By Kristen Randall Kortne Muhammad, Josiah Jackson, Imani Weems, and Stevon Jenkins

CULTURE: Kingdoms in Ghana are divided into three hereditary social classes. Women perform all primary domestic tasks, while men tend to the land. Families also perform arranged marriages for their children. Common religions are Christianity and Islam. Traditional views are also accepted. ETIQUETTE: When shaking hands between themselves Ghanaians will hold the right hand in the normal manner but will then twist and click each other’s middle finger. Unless you are experienced it is best to stick to a normal handshake! Christians will generally shake hands between the sexes; practicing Muslims often will not shake hands with people of the opposite sex. CURRENCY: One US dollar is equal to Ghanaian CED.

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One of Ghana’s most popular languages includes Swahili. Here are a few phrases you may find useful: Habari! = Hello! Samahani! = Excuse me! Nisaide tafadhali = Help me please Ninaweza kusema Kiswahili = I can speak Swahili Ninakupenda! = I love you We used some of these phrases when we met Kofi Annan. He is the seventh Secretary General of the United Nations.

This is a famous painting in Ghana crafted from the finest silk in the land.

CULTURE: In East London, the musical styles include classical, jazz, Marabi, and Kwaito. There is a very heavy German and British influence in this region. Sports that they play include cricket and hockey. ETIQUETTE: When dealing with foreigners, most South Africans shake hands while maintaining eye contact and smiling. Some women do not shake hands, and will nod instead. Men will kiss a woman on her cheek if he knows her well enough, in place of the handshake. CURRENCY: One US dollar is equivalent to 8.68 zar. EAST LONDON

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In East London, everyone speaks FLUENT ENGLISH!! This region is a very easy transition from America to Africa. We were able to have a fluent conversation with Nelson Mandela in this region.

Stanley Bongani Nkosi ( )

CULTURE: In Rwandan culture, they generally eat and harvest things like beans, bananas, and sweet potatoes. They eat these foods for ceremonial purposes as well. Consumption of alcohol is only tolerated on important occasions. It is proper to serve food and drink when visitors are present. Abstinence is practiced by the young girls of the land, before marriage. Men are known to be in charge of the land, while women do day to day housework and care for the children. ETIQUETTE: While in Rwanda, you should act in a certain manner. They have a system of salutation that varies depending on the social work and familiarity. Almost always shake hands upon encountering someone of higher rank. A person should extend the right hand while placing the left on the right arm. Close friends embrace, holding one another by the shoulders and brushing their heads together first on one side, and then on the other. CURRENCY: One US dollar is equal to francs.

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In Rwanda, the native language is Kinyarwanda. Here are some common phrases you may need: Mwaramutseho = Good morning Amakuru yonyu = How are you? Ufite imyaka ingahe = How old are you? Ntuye muri America = I am from America Urashonje? = Are you hungry? We used these phrases when we met famous speaker Immaculee Ilibigiza.

Hand woven bowls made by women in various tribes throughout Rwanda.

Culture: In Sudan, loyalty remains divided among family. They have a variety of sub-ethnic groups within this region. In Sudan, they farm and herd their animals from the Nile River along the coast. Some popular religions are orthodox Muslim and Islamic. The day is always kicked off with a cup of tea, because they believe in the coexistence of peace in the land. Breakfast is eaten in mid to late morning, and consists of beans, salad, liver, and bread. Fid-al-Adha is a ceremony that is known as a feast of great sacrifice. In this ceremony, they kill sheep and give parts to the people who cannot afford it. Last but not least, arranged marriage is common, and is usually put together by the parents. ETIQUETTE: Sudan greetings consist of religious overtones, all with references to Allah. CURRENCY: One US dollar is equal to 4.4 pounds in Sudanese money.

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In Sudan, Arabic is the most popular language spoken. Here are a few phrases you may need to know: a-salam-a’laykum = Hello maismak/ik = What is your name? la afham = I don’t understand shukran jazlian = Thank you ayn al hammam = Where is the toilet? We used these phrases when we met Alexander Siddig, an actor from the film Star Trek.

Spherical Jar Meroitic Period ca. 100 B.C.–300 A.D. Meroitic Painted pottery

In Ghana, they have Ghanaian Cedi for money. The official language in Ghana is English. Everyday dress is neat, ironed and conservative. Light weight clothes are best for the heat, but women usually wear long skirts and men wear long pants. Ghanaian families enjoy eating together all the time because of the closeness of the family. In Sudan, their native language is Arabic and Islam is practiced throughout the country. Sudan is male oriented and it is bad taste for western men to inquire (or ask about) a Sudanese host’s wife. Rwandan’s greet differently depending on social status and familiarity. They have very little support for the arts.