It is like walking in on someone naked. While it varies greatly from country to country, it is fair to say that in most African and Middle Eastern countries, you should avoid leading with your left hand. THANKS FOR READING OUR GUIDE TO KENYA! Are you part of that "acceptable/proper dressing global committee" under the U.N that decides what is proper dressing and what is not? ha ha. WebOne of the biggest cultural norms in America is tipping. The Area: 224,080 square Web645 Dislike Share Save. Americans provide a small tip on top of the total cost of their bill. What would you prefer, 1. As a left-handed person, I found this difficult to get used to. Lakini go to Nairobi, and all colors of the rainbow are in exhibition. Ranked 37th. This makes it difficult for Americans to the Kenyan culture or Kenyans, to adapt to the American culture. This might happen in a formal conversation as well, like briefing sessions in your internship, lectures during field trips, and classes you may be taking in our partner institutions. Jambo, is what you are most likely to hear if you look like a foreigner. He would be cursed by the villagers to the high heavens. What should happen is that parents from the mans side should seek permission from parents of the womans side to have their daughter hand in marriage. See an in-depth size comparison. @Sam NgugiKenyans especially in cities mimic western dressing n mannerisms.Nigerians r better dressers than KenyaTanzanians too..especially Tanzanian women. The writer has done a good job sharing his observations. He has not judged them as bad or good. Mzee moja tried his best but I critical think I can comment is the way He said Americans brush their teeth in the car,Always jumping from this job to the other or changing kids diapers in the car?? ?This is called problems n they wish they can have a beta life than that.Compare that life with somebody who leaves in village back in kenya who owns a small mawe or mabati hse,3cows,few chickens,4goats/sheep!that someone leaves n enjoys life beta than the one who is changing diapers,or doing matriples in USA .We need to know what quality life means?? If so, hold your hands over the basin while water is poured over them. Most Kenyans interweave native beliefs into a traditional religion. Robert Serpell, PhD, who is Both are the countrys official languages and used for instruction in schools: Kiswahili in lower primary and English through upper primary and high school. Of course, Africa is not a monolith. Back home, food is served in moderate portions so that if one needed more, they could always ask for more. English is used for international commerce, higher education, and national administrations, while Kiswahili is used for interethnic social interactions and grassroot or local administration. In America we say to our children "do not waste food, there are children starving in India." Make no mistake, the sheer amount of food wasted in one county in the USA per day is enough to feed the Horn of Africa for a month. Keep writing Mzee Moja without a care about the spelling of your pen name! Life is on the go. Mzee Moja, take a walk into the black community and interact more with them if you can and you can see no. United States spends 16.8% of its total GDP on healthcare as of 2019. The African languages come from three different language families - Bantu languages (spoken in the center and southeast), Nilotic languages (in the west), and Cushitic languages (in the northeast). Warmth. Comparatively, those in Kenya have better quality of life. In Kenya, that number is 4.6% of GDP as of 2019. Culture and attitude almost deceptively underpin most of our actions, thoughts and aspirations. Business cards are exchanged without formal ritual. In Kenya, there are 26.4 babies per 1,000 people as of 2022. be 18.0 times more likely to die during childbirth. Kenya is known for several well-known dishes in East Africa. If invited to dinner at a Kenyans home, bring pastries, flowers, or sweets for the hostess. Showing anger is considered a sign of mental instability. WebAn intensive virtual programme designed for leaders and consultants interested in using Organisational Culture as a tool of management and change. In United States, the average life expectancy is 81 years (78 years for men, 83 years for women) as of 2022. Globalization vs. Respect. Or not. In terms of cultural management styles will continue to present significant differences. It's a free, question-and-answer based forum to discuss Regions and countries are sometimes as different from one another as America is from them. Although the official languages are Swahili and English, there are actually a total of 62 languages spoken in the country (according to Ethnologue). Commonly eaten with ugali and meat if available. As you might expect in a group-orientated culture, the extended family is the basis of the social structure. OMG, the dressing here is ridiculously bad. WebIn Kenyan culture, communities are generally