Shikamo

April 28, 2008 by Stephen Day.

I wanted to share some interesting observations about life in Tanzania. I was on the phone with my dear sister last night and she asked about my students. I explained that they are, on average, in their mid to late thirties and very few are younger than me. She asked if they respected me since I was younger than them. I replied yes, but explained that much of that respect might be simply due to the color of my skin.

This idea comes from past generations views of wazungu (which is slang and derogatory Swahili for white people). Back in the era of slavery and later colonialism Tanzanians and many Africans were forced to greet and respect Europeans. This most commonly took the form of using the greeting “shikamo” to whites from Tanzanians. The word actually means “I bow down to your feet” and was required to be said by all Tanzanians to all whites. Now the term is mostly used by younger people to their elders (regardless of races).

Despite the changes in the use of the word shikamo, the heritage of slavery and colonialism is to show special deference to Europeans. I would like to think that my students now respect me for more than my background.

Well, I need to get back to work. Have a great day!

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