10 Aspects of Cameroonian Culture That Took Time Getting Used To

The first group photo we took in Cameroon.
Hiking Mont Febe above Yaoundé from the monastery.

1) In Cameroon, crossing your legs is seen as incredibly rude. Sitting with your legs crossed it seen as a sign of superiority. I didn’t realize how frequently I cross my legs when I’m sitting on a couch or in a chair. We sit in basic plastic chairs for classes and when taking notes sometimes I really wish I could cross my legs

2) It is incredibly important to always greet people. The first time you see someone in a day you have to greet them with “Bonjour” or “Bonsoir,” depending on the time of day. It is offensive to not greet someone in the morning, even if you’re just woken up and are on the way to to bathroom. Simultaneously, when arriving at school, before talking to a teacher or professor it is incredibly important to greet them. It is generally good practice to do the same for anyone you interact with regularly, waiters, or people working at stores. 

 My French class. ("Stolen" from the SIT Cameroon Facebook page.)

3) You don’t make prolonged eye contact with someone when talking to them. Instead of fixing them in the eyes it is better to look at them and then let your eyes wander every now and then.

4) It’s considered weird to eat and walk at the same time. Not that this is something I do frequently but sometimes you’re running late and want to save time by eating on the way.

5) It is not common for Cameroonian families to eat together. Rather, you eat when you’re hungry. At the two houses I’ve stayed at meals are generally prepared ahead of time and then left for the household to eat at will. Also, many people don’t eat three meals a day at regular times but prefer to eat then they get hungry, whenever that may be. 

The group at the Lion's match several weeks ago.
("Stolen" from the SIT Cameroon Facebook page)

6) Before eating, if you do eat with others it is custom to always wish others a “Bon Appetite” Similarly, when if you come across someone eating, or someone about to eat it would be very rude to not wish them a “Bon Appetite” or simply “Appetite”. Usually one responds by saying thank you or returning the sentiment. 

7) There is no social stigma behind picking your nose. People, my French professor included, will pick their nose while talking to you without thinking twice.

8) To get someone’s attention you make a hissing noise or a kissing noise at them. What would be viewed as potential harassment in the US is very common place here. When hearing the sounds, most Cameroonians will automatically turn their heads to make sure that it isn’t directed at them.

The view from our apartment's front balcony.
We're on the first floor directly below is the parking area
where a lot of the little kids play. The building and
parking area are closed off by a gate.  In the distance you
can see the President, Paul Biya's, house. It's the square
building on the top of the hill to the left of the center palm
tree.

9) Taxis are all over Yaoundé. When one wants to take a taxi they stand on the sidewalk, or walk in the direction they’re going. A taxi approaching will honk their horn to get you attention. At they slow down by you, you call the name of the place you’re going through the window (and often how much you’re willing to pay). If they accept they’ll come to a full stop so you can get in if not, they’ll drive away. It is common to have to ask up to five taxis to take you where you want to go before finding one that is going your way. This is partially because taxis will take multiple passengers at once, going to varying locations. 

10) For someone who didn’t have a whole lot of TV growing up, the amount of television watched in households is very different for me. My Yaoundé home has a TV in all three bedrooms and the kitchen. Sometimes they’re all playing the same thing. On top of having TVs on all the time, most of the time, the volume is turned up much higher than I consider necessary. I’ve gotten relatively good at ignoring the TVs, allowing me to do my homework in the same room.