South Sudan

Sudanese from the north are inclined to be polite, reserved, and cautious. They view whatever happens as the will of God presenting challenges. Sudanese value good humor, courtesy, and strong family ties. Society is highly stratified, with respect given to those with wealth and status.

Power may be reflected in having a government position, coming from a respected family, being a religious leader, or being a chief (in the South). Educated people earn respect as they are likely to obtain good positions in society.

The common greeting is "salaam aleykom" (Peace be with you). Good friends sometimes exchange a casual Salaam. Friends or relatives typically shake hands when greeting. Generally, a verbal greeting is used. However, both men and women shake hands. Locally used phrases are "do pure" (good morning) or "do parana" (good afternoon).

Nodding one's head downward means 'yes', and nodding up means 'no'. The left hand is never used for eating, and both hands should be used for passing items between people. Pointing with a finger is not polite. Pointing the sole of one's feet toward someone is considered offensive.

Visiting usually takes place in the home, with close friends and family visiting spontaneously. Arrangements are made if the person is less known. Religious holidays and special events offer the best opportunity for relaxed gatherings. It is considered best to visit mid-morning or evening, because at other times people may be sleeping or eating.

Men and women generally socialize separately. Children are requested to play away from the adults to enable conversation. Guests are served coffee, tea, coffee, water, or soft drinks. When visiting for the first time, short stays are best.

Southern men and women usually wear Western attire, and jewelry is a sign of affluence. Women frequently wear attractive beads and earrings

Western clothing is typically worn by men in the north, but traditional "jalabia" (white robes) and "imma" (turbans) are worn in the towns as well as rural areas. Women need to cover themselves from head to ankle when in public (hijab).

The Sudanese family is based around the extended family and is headed by males. Men are responsible for the herd, earning an income, and leading the family in discipline. Children are punished harshly if they shame the family. Women clean and cook, look after young children, and help with the farm and garden. Women do not leave the house for 40 days after giving birth. Southern women in general have more equality with men than women in the North.

Northern marriages are still arranged between cousins within families. A couple may usually, however, refuse the match. The groom's family must pay a dowry to the bride's family, preferably in cash. Both families host wedding feasts and parties which may last for days.

Young people meet at schools, shopping places, local dances, and at church. They are often permitted to go out together, but parents become involved when engagement takes place. Grooms also pay a dowry, often cattle or cash. The divorce rate is very low in Sudan.

Soccer is popular in Sudan. Volleyball and basketball are also played. Popular traditional sports are wrestling and a kind of martial art performed with long sticks and shields. Women and men enjoy traditional dancing together.

The Sudanese have a game they play at night or at "moon time", called "shelel", which involves stones, sticks, and holes made in a wooden board or in the earth.

Young Sudanese girls enjoy playing with dolls, jump rope and arika (hopscotch). Tawal (backgammon), and a board game called mangala using stones are also played. Men and women have different ways of socializing in urban Sudan. Women entertain friends at home and men socialize with friends elsewhere. In rural areas, men socialize in a diwanya, a hut used as a meeting place.