National traditions of South Africa. Habits, mentality and the way of living

South Africa is a country amazing in many ways. It has 11 official languages, including English, so most locals are fluent in it. The culture of the country is very diverse: cultures of many African peoples such as the Zulu, Swazi, Tsonga, and others, as well as peoples with mixed African, Asian and European blood, are intertwined here. In South Africa, you can also meet many ethnic Indians. White South Africans are either Afrikaners who speak Afrikaans or Anglo-South Africans who speak English. Their ancestors were originally from France, Holland, and England respectively.

Due to a large number of mixed cultures, traditions vary depending on the region, but in general South Africans are quite similar. South African people are kind, polite, easy-going, and always ready to help. They are very respectful towards the elderly. Older men are often respectfully addressed as "fathers", "misters", and women as "mothers" and "ladies". In South African society, the family comes first. This applies to both close and distant relatives, especially in the more traditional culture of black South Africans. White South Africans consider close relatives more important. Many South Africans who move to big cities continue to maintain contact with their relatives in the countryside and are trying to provide them with financial assistance.

The main differences can be observed between urban and rural populations. The Urban residents' rhythm of life is much faster. People in large cities are more interested in material values and may look down on residents of towns and villages. People from Cape Town consider their city to be the best in the country and sometimes treat residents of other cities with some superiority. They judge people by social status but set a high value on friendly relations and family ties at the same time. Black villagers often keep ancient traditions of their tribes, while the urban black population is mostly influenced by Western culture. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Most South Africans are Christians, Muslims make up about 1.5%, 15% are not religious. Black South Africans make up the majority of the republic's population. They are mostly friendly, calm, and open. Afrikaners are honest and straightforward. The descendants of the British are more private and polite. Asians making up a minority of the local population still observe ancient traditions of their ancestors. However, they are mostly materialists. Asians who have reached any career heights like to demonstrate their expensive things, clothes, and cars.

South African society can be called liberal. The Constitution protects human rights, while same-sex marriages were legalized in 2006, but people in rural areas can be much more conservative. Some residents of South Africa prefer to be called "South Africans", considering other titles offensive. Most women are employed. Polygamous marriages are permitted for men in some parts of South Africa. Gender roles are still widespread, as well as physical and sexual abuse of women.

Labor and teamwork are highly valued here. South Africans are mostly quite pragmatic and can be called realists. South Africans like to communicate, with foreigners as well. People in South Africa openly slap friends on the back, hug them, shake hands. A handshake should be accompanied by eye contact as a sign of openness and honesty. It is considered very polite to ask about someone's health - this shows respect and attention. Compliments are also appreciated. If a South African disagree with something or someone, he will directly tell about it. Many locals speak much louder than Europeans and Americans. During the conversation, South Africans stand very close to each other. In public transport, distances between people are also quite small. During a conversation, it is important to maintain eye contact, but many locals look away when talking to someone older or higher in social status as a sign of respect.