Sudan+Culture

Sudanase Culture When visiting Sudan many people are surprised by the very genuine greeting offered by the Sudanese. The Sudanese use a very formal type of greeting and expect people to respond that way in return. They will usually inquire about how the visitor is, their health, their family, and their general well being. They do not find it impolite for someone to interrupt, but rather just pick up where they left off afterwards. Sudan is an extremely male oriented society. They find it very offensive for a western man to ask about a Sudanese host's wife. When men meet it is required to shake hands and tap each other's shoulder at the same time. Women may hug and rub cheeks when meeting another woman or with friends. Sudanese weddings are huge festivities that lest several days. The main point of the ceremony is the bridal dancing, which usually lasts until the very early hours of the morning. An interesting custom that comes from Sudan is that of the "Zar." This custom occurs when a Sudanese man or woman, usually a woman, feels that they have been possessed by an evil spirit. Her friends will then get together and hire an exorcist who comes to the family and performs the rite of exorcism. Sudanese women very much believe in this "Zar" and take it extremely seriously. During dinner time men and women sit on opposite sides of the room. It is also very rude for a western man to point the soles of his feet at an Arab. Instead of pointing, like American fashion, one should extend their hand, palm downwards, and motion towards oneself. Sudanese are also very unaffected by time. It is quite common for them to be late. Sudanese culture is extremely family oriented. Much of their social life involves visiting family and family obligations should always be put above all else. It is common for Sudanese to bring their family to other social events. Women in Sudan dress very properly and do not show much of their skin. This is also important for people who visit Sudan because Sudanese women will find it very offensive to their moral and religious customs if they see someone dressed improperly.
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The ethnic group found in Sudan is considered the Sudanese Arab. The languages spoken in Sudan are Arabic, English, Nubian, Ta Bedawie, and Fur. The major religion is Sunni Muslim with a small Christian minority.

The sex ration of males to females in Sudan is pretty close in numbers. At birth it is 1.05 males to every female, and for the overall total population it is 1.02 males to every female. The school life expectancy from primary grades to tertiary grades is a total of 4 years. Although, ages 15 and over usually read and write. Males are more likely to be able to read and write than females. Sudanese food is very diverse just like its' culture and geography. Central Sudan is considered the "melting pot" for the many different Sudanese cultures so has many influences in food. Sudan also is influenced by other countries that traders bring. One of the main staples for Sudanese is a special type of bread called Kissra which is made of corn. It is often eaten with a stew which has become a main dish in Sudan. The stews from Sudan are usually made with dried meat, dried onions, spices and peanut butter. The stews are also served many times with porridge, which is made with wheat flour or corn. Elmaraara and Umfitit are also common appetizers that are made of sheep lungs, liver, or stomach. In the east, the most common dish is Moukhbaza, which is made of banana paste. In the west food is different depending on the different tribal groups, but all are very simple. Since the south is very abundant in rivers, lakes, and swamps these people are very dependent on fish for their food. Information gathered from: http://sudan.usembassy.gov/sudanese_cultural_customs.html http://www.sudanembassy.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=39&Itemid=57 https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/su.html

**© 2012 Bethann Seul - Revised April 25th, 2012 ** **Email: easeul@ilstu.edu ** **Ph: 888-345-1234 **