Let Us Talk About Culture

I strongly feel that in order to for one to fully wrap their mind around the content of my blogs that will subsequently follow, one needs to understand the cultural norms, values and practices of Uganda; therefore, this blog will amorphously depict The Pearl of Africa from those perspectives in order to better provide a sound platform for which one can adequately appreciate the Ugandan way of life.

**Please note that the views listed below are solely those of me and what I have endured thus far in my service in Uganda, as well as what I have gathered from conversations with Ugandan friends. I am generalizing (both for the American view and Ugandan view); therefore, please be aware that NOT ALL Ugandans or Americans embody any one way of thinking or all share the same state of mind.**

Uganda is a homogenous and collectivist culture. In this collective society: One’s identity is in large part a function of one’s membership and role in a group, e.g., the family or work team. The survival and success of the group ensures the well-being of the individual, so that by considering the needs and feelings of others, one protects oneself, Harmony and the interdependence of group members are stressed and valued. Group members are relatively close psychologically and emotionally, but distant toward non group members. Collectivist characteristics are often associated with women and people in rural settings.

Ugandan communication is highly indirect: People are indirect; they imply/suggest what they mean; understatement is valued; you need to read between the lines; the truth, if it hurts, should be tempered.

Ugandan communication is high context: much is already known; the spoken word is not the primary means of communicating; much is implied but little needs to be said; nonverbal cues and context are the key what is not said may be the message. And while this is true for Ugandans, it is important to note that the spoken word and oral communication is highly valued here.

The art of proverb use in African languages is exceedingly admired; especially the art of exceptional oracy. Besides those that are educated, very few Ugandans can read or write; therefore, the spoken word is highly esteemed. It is fascinating to mention that the style of oral communication is quite different than the Western means of ‘direct communication’. Ugandans cherish story telling and are judged by the choice of words, figures of speech, such as: Proverbs, metaphors, and idioms. Shirley Byakutaga, one of my pre-service trainers, states, “It is the “unschooled” who would just throw out words anyhow without spicing the language with the flavor of proverbs and the like.” Proverbs are utilized for discovery learning in that when they are said, only half of the proverb is spoken and the listener is required to complete the other half. This is part of conversational management; to ensure that the listener is attentive. This style of active listening is seen regularly in Ugandan meetings and conversations with not only proverbs but also with general information. EX: “You have to put the water in the what? In the glass.” You have to call me on the what? On the phone.” The intermission is not seen as an interruption, but rather a method for the listener to show interest in the conversation or speech.

Time, to Ugandans, is polychromic and cyclical; Time is the servant and tool of people. Time is adjusted to suit the needs of people. More time is always available, and you are never too busy. People often have to do several things simultaneously, as required by their circumstance. It is not necessary to finish one thing before starting another, nor to finish your business with one person before starting in with another.

1) Attitude towards Age:

American View: The American emphasis on concrete achievements and “doing” means that age is not highly valued, for the older you are the less you can accomplish. Age is also suspect because new is usually better in American culture, and the elderly are generally out of touch with what’s new.

Ugandan View: The elderly are highly revered as they are depicted by others as knowledgeable and wise. The children are often the last to be given food and are expected to give up their seat on a bus for an older person. This is because the youth are portrayed as having high amounts of energy whereas the elders are physically weaker from strenuous physical labor.

2) Concept of Fate and Destiny:

American View: The concept of self-determination negates much of the influence of fate and destiny. Parents tell their children they can be whatever they want to be when they grow up. There are few givens in life, and people have little sense of external limits. Lack of success is their fault.

Ugandan View: Ugandans are highly religious; therefore, they believe that their fate and destiny is determined by God. It is interesting because while they surrender their will to God and his ultimate plan, they view their physical circumstance as “it is this way and only this way”. They believe that they are endowed with poverty because that is just the way it has been and the way it will be- they do not question their situation nor do they query their limits. There is the mentality that Ugandans, or Africans, are in a 3^rd world circumstance due to external factors (environmental and man made); some also believe that it is the Devils doing and that God will ultimately prevail. They take the bible very, very literally.

3) View of Human Nature:

American View: People are considered basically and inherently good. If someone does an evil deed, we look for the explanation, for the reason why the person turned out bad. People can and should be trusted and we are fairly open to strangers, and willing to accept them.

Ugandan View: It is believed that if any person does wrong or is ‘bad’ that it is the fault of the family- those who raised the person. There is no questioning or rationalizing why they did what they did, it is only a matter of how they were raised. In Uganda, telling someone that they have “bad manners” is the worst insult you could bestow someone. Unfortunately, domestic violence is quite prevalent in Uganda, and parental love or compassion is rare; although, there are exceptions to every rule. So, if a parent is able to send their child to school, the child is obligated to take care of the family financially- it is exceptional for parents to have emotional attachment to their children. I must say though, that the majority of those I have thus far encountered were not raised in families such as I have described but even upon talking with them, they insist the majority of Ugandan families are raised in such circumstances.