conservative, with some embracing progressive changes in lifestyle in urban centers. Or developed world problems as we call them. In the Kenyan culture, families, are extended with more than two children (Anthropology, 2021). That was not the case in Tanzania. Westport: Greenwood Publishing Group. It is a good idea to allow your Kenyan hosts determine when it is time to begin the business discussion. Keep them coming mate, a good laugh goes a long way! Down the road, however, after you get a grasp of Kiswahili, you will discover the proper greetings Hujambo, or Hamjambo if there are more of you. Never use the left hand. It is important to note that teenagers in Any function or meeting that lasts more than 30 minutes is frowned upon. That is beside the point. Read more: After spending months in the Middle East, I'm convinced a single phrase with more than a dozen meanings is key to understanding Arab culture. I once saw a notice in a restaurant, "After eating leave within five minutes." A land of vast distances and rich natural resources, Canada became a self-governing dominion in 1867 while retaining ties to the British crown. 1. What is viewed here as wastage is called spirit of abudance-more than enough for all including the unfortunate in society. I remember commenting to my mom that visitors had stayed too long. It is also up to you to read between the lines and decipher what may really being said. Wait to be invited before moving to a first name basis. As a child, travel by air was a very special and rare experience. Official languages: Swahili, English. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. 2022 All Rights Reserved. The most common greeting is Jambo? (How are you?), which is generally said immediately prior to the handshake. The author needs to do more research if he tryly wants to display the American culture as it is. Reciprocity. Githeri Kikuyu staple; beans and corn mixed together, with our without another vegetable. Whether it is out of genuine care for one another, only the gods of Africa know. Kenya is an African state with a population of slightly over 40 million; the country has forty-two tribes with the Kikuyu as the dominant tribe. In the Arab countries I visited Morocco and Egypt alcohol is legal, and some partake, but it is definitely not a common practice outside of resort areas and hotels. The key differences between the American and Kenyan cultures are. Some people would go bananas if they went to a banking hall and find only a few customers. Many other African countries, like Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia, have cuisines designed to be eaten with your hands. Present and receive business cards with two hands. Wait for the Kenyan to determine that your friendship has reached this level of intimacy. WebIn China and Japan, for example, people are very punctual, that is, they dont waste on unnecessary issues. Back in Kenya, every morsel of the huge Ugali and Sukuma wiki must be accounted for. If you are from a culture that prizes directness, you may wish to moderate your delivery style. Hong Kong is situated on Chinas south coast; it is one of the two SARs (Special Administrative Region) of the larger China, the region is has a fast growing economy. I quickly learned that every plan I made in either city was contingent on the traffic. The villagers would be heard complaining. It would not be uncommon to find people dressed very liberally in resort towns like El Gouna or Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt, or to find young people dressed in clothes you'd also find in New York City or London in upscale urban neighborhoods like Westlands in Nairobi, Kenya. learned behavior of people, including their languages, belief systems, social structures, institutions, and material goods. Opines that it is important to assess families and aging in each of these cultures to gain a better understanding of their cultures. Therefore, it is a good idea to provide a historical framework or context when attempting to introduce a new idea or process. Children are not supposed to shake hands with adults but they are expected to bow and give adults a chance to touch their heads as a sign of blessing and respect (Kam, 2010). I spent the past three months of my travels in Africa, specifically in Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania. 103 Wilson Commons Rochester, NY 14642-7086. Or, 2. You've simply written about the obvious, uninteresting stuff. www.commisceo-global.com. And dare you say that you are satisfied after filling your tummy with the badly cooked kienyeji, the woman of the house will remind you that people are eating wild berries in Turkana and that throwing away food is showing the owner of ostriches your stomach. Kenya remains East Africas largest and most important business, financial, and transportation hub, with 80 percent of East Africas trade flowing through Mombasa For example, many North African countries constantly use the Arabic