Day 16

Today was “cultural orientation” day. My French tutor, Matou, came to the house and taught Kari, Jonathan, 4 of their friends, and me about Senegalese culture. He said everything in French, but for the most part I was able to understand what he was talking about. If I couldn’t understand all of what he was saying, I was still able to understand a few words and figure out what he was saying. That was the longest I’ve had to concentrate in French, so I started to get a headache after a while; I had to tune it out for a few minutes to give my brain a rest.

Matou started with greetings, which are very important to the Senegalese. You’re supposed to greet them with words and shake their hand, even if it’s someone you already know.

We also learned about some traditional Senegalese values: kersa, being prudent, tactful, and respectful; fayda, having self-confidence, self-esteem, and a bold personality; teggin, knowing one’s place in society.

Matou also informed us of some things that are disrespectful: showing the bottom of your feet; waving with your left hand; walking in front of someone who is praying (you should walk behind the person but if you have to walk in front of them, you should put something on the ground between you and that person).

In the afternoon Matou taught us how to eat a traditional Senegalese meal. We had yassa, white rice and chicken in a caramelized onion sauce. First all 8 people washed their hands in the same bowl. Because I was the youngest in the group, I had to wash my hands last :/  The dish was served in 2 big bowls: one for the girls to share and the other for the boys to share. We rolled out mats and ate on the floor. We were only allowed to eat with our right hands, and we could not use any utensils! The secret was to grab a large handful and use our fingers to make it stick together before eating it.

 Yassa

 All 8 people washed their hands in this bowl

  Eating with my right hand was very difficult