Ethiopia - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture

by Culture Smart!, Sarah Howard

Overview

Set in Africa, but not wholly African, Ethiopia exists simultaneously in different time periods. Culture Smart! Ethiopia unpacks the values, attitudes, and traditions of this culturally rich nation. Etiquette in daily life, socializing, and communicating are all helpfully described, and advice is given to on how make the most of a visit. Above all, it provides the tools to do so in a considerate and sensitive manner.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781787022652
Publisher:	Kuperard
Publication date:	03/04/2021
Series:	Culture Smart! , #126
Sold by:	INDEPENDENT PUB GROUP - EPUB - EBKS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	200
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Sarah Howard is a botanical artist and writer who grew up in Kenya. After graduating in African History and Social Anthropology from the University of London she became a journalist and researcher. She now commutes between Scotland and Ethiopia, running a coffee roasting business in the former, and traveling in the latter.

Table of Contents

Map of Ethiopia 7

Introduction 8

Key Facts 10

1 Land and people 13

Geography 13

Climate 16

Flora and Fauna 17

People 19

Regions 20

A Brief History 29

Government and Politics 43

The Economy 44

International Relations 47

2 Values and attitudes 49

National Identity 49

Ethiopia's Cultures 51

Attitudes Toward Foreigners 54

Attitudes Toward Borders and Neighbors 55

Religious Tradition and Modern Aspiration 56

Education 57

Hierarchy and Administration 58

Militarism 59

Democracy and Human Rights 60

Attitudes Toward the Environment 61

Attitudes to Pain and Suffering 63

Attitudes to Death 64

Gender and Sexuality 65

Work Ethic and Attitudes to Time 66

3 Religion and tradition 69

Orthodox Christianity 69

Monastic Life 74

Fasting 76

Main Feast Days 76

Baptism 79

Catholic Christianity 79

Protestant Christianity 80

Islam 81

Circulation 82

Traditional Beliefs 83

Weddings 84

Funerals 85

Coffee Ceremony and Stimulants 87

Time and Calndar 89

4 Making Friends 91

Ethiopians and Foreigners 91

Invitations Home 93

How Do You Meet Ethiopians? 94

Men and Women-Cross-Cultural Relationships 94

Low Life 96

Avoiding Exploitation in Relationships 96

Greetings and Farewells 98

5 The Ethiopians at Home 101

The Home and the Compound 101

The Family 103

Life's Routines 105

Daily Work 107

Growing Up in Ethiopia 109

Marriage 111

Death and Mourning 113

The Year's Round 113

Dress 115

Drinking Coffee 117

6 Time Out 119

After Work and Weekends 122

Weddings and Family Events 123

Menafesha 123

Spas 124

Ethiopian Cuisine and Drink 125

Eating Out and Bars 127

Sports 130

Music and Art 131

Shopping 134

Places to Go 134

Begging 138

7 Travel, health, and safety 141

Ethiopians on the Move 141

Arrivals 142

Transportation 144

Getting About in Taxis 146

Bajaj and Gari 148

Renting Cars and Booking Flights 149

Flights 150

Roads 150

Walking in Cities 153

Where to Stay 154

Health 156

HIV/AIDS 157

Latrines 157

Security 158

8 Business Briefing 163

The Business Environment 163

Investing in Ethiopia 166

The Business Culture 169

Legalities 171

Exchange Control 172

Bureaucracy 172

Meetings 173

Contracts and Fulfillment 176

Women Entrepreneurs 176

9 Communicating 179

Language 179

Forms of Address and Body Language 184

Good Manners, Reticence, and Social Nuances 185

Humor 187

The Media 188

Telephones and the Internet 190

Postal Systems 192

Conclusion 193

Further Reading 194

Useful Apps and Websites 196

Index 198

Acknowledgments 200

Editorial Reviews

"...the perfect introduction to the weird, wonderful and downright odd quirks and customs of various countries,"

Global Travel

"...offer glimpses into the psyche of a faraway world,"

New York Times

"...full of fascinating, as well as common sense, tips to help you avoid embarrassing faux pas,"

Observer

"Culture Smart! has come to the rescue of hapless travellers,"

Sunday Times Travel

"...as useful as they are entertaining,"

Easy Jet Magazine

From the Publisher