word "inshallah," whereas the word is unheard of in many sub-Saharan countries. It was expected that if you were driving near our family home you were expected to "drop in" unannounced. Its geography extends from the warm coastal waters of the Indian Ocean to volcanic mountains in the Great Rift Valley to the lacustrine highlands near the largest freshwater lake on the continent. As someone who likes to take their time leaving a hotel, I found this was a hard cultural shift to get used to. After wife inheritance, children born thereafter are children of the deceased and establish themselves as so. And they wear them with pride. Take the time to inquire about the other persons general well-being, family, and business in general. Kale boiled and fried with tomatoes, onions and oil. AU Nairobi | Kenyan Culture | American University, Washington, DC Socialization tools are responsible for the passing of culture from one generation to another; culture is not static, undergoes various adjustments and changes. It's fairly common to find hawkers on New York City streets in the summer selling water bottles or candy, but in Lagos and Nigeria, you are just as likely to see one selling engine oil, window wiper blades, stuffed animals, flowers, or brooms. In fact, practical gifts are preferred. They are uncomfortable with blunt statements. WebHospitality. StudyCorgi. We sit down in a restaurant, order for tea and mandazi. For us his readers, the best we can do is egg him on. Other major ethnic groups include the Luhya (14%), Luo (13%), Kalenjin (12%), Kamba (11%), Kisii (6%) and Meru (6%). A sentence would start in English and down the road, wanders off into some other language before finding its way back to English. American Here! Weak signals and poor reception are common challenges, especially in the rural areas. WebIn Kenya, that number is 7.1% of people as of 2016. live 10.9 years less In United States, the average life expectancy is 81 years (78 years for men, 83 years for women) as of For a married woman being fat means that the husband is able financially and can provide abundantly for his family. While traffic in Cairo isn't quite as bad, it far outpaces traffic issues in any American city outside of maybe Los Angeles. He simply made a few observations. At work, people act like I dress up when the truth is, they are too dressed down. It is the sad day when we wake up and all of the left overs are gone. WebThe country of Kenya is made up of many different ethnic groups and tribes which makes it very broad when comes to their culture. I am simply tired of jeans and T-shirts. Jeans, jeans, jeans. Food for thought! We eat that meal for a week and Thanksgiving left overs are the highlight of our year. 1[caption1 id=attachment_12710 align=alignleft width=300 caption= The Test http://www.iupui.edu/]. Despite Kenya and America being far away from each other they both use English as their first language in school, "Cultural Differences: Kenyans, Malaysians, Chinese and Americans." How long is your commute? Diversity. In United States, approximately 5.2 children (per 1,000 live births) die before they reach the age of one as of 2022. Kai andu mathire ku? (Where is everyone?) That is one reason you find prevalent incidences of workplace violence as corporate slaves attempt to let off steam. Religions: Protestant 45%, Roman Catholic 33%, Muslim 10%, indigenous beliefs 10%, other 2%. While each country had a distinct culture and customs, I experienced many culture clashes while visiting Africa. Kenya is a multilingual country. In United States, there are approximately 12.3 babies per 1,000 people as of 2022. Thirty minutes? Although the two countries have a close relationship, their cultures have distinct, differences (Anthropology, 2021). Just relax people. American English is only one of the versions spoken around the world. In Nairobi there are many kiosks (roadside stands) where local people sell fruits, vegetables, and legumes on the street that are grown within the region. StudyCorgi. However, they try very hard to remain faithful to only one lover at a time. I know in Kenya, you say "Eat your food, there are children starving in Turkana" or something like that. Moroccan staples like tagine and couscous are designed to be eaten with your hands. The only issue is economics. Women over the age of 21 are often addressed as Mama and men over the age of 35 are often addressed as Mzee. I never met anyone who had actually been to Kenya or even Africa until I was 17. The Kenyan Constitution guarantees freedom of religion. Except for formal functions, there is generally not a seating plan. Prepare five-year growth plan for Caf Kenya Explore the current target market of cafe. