Somalians Did You Know?
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SOMALIANS DID YOU KNOW? Somali refugees have been resettled in the United States primarily because •About 300 Somalis live in Guilford County, many of whom of the devastating war in Somalia, which has continued for over a decade arrived during the Lutheran now. The first Somalis to come to the Greensboro area arrived in the early Family Services resettlement project of 1996. 1990s. Most of them were from the Benadir tribe, a sedentary ethnic group • Somalia is located in East from the the southern coastal – Benadir – region of Somalia , which Africa (east of Ethiopia) and includes Mogadishu. borders the Gulf of Arden and the Indian Ocean. Unlike other Somalis who are nomadic, the Benadir have a long histo- •According to an Immigrant ry as urbanized merchants and artisans. They exhibit strong clan allegiance Health ACCESS Project Survey through intra-clan marriage and self-governance. They are devout Sunni conducted in 2001, the most common illnesses among Muslims and are well known for their peaceful, non-violent ways. Somalis in Guilford County are Since the arrival of this initial group of Somalis, others have followed, diabetes and hypertension. introducing different tribes, particularly the Barawan, and more recently • Almost all Somalis are Sunni Muslims. some of the nomadic tribes. Some of the early refugees migrated to other parts of the United States where there were larger Somali communities. However, the refugees who have remained are a stable population. Information included here is provided to help you become more aware of the culture and traditions of your clients, students and co-workers. Please use this only as a guide, keeping in mind that all people within a culture are not the same. Be sure to ask your clients and their families about their specific beliefs, practices and customs. Showing respect and openness toward their traditions will help you build better relationships and provide more effective services. CULTURE with geographical and even social Somalis may state, “I’ll be there class orientation. The Benadir after this afternoon” leaving a LANGUAGE Somali is the clan, for example, is comprised large range of uncertainty in their official language of Somalia. mostly of merchants and artisans exact estimated arrival time. Other common languages include living in southern coastal regions. Arabic, Italian, and English. Two The Barawans, who are also FOOD & DIET different dialects are spoken in recent transplants to Guilford In Somalia, geographical location Somalia: Somali and Barawe. County, lived in the Kismayu area and occupation influence diet. of Somalia where they were On the whole, the Somali diet is RELIGIOUS PRACTICES & predominantly fisherman and low in caloric intake and high in BELIEFS Religious practice is small-scale artisans. protein consumption. The largest central to Somali culture. Most meal of the day in Somalia is Somalis demonstrate a strong EDUCATION In America, eaten at midday. The morning adherence to the Islamic faith. Somalis participate in the and evening meals are lighter. For example, during the holy Western-style primary education Beef is less popular than goat and month of Ramadan most Somalis system. Many Somalis pursue camel meat. Somalis may feel that will not consume food during secondary and post-graduate certain cuts of meat are suitable daylight hours. Additionally, most studies. In addition, many Somali for men while others are reserved Muslim Somalis believe that the refugees educate their children in for women and children. right hand is clean and use the the traditional Somali studies of right hand for eating, handshak- Islam and, particularly for young DRESS Most Somalis wear ing, and the like. Conversely, the women, home training. Western-style dress in public. left hand is considered impure. Among Somalis, one who is But for leisure, or in rural areas, It is important to note that educated is expected to be traditional dress prevails. Men Muslims are forbidden to drink well-mannered, well-behaved, wear a macaawiis, a brightly alcohol and to eat pork products. and well-dressed. Educated colored cloth similar to an Service providers working with Somalis are frequently conversant Indonesian sarong. Men may also this community should avoid in Arabic, English, Italian, and/or wear a Western shirt or shawl making dietary recommendations Russian, depending on their and cover their heads with that include either of these experiences with the former benadiri kufia, a Somali cap. products. colonial powers. Women’s dress is even more diverse. Somali women usually SOCIAL CLASS While Islam and TIME ORIENTATION Somalis wear full-length dresses. These the Somali language unite all of are not overly concerned with the come in a variety of styles. The Somalia, the societal structure is Western concept of being “on traditional Somali guntiino is marked by patrilineal clans time.” Somalis do not perceive similar to an Indian sari but worn (descent through male lines). tardiness as a demonstration of differently as it is tied over the There are a few main clans, and disrespect. Specific appointment shoulder of one arm and multiple sub-clans, sometimes times, therefore, may not be kept. wrapped around the body. Somali women may also wear a Somali families are particularly considered polite to always malqabad, a thin silk head scarf large, sometimes consisting of as maintain eye contact and it is that can be worn in a variety of many as ten or more individuals. considered disrespectful to rush. different styles. Adoption is unusual among Smile and watch your tone of Somalis, and elder family members voice. One should avoid shaking F AMILY & are rarely sent to live in nursing hands with members of the RELATIONSHIPS homes. opposite sex. One should also avoid unnecessary physical CONFLICT RESOLUTION contact. Gesturing to someone GENDER ROLES Somali culture Somali people are very peaceful with the index finger is a sign of is publicly male-centered and like to avoid conflict. If a disrespect. although women are included in conflict does occur it is best that making important decisions for the people involved settle it HEALTH & the family. Somali women are not individually. In the case of a WELLNESS considered inferior; they simply family conflict, if a Somali family fulfill different roles in Somali cannot find a resolution among culture than men do. Males are themselves, they will ask elders HEALTH BELIEFS Somalis believe traditionally viewed as the bread- to intervene. that poor health and illness are winners, but female labor is acts of God (Allah). Consequently, valued for productive tasks as GREETINGS & SHOWING they do not typically practice well as for household chores, RESPECT Somalis value preventative care. Unless they are as long as the male is still generosity and showing respect actively sick or required to visit, considered the primary financial is an essential aspect of Somali Somalis will usually avoid visits to contributor to the family purse. culture. It can be observed in the health care providers. Responsibility for the pride practice of greeting elders with High blood pressure and and honor of Somali families rests the title “uncle” or “aunt’, for diabetes are common health mainly with the women of the instance, rather than by using problems among Somalis. family. If a girl is well-bred and their first names. Somalis respect maintains her dignity, Somalis feel strength and often challenge one OUTREACH TIPS Due to she reflects well on her family. another to test the limits of their expense, availability, and religious Conversely, if a girl behaves strength and power. While restrictions, Somalis may have poorly, she will bring her family Somalis can be opinionated, they difficulty adhering to prescribed shame. A girl’s behavior is, there- are generally willing to reconsider nutrition regimens. It is important fore, considered very important. their views if presented with for service providers to build Women carry their own name adequate evidence to refute their trusting relationships with Somali after marriage and never use their position. clients. If possible, the same husbands’ surname. This has provider should meet with a been a Somali tradition for GESTURES & CUSTOMS Somali client for each visit. generations. When speaking to Somalis, it is Additionally, Somalis will feel most at ease with a same-sex service provider. As already discussed, Somali women are considered responsible for the honor of their family. It is considered taboo for unmarried Somali women to engage in sexual relations. Service providers should tread cautiously when inquiring about an unmarried Somali woman’s sexual history! ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Lul A. Sheikh Issa, Abdullah Sheikh and other members of Guilford County’s Somali community..