Communique

[21/1/11]

In a country with over 40 tribes and just as many languages spoken, communication is not Kenya's strong front. I was having a conversation with another volunteer about how chaotic everything seems to be here.  At the end of the conversation we came to an understanding that there is an order, we just can't recognize it.  Take negotiating for a matatu ride, for instance.  This can all be done without saying a word, if you're truly suave enough.  A fist means 50 bob, 2 fingers is 20 bob, pointing to the ground can mean "Bwana! Bring the price down!"

Coming from a culture where your words must be direct with your intentions I'm still amazing at how efficiently an idea can be shared without so much as a single word being uttered.  I remember during training the staff warned us about the indirectness of Kenyan society.  It touches on how carefully we have to observe and listen to each other.  At first this may seem like an inefficient and round-about way to get words across (and trust me, working here for 8 months I've had my moments of frustration).  But if you step back for a different perspective the politeness and accommodation for the other person in the conversation is something all nations and peoples can learn from.

So I tried a little experiment with communication on my way home.  After hopping into a vehicle and we were on our way I coolly paid the price to Mikai, which was accepted without haggling.   As my town approached I turned, made eye contact with the conductor, and gave a short nod.  He nodded back and tapped the metal rim of the van with coins in his hands, signaling a stop.  I've learned a lost since moving here.  Namely, communication isn't just a collection of words, and becoming Kenyan isn't so bad.