Our YWAM Base is beautifully diverse, and we all will experience tensions in our differences— even if you are from South Africa— so here are some tips based on Sarah Lanier’s “Foreign to Familiar”:
1. Read as much as possible about the history of South Africa (a good place to start, read the book by Nelson Mandela “Long Walk to Freedom”
2. Seek out book sources in libraries or read:
Book: Desmond Tutu “No Future Without Forgiveness”
Book: Trevor Noah “Born a Crime” (great on audiobook as well)
3. Be aware of Culture Shock and Culture Stress (even if you are from South Africa)
4. Read over the Glossary of South Africa Terms
5. Go listening, observing. Don’t pass judgment until you have discovered the reason behind people’s “strange” habits. Some of those “habits” are cultural differences, a few of those are noted below:
Relationship vs. Task Orientation
Hot-Climate Cultures
Relationship based
Communication must have a “feel-good” atmosphere
Though individuals may be otherwise, society is feeling oriented
Efficiency and time do not take priority over the person
Inappropriate to “talk business” upon first arriving at a business meeting or making a business phone call
Cold-Climate Cultures
Communication must provide accurate information
Though individuals may be otherwise, society is logic oriented
Efficiency and time are high priorities, and taking them seriously is a statement of respect for the other person
Indirect vs. Direct Communication
Indirect
All about being friendly
Questions must be phrased in such a way as to not offend by directness
Use a third party for accurate information if you sense that a direct question will be too harsh, or not get the results you are seeking
A ‘yes’ may not be an answer to your question. It may be the first step in beginning a friendly interchange. Or verbal compliance may be required by the culture. (avoid yes-no questions
Avoid embarrassing people
Direct
Short, direct questions show respect for the person’s time as well as professionalism
‘yes’ is ‘yes’, ‘no’ is no. No hidden meanings
an honest, direct answer is information only. It does not reflect on how the person feels about you
you can say what you think (nicely), and it will usually not be taken personally
Group Orientation vs. Individualism
Group Oriented (Hot-Climate)
I belong, therefore I am
My identity is tied to the group (family, tribe, etc.)
Group protects and provides for me
Taking initiative within a group can be greatly determined by my role
I do not expect to have to stand alone
My behavior reflects on the whole group
Southern US doesn’t necessarily fit the group orientation)
Team members expect direction from the leader
Individualistic (Cold-Climate)
I am a self-standing person, with my own identity
Every individual should have an opinion and can speak for him/herself
Taking initiative within a group is good and expected
One must know how to make one’s own decisions
My behavior reflects on me, not the group
Inclusion vs. Privacy
Inclusion (Hot-Climate)
Group oriented culture
Individuals know they are automatically included in conversation, meals, and the other activities of the group
Possessions are to be used freely by all: food, tools, etc.
It is not desirable to be left to oneself
It is rude to hold a private conversation or make plans that exclude others present
Privacy (Cold-Climate)
Enjoy time and space to selves
People are expected to ask permission to borrow something or to interrupt a conversation
Each person is considered to be the steward of his or her possessions and has the responsibility to maintain and protect them
In a community setting, it might be common to label one’s food, tools, etc. to set them apart from the group’s common possessions
It is acceptable to hold private conversations or make exclusive plans with a few people, not including everyone
Hospitality
Hot-Climate
Hospitality is spontaneous, often without an advance invitation
It is the context for relationship (even business relationships)
Takes place in the home
Host fully takes care of the needs of the guest. The guest pays for nothing
A gift is usually expected
Food and drink are involved
Travelers are taken in and provided for
Cold-Climate
Hospitality is taken very seriously and is planned for
Not as spontaneous. Host usually needs advance notice of a visit
Travelers are expected to make their own arrangements other than what is specifically communicated to the host ahead of time
Guests need to expect to pay for their transportation and restaurants if visiting the US. If the host plans to pay, he usually will say so
Hospitality is a special occasion, taking the full attention of the host
High-Context vs. Low-Context Societies
High-Context Societies (everything matters)
Who you are related to matters
Who you know matters
It is better to overdress than to underdress
Watch to see how others respond in a situation in order to apply appropriate behavior
Remember to honor the people you are dealing with; too casual is insulting
Ask a local person who has lived overseas for a while what is important to know
Use manners
Respect the rules
Give attention to appropriate greetings
Low-Context Societies (nothing matters; anything goes – within reason)
Who you know matters, but not as much. What you know is important
Do not be offended by the casual atmosphere
Lack of protocol does not mean rejecting, nor is dishonoring
They do not know what your rules are, so leave your rules at home
Address people by their given names unless others use titles
Different Concepts of Time and Planning
Hot-Climate
Are not as oriented toward the clock as cold-climate cultures
Are event oriented
Are spontaneous and flexible in their approach to life
Respond to what life brings
Consider that saving time is not as important as experiencing the moment
Recognize that structure is required in some areas of life (the military, for example) • Have informal visiting as part of the event
Cold-Climate
Time oriented
Structured in their approach to life
Enjoy using time efficiently
Try to plan their day, and saving time is a value
Expect the event (dinner, guest arrival, meeting) to begin at the time announced. Visiting or informally chatting happens before or after the event
