While English is an official language of Namibia, there are 24 indigenous languages in the country. Especially in rural areas, English is not a common language; and in Southern Africa, nothing happens before greetings! Depending on the language, asking a person “How are you?” could also mean you are asking about that person's ancestors and family, too. Greetings are one of my favorite parts of living in Namibia, because the types of greeting people each other shows they sincerely care for you. Also, it means a lot to Namibians that an American would take the time to learn the local languages and respect culture their culture in this way. I keep a notebook and ask security guards and taxi drivers to write down how they greet people in their home villages. This means I have a head-start on making my next set of friends!
Finally, I look for Namibians who like the same things I do. I danced Ballet Folklorico or (Mexican folk dancing) for eight years at home in New Mexico, and knowing basic steps comes in handy for unplanned dance parties! I am unashamed to lightly dance in the middle of a queue when I hear a song I like. When I was at a festival for the Mexican Dia De Los Muertos holiday at a local restaurant, the owner found out my dance background, painted my face with colors traditional for that holiday, and scheduled me to perform a song; however, the DJ could not get my music to play! Then yesterday while at a mall, a song that was popular when I was in High School the “Cha Cha Slide” was on in a store, and the clerk was dancing. She noticed how excited I was and asked me to come into the store and join her. We did the entire second half of the “Cha Cha Slide”! I had met a Namibian who is also not afraid to dance at work!