4) Attitudes towards Change:

American View: Change is considered positive, probably because Americans believe in the march of progress and the pursuit of perfection. Improvements will always move us close and closer to perfection. Traditions can be a guide, but they are not inherently superior.

Ugandan View: Uganda is money driven. They will embrace change as long as the change will provide them with more money. For instance, prostitution is extremely high in Lyantonde because it yields a high income. While the women who engage in risky sexual behavior may be aware of the consequences, i.e: AIDS, STI, unwanted pregnancy, etc. it does not matter as long as the act brings them income.

5) Attitude towards Taking Risks:

American View: There will always be enough opportunity to go around, so taking risks, involves no real danger. For the truly ambitious, failure is only temporary. Experimentation, trial and error are important ways to learn or to improve your product or service.

Ugandan View: Ugandans will take risks only if they believe that it will bring them more money. They will open a shop- a huge risk here- as they do not know whether or not it will be successful but could potentially serve as an income generating endeavor. Behavioral risk taking is very rare. Things are the way they are; hence, the lack of motivational social change.

6) Concept of Suffering and Misfortune:

American View: Because we are ultimately in control of our lives and destiny we have no excuse for unhappiness or misfortune. If you are suffering or unhappy, they just do whatever it takes to be happy again. If you are depressed, it is because you have chosen to be.

Ugandan View: The majority believes that God is in control of their lives and destiny; therefore, there is little ownership to their unhappiness. They are born into their circumstance and there is modest effort taken to change it. It is as if suffering is inherent within their culture; as that is what most of Uganda knows.

7) Concept of Face:

American View: In individualistic cultures, no premium is put on saving face because people can take care of themselves. What other people think is not so crucial to survival or success. We can say what we think without worrying about hurting peoples feelings, and we likewise appreciate directness.

Ugandan View: Saving face is extremely important in Uganda. Not losing face takes precedence over the “truth”; maintaining harmony is the overriding goal of the communication exchange; confrontation is avoided; what one says and one feels are often not the same. It is unheard of for a child to talk back to their parents or to even ask, “Why?” In any given community, everyone knows everything about everybody. It is imperative to have a respected family name. Ugandans are always “fine”. When asked about their day or their lives, it is rare that they will ever admit the severity of their suffering.

8) Source of Self Esteem/Self Worth:

American View: In an individualistic culture, you are what you have achieved; that is, you create your own worth rather than receiving it by virtue of birth, position, seniority, or longevity. Your self-esteem comes from what you have done to earn self- esteem.

Ugandan View: Self esteem is different with men and women. Uganda is an exceptionally patriarchic society; therefore, the men are born with a sense of position and authority. Women, on the other hand, measure their self worth either by: Education, number of children that they have (the more the better), the amount of money they have, or if they come from a prominent family. It is the monetary things that bring Ugandans a sense of self worth.

9) Concept of Equality:

American View: In a strong reaction to the repressive class structure in Europe, Americans created a culture virtually built around egalitarianism: The notion that no one is superior to anyone else because of birth, power, fame, or wealth. We are not all the same, but we are equal of value.

Ugandan View: There is a huge gap between the men, women and children. Men are viewed as being superior, and often times possess power, authority and wealth. Women are subservient to the men, as are the children. The children perform the majority of household chores: Fetching water, washing clothes, cleaning the house, etc.

10) Attitude towards Formality:

American View: Because of the strong egalitarian ethos, Americans tend to be casual and informal in social and professional interactions. Informality is also more necessary in a mobile society where people are always meeting new people. We don’t stand on ceremony, nor use titles or rank in addressing each other.

Ugandan View: Ugandans are very formal when addressing one another unless they are relationally close to each other or if they are ‘exposed/educated’. Children and women kneel to men and to elders. “Hey you!” or “Girl” is extremely rude; Ugandans will address each other as madam or sir.

11) Degree of Realism:

American View: Largely because of the notion that the individual is in control, Americans are generally optimistic. We do not see things the way they are, but as better than they are, particularly if they are not so good. We feel it is important to be positive and that there is no reason not to be.

Ugandan View: Ugandans suffer from a self fulfilling prophecy as they are a Donor Darling Country. The majority wait for external means of help and hand outs. It is by being educated or having money that brings happiness. Ugandans are sheltered, as electricity is unreliable and few can afford it; consequently, they have little exposure to the outside world and innovative means of doing things.

12) Attitude towards Doing:

American View: Individuals survive because they get things done, generally on their own. Words and talk are suspect and cheap; they don’t put food on the table or a roof over your head. Pursuits not directly related the creation of concrete results, e.g., academia, the arts, are less highly valued. What is practical and pragmatic is favored over what is beautiful and inspiring.

Ugandan View: As long as what they are doing brings money, it is all that matters.

13) View of the Natural World:

American View: The natural world is a kind of mechanism or machine that can be studied and know and whose workings can be predicted, manipulated, and ultimately controlled. It is not to be feared.