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. When we arrived at the hospital to work the next morning WOW everyone was dressed up with beautiful make up on the women and a proper hat matching the kaftan for the men. It, is easy to find college students living under the same roof as their parents in their early twenties. There are also many very remote towns and villages that still have some of the native people left in them. In the social aspects of life, a difference can be noted among Kenyans, Malaysians, Chinese, and Americans. Zillennial Life. 2.2 Roles of prominent researchers in Europe and North America. Ones ancestors are thought to be able to influence events in life since they are in a limbo state and closer to God than the living. This results in wide-ranging cultural differences even for closely neighbouring countries. Ranked 24th. In whichever country one is, the parents should be taken care of by the children. The largest ethnic group in Kenya is the Kikuyu people (22%). We do not dress well. Direct and frank communication is not the norm in Kenya. WebKenya has incredible ethnic diversity. Indian, Japanese, Lebanese, Chinese, Mexican, as well as American and Westport: Greenwood Publishing Group. When people marry, they join their families, thus ensuring that there will always be a group to turn to in times of need. Food and drink > Alcohol > Alcohol consumed from > Homemade and illegal drinks. Economically and technologically, the nation has developed in parallel with the US, its neighbor to the south across the world's longest While you are likely to have some cultural mix-ups as an American visiting European countries, it's nothing compared to Africa, where things seem to work completely differently from the US. Nigeria has a long history as a place perceived, by both its citizens and outsiders, as incredibly corrupt. The honoured guest is usually served first, followed by the men, children, and women. The drive through economy that thrives in the USA will take a long time to catch up in Kenya. This paper was written and submitted to our database by a student to assist your with your own studies. Most people s in the world sit down for their meals, eeven some in the US would have nothing else. In British or Indian owned companies, agendas will be used and followed. It is a good idea to take a small amount the first time the platters are brought so that you may take second helpings when urged. We could not give it to charity as there might be a law suit if someone got sick from it. I didn't expect to, but I experienced the corruption firsthand. Use the honorific title plus any academic or professional title and the surname. What about in Americ? Some children grow into adulthood before seeing their dads hair, and if mom is a Womans Guild member, then the poor child will never know the color of his parents hair! It is a sign of respect to lower your eyes when greeting someone of a higher status or someone who is obviously older than you. If women disrespect their husbands, it is seen as an omen to the family and a cleansing ceremony needs to be conducted by elders. Despite the lack of systematic differences among geographical groups of prominent researchers in terms of the total number of publications and collaborations, a more nuanced analysis of the structure of the collaboration network between prominent researchers (that is, excluding You are allowed only one opportunity to shake a persons hand; when you meet for the first time. Simply change the country name depending on which guide you are referencing. But, not quite so easily the average Kenyan with a high school education speaks at least three languages; English, Kiswahili, and their mother tongue. In Egypt and Morocco, it punctuated the answer to just about any question I asked a local. After an acceptance token of dowry has been paid negotiation starts. Aberdeen: Hong Kong University Press. Structures in business are flat and it is normal to be on first name terms with ones superiors. When conducting a prayer he is expected to bow down and not look upright at the mountain just in case he sees the face of God whom they call Ngai, which Joel explains means the giver of life and distributor of wealth (Sobania, 2003). Guests are expected to wash their hands before and after the meal. Kenyans on the other hand a very good dressers. Most in kenya not only "waste time in greetings", but we waste valuable time in daily life, man-hours, money, resources and so we cannot afford to "waste" food, because in the first place there is no food to waste. Typically, with both dishes, a large platter is placed in the center of the table, and each person takes turns either rolling balls of couscous or using pieces of Moroccan bread to scoop up pieces of meat or sop up sauce. Na T-shirt. This is not ancestor worship per se, but rather a belief that when someone dies their spirit lives on and must be acknowledged. After that, a Hi would suffice, better still, a superficial grin would also act as greetings. ?About saying pple in kenya/Africa waste time greeting @ other,talking to @ other I totally disagree juu in USA /Europe they don't care about @ other,I have seen them even taking their parents or sisters to court juu ya 200$.Can