When it comes to cultural diversity, very few countries can compare to South Africa. Our country’s uniqueness truly makes us stand out.
With 11 official languages and an array of different cultural traditions, South Africans went as far as to create a unique lingo which sees us borrowing words from each other’s language. From calling your friend a chop, inviting your friends for a dop, calling a traffic light a robot to the iconic phrase “eish” and knowing the difference between “now now” and “just now”, let’s face it, South Africans are one of a kind.
Despite the occasional tensions between the people who make up our beloved country, the spirit of ubuntu rears its head from time to time, reminding us that we as a people are truly special.
Celebrating what makes South Africans special, the Newcastillian speaks to residents and learns what makes them proud of their culture, what is unique and at times funny about their culture and what misconceptions there are around their respective cultures. This is what they have to say:
Cas Barnard
“Traditional food and our language play an important role in the Afrikaans culture, as it is something which can never be taken away,” Cas explains.
When it comes to what is unique about the Afrikaans culture, Cas explains it is the Afrikaans sense of humour. “Even in difficult times, Afrikaans people keep their sense of humour.”
What is one of the biggest misconceptions about the Afrikaans people? Cas explains that people often think Afrikaans people want to oppress others, but he assures this far from the truth.
Richard Jojo
“When it comes to the Zulu culture, I love the traditional part, from the food to the dancing and different ceremonies. Not one ceremony is the same, where even the children and adults have different dress codes,” Richard smiles.
As people who enjoy their culture, Richard says it is funny when youngsters pick up bits of other people’s cultures. “There are times when our culture and the Western cultures clash and mix, especially when you go to school. The elders don’t always like this, as they remain firm and steadfast in our traditions,” he laughs.
What is a common misconception about the Zulu people?
Richard explains the biggest misconception that other people have of them, is that the Zulu people are violent. “We are not violent; just dominant and strong people. We are also very accommodating and accepting, often going out of our way to treat our guests well.”
Rubeena Jadwat
When it comes to the Muslim culture, Rubeena says she loves the simplicity which it offers. “There are also the rights of women, where we have more rights than women from certain other cultures.”
Rubeena says while the Muslim culture promotes women rights, many people have the misconception that the Muslim community suppresses their women. This is largely due to Muslim women covering up.
“If you think about it, if there is a sweet on the floor and it isn’t covered or sealed properly, would you want it?”
Another misconception that Rubeena feels people have about Muslims, is that they are governed by rules. “Being a Muslim is a lifestyle and we find peace in our prayers and our lifestyle.”
Jamain James
When it comes to the Coloured community, Jamain says he is proud of how outspoken Coloured people are. “We are not shy, and we interact with everyone. As we are cross raced, we fit in anywhere,” he laughs.
Jamain explains that one of the biggest misconceptions people have of coloureds is that they like fighting. “But it’s not like that, not all of us like fighting.”
When it comes to the funny side of Coloured life, Jamain laughs. “I would have to say it is the way we speak, our Afrikaans is not even the same as the original language. We pronounce things differently and will abbreviate everything. We can also turn anything into a greeting, like the phrase What Kind?”
What is one of the most popular phrases in the Coloured community?
While many might think they know what the most popular phrase is, Jamain says the most popular phrase is Aweh.
Shanel Green and Benjamin Scholtz
When it comes to the Afrikaans culture, Benjamin and Shanel explain the outdoors, family time and braaing play a big role.
“One of the misconceptions people have about the Afrikaans people is the closeness of the family. They don’t always understand the importance of family for the Afrikaans people.”
When it comes to the funny side of the Afrikaans people, Benjamin and Shanel laugh.
“One of the funniest things about the Afrikaans people is the way we act when drinking too much,” Benjamin laughs.
Shanel adds, “It is also funny at times when Afrikaans people translate something directly from Afrikaans and that doesn’t always work out well.
Nellie and Sarushnee Naicker
Nellie and Sarushnee say one of the things that distinguish the Indian community is its sense of togetherness and unity.
As with most cultures, there is a bit of humour to be found in Indian culture.
“I would have to say we are an inquisitive people; we all know each other and want to know what’s going on,” laughs Sarushnee.
Philisile Mnguni
When it comes to the Zulu culture, Philisile says she loves the dancing and the sense of pride the Zulu people have in their history, their people as a whole and their cultural roots.
Through their traditions and culture, Philisile says there are misconceptions about the Zulu people. “We still slaughter animals and a lot of people think we abuse the animals. We don’t abuse the animal, but slaughtering forms a part of our culture.”
However, despite the misconceptions, Philisile says there is humour to be found in the Zulu culture. “When people start drinking too much Umqombothi, they start dancing and it can become a bit funny,” she smiles.
Philisile says a popular phrase in the Zulu community is “Ayihlale phansi ibambe umthetho.”
This phrase, she says, usually comes out when people start dancing too much and roughly translates, “Let him sit down and show some respect.”
Alex Couper
While being Scottish, Alex explains one of the things he is most proud of about the English speaking community, is its rich history.
With the English community taking pride in its history, Alex says the biggest misconception people have about the English people in SA, is that they don’t like anyone who isn’t English speaking. “Which isn’t the case at all, we don’t really worry what language you speak,” he laughs.
Alex says one of the funniest things about the English people, is their quick and sharp sense of humour.
What is a popular English phrase or word that is used on a regular basis?
“I would have to say the word Cheers, as it can be used as a way to say goodbye, as well as a way to say thank you and be used in the original sense.”
With various cultures making up South Africa, what are you most proud about of your culture? Share your views with us in the comment section below.