Ugandan View: There is little technology in Uganda; hence, there is very little means of knowing how to manipulate the environment. Ugandans know when the wet and the dry seasons come and when to plant. The environment is a part of their existence; they tend to work with it than against it.

*The outline for the above was formulated with literary help from Culture Matters: The Peace Corps Cross-Cultural Workbook.

Miscellaneous Cultural Implications:

-Transportation: The number one cause of death in Uganda is Automobile Fatalities. In a taxi (a car that would normally seat 4 maybe 5 people legally in America) it is rare to see it filled with less than 9-12 people. People will literally fit in the trunk and on top of one another. When at high capacity, there will even be a person sharing the driver’s seat! In a matatu (a taxi van) that can legally fit 14 people- there are, on average, 15-27 people (not to mention the chickens, babies, and luggage). Boda Bodas (motorcycles) weave in and out of traffic and drive on the sidewalks to surpass the traffic on the roads. Buses are usually crammed with people standing in the isles and are never on time (if that bus line even has a potential arrival and departure timetable). In short, traveling is hectic, uncomfortable, slow, and just downright awful.

-Muzungu Prices: Muzungu (I will refer to this word frequently): is what a foreigner, preferably a person with white skin, is referred to as. Now, it is an instant given here in Uganda, that if you have white skin you have money; therefore, when going to the market or basically buying anything, a muzungu will be charged double the price it should be. Granted that at markets, you are supposed to bargain (it is actually quite fun when you are in the mood). However, when you just want to buy anything: Transport, vegetables, groceries, etc. unless you know what the cost should be, you will 9 out of 10 times be overcharged. It is utterly annoying but is something that you just get used to.

-Fat: Ugandans have no problem whatsoever telling you that you are fat. Now, they will claim that this is a complement. To some extent- it is. Culturally, especially in the rural villages, when a human is ‘fat’ it means that they come from a good family because they can afford to eat well. However, in the city areas, they know what it is to be skinny and how the Westerns value slimness. Nonetheless, we Peace Porps girls have been told, “You have fat legs,” or, “My, you have grown fat”, or- my favorite, “Your stomach is extending rapidly.” *sigh*

-Buzz Words: “Extend, Extend”= Move/scoot over.

“You have been lost!”= I have not seen you in a long time.

“Well be back”= Welcome back.

“Branch off” = Turn (left or right)

“Let us move together”= We shall travel together soon.

“Oh, I fear it so.”= I am afraid of it.

“I’ll flash you”= I’ll call your phone but don’t pick up.

“I’ll give you a push.”= I will accompany you somewhere.

“Let us foot.”= We will walk there.

“Short Call.”= Number 1.

“Long Call.”= Number 2.

“Some how”= Everything is always somehow.

-Miscellaneous:

• They eat with their hands
• Fear water
• The children’s role is that of an adult- they rarely have time to play
• Hanging up without saying goodbye or hello
• They love calling to greet
• It is rude to bring anything to dinner when invited (it is like insulting the host)
• When you ask them to lunch or dinner you are expected to pay
• Theft is extremely high- which is contradictory because people will take things that benefit the whole of the community: I.E. the pump to a water source.
• The people usually carry everything on their heads
• They hate walking
• They are afraid of animals and insects (snakes, spiders, etc.)
• They treat animals horribly (kick and abuse cats and dogs)
• Staring is considered to be rude; therefore, they rarely make eye contact when having a discussion
• Winking is a sexual advancement
• If a boy and girl walk together it is implied that they are having sex. Boy/girl friendships are very rare
• Holding hands in public between (boy and a girl) implies they are engaging in sexual activities but it is very common to see a boy and boy or a girl and another girl hold hands; even though Ugandans are extremely homophobic
• There is no personal space; Ugandans are very touchy feely
• Women and children almost always kneel to elders, men, and bazungu
• Caning (beating with a rod) happens frequently in schools even though it is illegal
• When you talk, Ugandans respond by raising eyebrows and saying, “mmm.”
• They fear conflict- are not confrontational
• Girls will have their ears pierced and boys will be circumcised so that they will not be stolen for human sacrifice
• There is a ‘numbness to death’ mentality
• Tribal rivalry is prevelent: There is very interesting tribal diversity that occurs within Uganda. For instance, In the Ankole tribe- it is commonly believed that if a man has a planned journey and the first person that he meets or speaks to that morning is a woman then it is an omen of bad luck; that the trip will be bad and it is best to cancel.
• Importance of land: By law, if the land benefits the whole of the community the owner must hand over the rights
• The belief of witch craft and night dancers (people who come out in the night and eat you alive)
• Interrupting: They constantly interrupt and talk over one another
• Women will breast feed in any public setting and, when doing household chores, will often do it shirtless; the more rural the more conservative one dresses. In the cities- they are more exposed and therefore more accepting of jeans, tank tops, etc.
• When you are at a restaurant and ask for something they will just leave to go get it
• If you go to eat with a group of people the server will bring out the food one plate at a time and it is not expected that you wait until everyone has their food before you start eating