Speaking African

One thing I’ve learned living in a new culture is the communication. It sounds obvious but there’s really a lot more to it. Just like at home how we speak to each other is the language of english BUT there are SO many phrases, comments, unwritten rules, etc. that everyone knows and goes by. Correct? Well its the same all over.

Paying attention to this cultural way of communication is something we all need to do wherever we are, even in America because in our workplaces, churches, schools, there are many cultures involved. Some of the phrases I have learned are as follows:
-Saying, ‘I’m full, no thank you’  (means) I’m satisfied.
We are moving (moving house) (Imeans) We are shifting!
I’m going to walk around town (means) I am going to move
Telling the boda man or driver to turn (should be) Tell the boda man or driver to slope left or right
Those are a few for you to get what I mean. The girls laugh because I have been saying ‘Communication People’, but its SO TRUE. I believe the majority of arguments, or fade in relationship is because there is No communication. Not just talking with each other but engaging in conversations with each other. Making full effort to truly understand what they are saying. Many, many times people say something and the other one ‘assumes’ they know what they mean, and really they don’t. So why don’t we just ask, what do you mean when you say that? (I’m telling you it would solve a lot of problems).

Asking questions similar to that one has helped in learning to understand my fellow co-workers at Smile and understanding a new culture. So I’ll say it again....‘Communication People’.