African time: Difference between revisions
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|accessdate=2008-02-18}}</ref> The term is also sometimes used to describe the more leisurely, relaxed and less rigorously scheduled lifestyle found in these countries, especially as opposed to the more |
|accessdate=2008-02-18}}</ref> The term is also sometimes used to describe the more leisurely, relaxed and less rigorously scheduled lifestyle found in these countries, especially as opposed to the more clock-bound pace of daily life in [[Western countries]].<ref>{{cite news |
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Revision as of 23:14, 15 May 2010
"Africa time" or African time is a colloquial term used to describe a perceived cultural tendency, in some parts of Africa, toward a more relaxed attitude to time. This is sometimes used in a pejorative sense, about tardiness in appointments, meetings and events.[1] The term is also sometimes used to describe the more leisurely, relaxed and less rigorously scheduled lifestyle found in these countries, especially as opposed to the more clock-bound pace of daily life in Western countries.[2] As such it is similar to time orientations in some other non-Western culture regions.
Aspects of African time
African cultures are often described as "polychronic,"[3][4] which means basically that people tend to manage more than one thing at a time rather than in a strict sequence. Personal interactions and relationships are also managed in this way (such that it is not uncommon, for instance, to have more than one simultaneous conversation[5]). Perhaps for this reason, an African "emotional time consciousness" has been suggested in contrast with Western "mechanical time consciousness" as a way of understanding African time.[6]
Therefore, what appears to be a simple lack of punctuality or a lax attitude about time in Africa, may actually reflect (at least in large part) a different approach and set of priorities in managing tasks, events, and interactions.
Being kept waiting, which may be perceived by an outsider as another example of African time, depending on the context may actually be a statement of relative status by the person keeping others waiting (which is not uncommon in various cultures).
Reactions to time orientation in Africa
Self-criticism
The concept of African time has become a key topic of self-criticism in modern Africa. According to one Ghanaian writer,
One of the main reasons for the continuing underdevelopment of our country is our nonchalant attitude to time and the need for punctuality in all aspects of life. The problem of punctuality has become so endemic that lateness to any function is accepted and explained off as "African time."[7]
In October 2007, an Ivorian campaign against African time, backed by President Laurent Gbagbo, received international media attention when an event called "Punctuality Night" was held in Abidjan to recognize business people and government workers for regularly being on time. The slogan of the campaign is "'African time' is killing Africa - let's fight it." Reuters reported that "organizers hope to heighten awareness of how missed appointments, meetings or even late buses cut productivity in a region where languid tardiness is the norm." It was remarked that this year's winner, legal adviser Narcisse Aka—who received a $60,000 villa in recognition of his punctuality--"is so unusually good at being punctual that his colleagues call him 'Mr White Man's Time'"[8].
Popular culture
The contrast between African time and Western time is illustrated in the award-winning short film Binta and the Great Idea. The protagonist of the film, a fisherman in a small village in Senegal, can't understand the new ideas brought back from Europe by his friend; these are symbolized by a Swiss wristwatch that alarms at various times to the delight of the friend, but for no apparent reason. The fisherman is shown making his way through the various ranks of officials with his idea, which in the end is a sharp criticism of Western culture's obsession with efficiency and progress.
See also
- Procrastination
- Punctuality
- Slow Movement
- Time management
- Colored People's Time
- Chronemics
- Polychronicity
References
- ^ "Can Africa keep time?". BBC News. 28 October 2003. Retrieved 2008-02-18.
- ^ "Backdrop of poverty to a wealth of nations". The Daily Telegraph. August 26, 2002. Retrieved 2008-02-18.
- ^ "International Community Resources: Cultural Differences," Iowa State University, accessed 2010-1-30]
- ^ Solomon, Charlene, and Michael S. Schellalse. 2009. Managing Across Cultures: The 7 Keys to Doing Business with a Global Mindset, p. 174, accessed 2010-1-30
- ^ Solomon, Charlene, and Michael S. Schellalse. 2009. Managing Across Cultures: The 7 Keys to Doing Business with a Global Mindset, p. 174, accessed 2010-1-30
- ^ Hamminga, Bert "The Western versus the African Time Concept," accessed 2010-1-30 (this webpage article appears to be the author's synopsis of a discussion of the subject of time in John S. Mbiti's African Religions and Philosophy, London: Heinemann 1969)
- ^ "Progress and punctuality". Ghanaian Chronicle. Asia Africa Intelligence Wire. May 17, 2004. Retrieved 2008-02-18.
- ^ Murphy, Peter. "Gives new meaning to getting a house 'on time.'" October 8, 2007.