As a little boy, my biggest reference for understanding “Wazungu” – (whites) -was my paternal, priest grandfather. Reverend Anaeli Macha, was fluent in Kichagga, Swahili, English and German. Articulate and funny, he not only preached in churches and hospitals, but equally wrote religious books and broadcast etiquette and morality in radios across East Africa, Addis Ababa and Monrovia. Now you know where my writing skills hail from.
Our role model, we were in awe of him and therefore, would ask about Wazungus. First time I actually interacted with a white person, was in his house, where also laid a large piano – that I would play to this day.
We found Wazungus odd. Their colour, silky hair and even scent.
As a youngster you are curious and overwhelmed. Especially because unlike Kenya (where the presence of Europeans was stronger) Tanzania had fewer expatriates and teachers.
In the 1960’s and 1970’s, it was common to think whites were millionaires.
Babu would teach : “ Never ask for money. Practise English by talking about the weather.”
SPEAK ABOUT THE WEATHER?
That is not clear to you, dear African until you live or travel overseas.
The tropical climate is simple. Heavy rains and dry, humid sunshine.
Europe is complex. Four seasons: winter, spring, summer, autumn.
Winter – the longest, difficult and expensive-needs cash to keep warm : heating, heavy clothing, car, etc. For example when I lived in Canada, I had to purchase winter tyres. alot of snow and ice. Tyres slip-similar to matope (mud) during “masika” (heavy rains) of the tropics.
Winter lasts from November to March followed by -Spring until May-June. We are in Spring. Spring – the beginning of life : flowers and creatures blossoming. Spring is romance, less clothing. In Africa you have thinner clothing due to the heat.
Summertime is June to September. Then Autumn (or Fall, in America) – a “transition” season akin to Spring. Slowly the cold climate, returns.
A famous American jazz 1940s tune, Autumn Leaves sings:
“Falling leaves drift by my window
Autumn leaves in red and gold…”
So why did grandfather Anaeli advise chatting about the weather, to kick-off conversations?
Why?
Language practice. Secondly, to understand the psyche and ways of other races.
In seeing and understanding different cultures we are not that easily surprised, ignorant or offended.
