September 28, 2011
Some notes on culture observations:
Never use your left hand in Togo because it’s used for other
things. This is especially hard for me being left handed. I have to relearn how
to do everything with my right hand (especially eating).
When entering a house for the first time you always share a
drink of water. Upon entering my host families house this was the first thing
my host mother did with me. Its good luck.
Togolese do not look at each other in the eye when talking
to one another.
Hold your right hand out palm facing down. Then snap your
fingers down until they touch the bottom of your palm. Repeat this process a
few times very quickly. You just made the universal Togolese sign for “come
here”.
If you want to compliment someone’s clothing ask for it. For
example “Give me your skirt!” This is a compliment in Togo. However, you have
to be careful on this one because sometimes it’s not a compliment, but they’re
actually asking you for something.
Children will call you yovo (White person) where ever you go
and sing a wonderful song to
accompany it. Also, babies who can’t even say “Mama” know how to mumble the
yovo song. I’ve witnessed this a few times.
Togolese during the afternoon break will sleep everywhere
and anywhere. I’ve seen several people sleep on top of their motorcycles like a
bed (horizontally). It amazes me that they can balance like that.
There are no rules of the road except get out of the way.
Togolese hate to give change. Coins are more precious than
bills here. Not sure why.
If you’re stopping by for a visit and they are eating then
the Togolese will insist you eat with them.
Togolese love to say “eh-hen” while in American we say
uh-hum.
Every morning at 4am the Togolese women wake up and
immediately sweep their house with a bali (broom). Their broom is not like our
broom at all. There is no stick and it’s just a bundle of thin bending twigs of
the same length tied by string.
When you are new everyone in the community looks out for
you. I’ve had strangers help me so much here. The Togolese are just so happy to
go out of their way to help you if they can.
Salutations a very important to the Togolese. Most of the
time when I’m walking people greet me with “Bon arrive” or welcome and also
welcome home. Not everyone greets each other on the street (it’s not necessary.
Just the people who you make contact with). I say hello to everyone, “bon jour”
or “bon soir” and it makes people’s whole face light up.
I will post more cultural observations later.
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