You are here > Home > Life Style > Marriage & Social

Marriage and Family

 President Julius Nyerere’s form of self-help socialism was based on ujamaa, or “family hood”. Tanzania’s extended families have been encouraged to act as economic units as well as family units. Families are traditionally large, usually including a mother and a father, their children, and their unmarried younger brothers and sisters. Urban families are usually smaller and less cohesive than those in rural areas.

 

Traditionally, marriages have been arranged, often within the extended family. Today it has become more common, especially in cities, for individuals to choose whom they marry.

 

Traditionally, the groom’s family gives a dowry to the bride’s family to thank them for raising the woman who will soon join their family, and to compensate them for the loss of a productive member of the family. This custom continues to be especially important in rural areas where extended families share work responsibilities.

Culture

Directory

News

Life Style

Statistics

Travels

Towns

Swahili Phrases | Sign Our Guest Book | Emergency Services | Contact Us

... Tanserve

Socializing

The most common Swahili greeting is Hujambo?, which means “How are you?” or “Are you well?”. Hamjambo? is used when greeting more than one person, and is usually followed by a handshake. A common response to Hujambo? is Sijambo (“I am fine”). Hatujambo means “We are fine”.

 

This exchange is followed by questions about the home, family, work, or other activities. For example, a Tanzanian might ask Habari za nyumbani? (“How are things at your home?”). A common response is Salama (“In peace, without problems”). Each geographic region has a variety of non-Swahili greetings particular to the local ethnic groups, but Swahili is understood by the vast majority of Tanzanians. Men and women shake hands with each other, although a man may wait for a woman to extend her hand before offering his. It is customary to bring a small gift such as sweets or biscuits—but not flowers—when visiting a home for the first time.

 

Friends and family visit often, and even unexpected visitors are welcomed enthusiastically and made as comfortable as possible. In general, visits after 8 PM are avoided.

 

Recreation

Visiting and socializing with friends and family are the most common recreational activities. Football, track and field, and boxing are the most popular sports. Tanzania has produced a number of world-class runners. For tourists, the game parks offer opportunities for wildlife safaris, and the coast offers opportunities for water sports.

Documentaries

Tourism in Tanzania

Medical & Health

QUICK Links