u find this nonsense in Africa? WebEthnic Make-up: Kikuyu 22%, Luhya 14%, Luo 13%, Kalenjin 12%, Kamba 11%, Kisii 6%, Meru 6%, other African 15%, non-African (Asian, European, and Arab) 1%. In all, I celebrate the two cultures I bestride, because they make me richer and wiser. Gifts need not be expensive. (2021, May 5). Not only are these foods inexpensive to buy, but by buying them one is promoting the local economy and directly helping someone to support their families. And by the way, what exactly did you want to convey in this piece? In Kenya, 342.0 women do as of 2017. be 5.4 times more likely to die during infancy. In Kenya, there are only four telephone service providers. Vacations were more often a trip to a cottage on a lake or ocean by car. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. While many Westerners tend not to associate Africa with Islam, it is the most common religion on the continent. The level of conservatism can vary greatly depending on what part of the country you are in. The idea of running around is therefore not necessary. Kenyans waste time greeting and eating A Kenyan will greet you A more peculiar phenomenon accompanying the extreme traffic is the prevalence of street hawkers walking up and down city streets and highways and selling just about anything you can think of. They may take time kujuliana hali, kwenda msalani, kujaza matumbo yao, kufua nguo, so what? United States has a top tax rate of 39.6% as of 2016. We left an hour later. It is all a part of the experience. The United States of America is a metropolitan country with an influx of people from different parts of the world; the different nationalities have different experiences in life and thus their culture differs from the American style. Mzee Moja leo kweli umenichekesha! WebMany Kenyans were already exposed to different facets of American culture because of the close relationship between Kenya and the United States. My colleague told me later that the police officer almost certainly stopped us on the highway when he saw my Caucasian face in the back seat. Do not bring alcohol unless you know that your host drinks. Harassment of women is not exclusive to Arab society. Serving the University of Rochester Community Since 1873. You will attune your ear to the version spoken here. Kenyan public schools are taught in the British version of English. Kenya r better dressers than Ugandaa.pia than Somalia.. @Sam Ngugifirst I don't blog..I post comments.Second,am not a kikuyu.but I will say this,everything I write about kikuyu's nimeambiwa na wakikuyuhahahakwanza hata I have not written about how kikuyu give birth bila mpangookuz. An hour? In America Spanish is one of the only other languages spoken. As a culture, we do pay quite a bit of attention on niceties. Weak signals and poor reception are common challenges, especially in the rural areas. "Cultural Differences: Kenyans, Malaysians, Chinese and Americans." Unless they are eating South Asian food not many other spices are used. Often too, folks speaking English fluently would use non-English affixes and words in a conversation. You will understand if you speak more than one language, that sometimes it is a lot easier for people to express particular concepts in one language better than another. Values, ideologies, perceptions, and beliefs that people hold are greatly influenced by their country of origin. This paper analysis cultural differences and culture shock experienced by three of my friend who hails from Kenya, Hong Kong, and Saudi Arabia; they are in the United States for their college studies. And now, after much practice, I am able to state temperature in Fahrenheit instead of degrees Celsius, distance in miles in place of kilometers, and weight in pounds instead of kilograms that is used in most of Africa. 3 times more than Kenya. Saudi Arabia is a Middle East country that has undergone a rapid economic growth rate in the recent past. United States has a total of 19,924 km of coastline. In this respect, Kenyans have a better quality of life, Americans have quantity. While it is not impossible to live on a vegetarian diet in Kenya (there are many people descended from South Asia who are vegetarians), expect to see meat in many Kenyan diets. Maize - Street food; unsweetened corn roasted over hot coals, most commonly served with chili lime salt. Sometimes it is not enough. Secondly, during lunch, Americans frown upon anyone interrupting them when eating food. In almost every situation where someone helps you with a service a waiter, a hairdresser, a taxi driver, a bartender, a masseuse, etc. We are too busy to do our hair. If you use an assignment from StudyCorgi website, it should be referenced accordingly. Titles are important. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider While Lagos has more petty crime than terrorism, Nairobi has suffered multiple attacks from Al Shabaab, a Somali jihadist group.
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