Kiswahili, and it rapidly became a logical choice for communication among Tanzanians. The use of Kiswahili assisted in unifying the country because it did not belong or originate from any specific tribe living in Tanzania. As every tribe accommodated its usage, the unity and Ujamaa tradition that President Nyerere sought to instill was easily adopted, as Tanzanians saw themselves as one people.
On food, Tanzanian cuisine is widely varied and unique. In the coastal region, the cuisine is characterized by coconut milk in food and a preference for spicy foods. This includes foods such as Kashata, which is either groundnut or coconut rolls; pilau, which is mixed rice or wild rice; Sambusa, also called samosa; Kabab; Biryani; and Bagia. As one moves inland, the cuisine is less spicy (Tanzania embassy). Some of the inland foods include nyama choma, which is grilled meat; kuku choma, which is grilled chicken; nyama pori, which is a bush meat that is either cooked, grilled, or sun dried; kiti moto, which is grilled pork; ugali; chapati; wali, which is cooked rice; Mishikaki, which is skewed meat, among other foods (Tanzania embassy).
Codes of Cultural Behavior
Tanzania is a society that is largely homogeneous, and its culture is eclectic. This means that the society is rich in age-old traditions and cultures. Apart from the sense of national pride that all Tanzanians possess, the population is also known for its politeness and friendly approach to treating visitors. Given that the country has various religious beliefs and over 120 ethnic groups, it can be confusing to tourists to understand the bad and good manners. The listed do’s and don’ts below expand on some of the widely held customs and traditions that can assist visitors in being on the right side of the society’s social etiquette.
Do’s
- Use your right hand in taking meals
Tanzanians partake meals using their right hand, especially when taking meals that are more of the traditional variety. Visitors are also expected to use their right hand as well. The Tanzanian culture views the right hand as clean; therefore, it is appropriate to be used in greeting people and picking up food (Culture Trip). The Tanzanian culture considers the left hand as dirty, as is only to be used for bathroom and ablution activities (Culture Trip). Tourists should make an effort of using their right hand to greet locals as doing otherwise is perceived as highly disrespectful.
- Ask before you take a photograph
Even though most tourists would like to freely take photographs of the sceneries and people whenever they deem it necessary, Tanzanians would expect that a visitor makes an attempt to request to take a photo (Culture Trip). This does not mean that Tanzanians are not receptive—quite the opposite. Tanzanians like visitors and would not mind their photos taken (Culture Trip). They would even encourage visitors to take their photos as they show off their traditional way of life and garbs. However, they would want a visitor to be polite enough to request to do so. Tanzanians feel that making a request is both ethical and polite. Some ethnic groups within Tanzania believe that the camera flash takes away a piece of their soul, and taking a photo of them without making a request can lead to a traumatic affair to members of such ethnic groups.
- Control your anger in public
Tanzanians rarely get angry, and they are always friendly, considerate, and polite. It is not easy to come across a Tanzanian who wears a frown in his or her face (Culture Trip). There is a reason for this, and it is that many Tanzanians have respect for elders, and this comes from strong family ties in society. Everyone respects elders and children are always taught to have a strong sense of discipline and show respect (Culture Trip). They are also taught to control their anger as well. The ability to control one’s anger when in public is a trait that is highly valued by Tanzanians.
- Understand the phrase ‘Hakuna Matata.’
This Swahili phrase means that there is no problem. The phrase became popular in the world when the movie The Lion King hit the screens (Culture Trip). Tanzanians also use the phrase to refer to time. Tanzanians never rush, and visitors must understand this trait of the locals, as it would allow them to have an enjoyable holiday without unnecessary smirks on the slow nature of the locals.
- Be receptive and accommodative to the storytellers
Most Tanzanians have practiced the art of storytelling, and this is because the ethnic groups have limited written history. Most of their cultures and traditions were passed from one generation to another through spoken forms (Culture Trip). Stories are, therefore, an integral part of preserving the age-old beliefs and customs of the locals. They also preserve the country’s culture (CultureTrip). When in an environment where a local is telling a story, be receptive, and learn about their culture and traditions from their stories.
Don’ts
- Do not cuddle or kiss in public
Even though kissing and cuddling are perfectly acceptable when people are in the island resort, pool, or in their hotel room, doing so on sidewalks and public beaches are unacceptable in Tanzania. A significant population of Tanzanians is Muslims, and they do hold the view that any affection between a woman and man must be strictly private and, in the bedroom (Culture Trip). Doing so in public would be disrespectful and unnatural.
- Do not sniff food
Even though it is a common culture for most of the Westerners to take in a meal’s aroma before consuming it, doing so in Tanzania is viewed as distasteful and suspicious. According to the country’s culture, food should only be smelled when there is suspicion that something is wrong with it (Culture Trip). Doing so without such reasons is considered as insulting to the person preparing the food.
- Do not publicly criticize elders
According to Tanzanian culture, elders, because of their age, possess superior powers and must be treated respectfully. It is, therefore, culturally offensive to question their opinions or fail to show courtesy in their presence (Culture Trip). When in doubt at a statement or opinion of an elder, the best thing is to keep quiet.
- Do not fall into the trap of witchdoctors
Tanzania has several traditional healers, with more than 75,000 of them registered as practicing traditional healing. Some use plants and herbs for medicinal purposes, while others rely on the connections that they have with the supernatural in curing their patients. More than eighty percent of Tanzanians rely on the services of the traditional healers (Culture Trip). Even though others are genuine, others seek to defraud tourists, and it is essential to be wary not to fall into their trap.
- Do not criticize cultural practices
The country’s tribal law dictates that youths must pass several rites of passages as they transition into adulthood. For instance, boys who are yet to undergo circumcision are not considered as adults, while girls who are yet to pass their rites of passages are not viewed as worthy of marriage (Culture Trip). Some of these practices are internationally outlawed, and to be on the safe side with the locals; it is important not to criticize their rites of passage.
Unusual Aspects of Culture
Of the Do’s, I considered using the right hand in taking meals and in greeting people as unusual, because there are naturally left-handed people. I believe that such people should be respected as well and acknowledged to have a natural trait, and should not be forced to accommodate some practices that would be demeaning to them. For instance, by considering the left hand as dirty, while left-handed people use their left hands in all their activities, it is telling them that everything that they do is dirty.
On the Don’ts, I considered not cuddling or kissing in public as unusual, given the exposure that children and elders can have through the internet and social media. Since social media and the internet allows for worldwide connectivity of friends and users, it is possible that the acts like kissing and cuddling, which are considered immoral when done in public, are visible and accessible in the photos that are shared online of people in vacations. I believe that it could be acceptable by the locals that tourists would act in such ways when they visit the country.
References
Country Watch (2019). Tanzania Country Review. Retrieved from:
http://www.countrywatch.com/Content/pdfs/reviews/B45L9QZ4.01c.pdf
Culture Trip. (2020). Traditions and Cultures Only People from Tanzania Will Understand.
Retrieved from: https://theculturetrip.com/africa/tanzania/articles/traditions-and-customs-only-people-from-tanzania-will-understand/
Every Culture. (2020). Tanzania. Retrieved from: https://www.everyculture.com/Sa-Th/Tanzania.html
Tanzania Embassy. Retrieved from: https://tanzaniaembassy-us.org/?page_id=100