How do individuals competently communicate with South African Culture?
- Hi! My name is Ethan Wilson. I am a student at City College of San Francisco. This blog is for an assignment in the class Intercultural Communication taught by Dr. Jennifer Kienzle. If you have any questions or comments about this project, please contact Dr. Kienzle: jkienzle@ccsf.edu
A brief history:
South Africa is at the south most tip of the continent and home to roughly 56 million people, with the Ethnic Make-up: black 75.2%, white 13.6%, Colored 8.6%, Indian 2.6%The national currency of South Africa is the rand the country itself is roughly double the size of Texas. The first Europeans to set foot in South Africa were Portuguese sailors in 1488. In the early 1800’s, Great Britain seized the Cape Colony from the Dutch who had arrived in 1652. Many of the Dutch colonists wouldn’t accept British rule and moved to the north to where Johannesburg is today, as well as to the north-east to where the province known as Kwazulu-Natal is today.
The discovery of gold and diamonds in the mid-1800’s near Johannesburg led to further expansion by the British.
In terms of more recent history, in 1948, the government began implementing a series of segregationist laws that later became known as apartheid (“separateness”). Apartheid was simply meant to be a system of separate development of South Africa’s diverse racial groups, each developing within their own group, this produced many problems.
In 1961 the Union of South Africa gained independence from Britain and became the Republic of South Africa.
Apartheid had a negative impact on South African society in many ways. It became increasingly controversial and eventually led to international sanctions and massive unrest amongst South Africa’s people. Although some of the unrest was coerced, it still had the effect of destabilizing the country.
This eventually led to the country’s first multiracial elections in 1994. The African National Congress (ANC) won the election overwhelmingly and Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first Black president.
Communication Tips:
When meeting someone for the first time There are several greeting styles in South Africa depending upon the ethnic heritage of the person you are meeting.
When dealing with foreigners, most South Africans shake hands while maintaining eye contact and smiling.
Some women do not shake hands and merely nod their head, so it is best to wait for a woman to extend her hand.
Men may kiss a woman they know well on the cheek in place of a handshake. Greetings are leisurely and include time for social discussion about casual topics such as your day or current events. For the most part, South Africans want to maintain harmonious relationships, so they avoid confrontations.
South Africans often use metaphors and sports analogies to demonstrate a point.
Given the 11 official languages, there are some country-specific vocabulary to South Africa that will help you fit in. While you can have a successful trip without learning any these colloquialisms and references, reading up on them will certainly make your visit a little less confusing, and may aid you in not accidentally offending someone.
just now — You might think this means right now, but it actually means an undetermined amount of time. That being said, if someone tells you they will pick you up just now, don’t rush.
now now — This repetitive phrase can either mean right now or as soon as possible.
lekker — Coming from Afrikaans, this word is the equivalent of awesome, great, and good. (living with my mother who grew up in Cape Town, I’ve heard this word used all throughout my life to the point where I’d say it’s been adopted into my own vocabulary)
shame! — While it can be taken to mean ‘shame on you’ by some travelers, this actually translates to ‘that’s a shame.’
is it? — This phrase is an exclamation more than a question, and is the same as following up a surprising bit of news with ‘really?’
robot — Definitely learn this one in case you need directions. It means stoplight.
Communication Challenges:
In order to get a more in depth understanding of South African culture, I Interviewed two family members who had the pleasure and privilege of growing up in Cape Town, South Africa for the majority of their adolescent lives.
“What would you want someone who hasn’t been to South Africa to know before they get here?”
“Cape Town is a beautiful city, but tourists beware of your surroundings. People tend to not be out late at night or travel alone after dark. Other than that, many of the cultural aspects of life in America are similar to that in Cape Town. People go out to dinner, drink, attend sporting events, etc)”
“Are there any stereotypes or pre conceived notions people have about where you’re from?”
“Although as a whole Africa is stricken by poverty, it is not void of culture, substance, and diversity” Shannon says. “Cape Town is a very developed and dynamic city, and I think a lot of people have a stigma when they think of what Africa is or can be”
Finally, just as a disclaimer and not entirely related to spoken communication but South Africans drive on the left side of the road! Very important to look right when you cross the road, and to keep in mind when driving.
I hope this post has given you a little confidence and insight should you choose to embark on a journey to South Africa anytime soon!