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Cultural Notes:

Interacting with Malians (Important cultural tips for a successful stay!)

Strolling through Mopti

In Mali, personal relationships are very important, friendships are things of great value, and families are the glue that holds society together. Hospitality and generosity seem to increase everyday. “Jatiguiya”, the Bambara word for hospitality is something Malians pride themselves on. Ask and you will be told that Malians are open, tolerant, and generous. For centuries, the country’s diverse peoples have lived in a land whose produce is not always bountiful, and have learned to share with each other. This generosity is extended to guests as well. Ethnic identity is still important, but where once there may have been enmity, now a sort of “cousin” relationship exists. “Sinanguya” this “joking cousins” relationship, as it is called, refers to the practice of people from different groups gently teasing and poking fun at each others’ ethnic stereotypes and past deeds to everyone’s enjoyment. It is a cultural practice, which although it may seem unusual to visitors, is perfectly understood and accepted by all.

Often you can see Westerners in Mali being automatically called by the last names Keita, Coulibaly, or Diarra. These are the last names to which everyone is connected in some way. So by calling you the visitor by one of these names, Malians are welcoming you into the family! Greetings are very important in Mali. They are so important that you‘ll often see highly formalised greeting rituals, which can last for minutes. Indeed, one of the rudest things you can do to a Malian is to not acknowledge him or her with a greeting. People think it is impolite to ask for directions to the nearest bank before saying hello or inquiring about their health. After greetings, one other highly important feature of Malian life is the kola nut.

In Mali, when you take the time to greet an elder, for example, then afterwards give him some kola nuts; it is almost the highest level of respect you could pay to him. As a visitor, sharing kola nuts with the elders is the start of your becoming part of that community. In addition to showing respect, kola nuts hold a significant place in events such as marriage and sacrifices.