A Simple Comparison Between The Malawian And British Culture

A Simple Comparison Between The Malawian And British Culture

By Usama Kayani, John Nyasulu and Naomi Phetembe

Before we begin the most amazing yet concise article on the comparison of both cultures, we first have to understand what culture is.

Culture is the way of life of a group of people from a particular nation or region; for example their distinct clothing, food, music, art, literature and attitudes towards certain ideas and situations.

International Citizen Service (ICS) has developed a platform in which volunteers from the United Kingdom and from Malawi (the warm heart of Africa) come together to work on enhancing change in numerous Malawian communities, including; Ntcheu, Zomba, Dedza and Salima. The Synergy ICS team is based in Ntcheu (Central Malawi).

Through this volunteering journey, it has allowed both the Malawian and British participants to learn more about each other’s cultural similarities and differences through activities, discussions, debates and presentations amongst each other.

The SYNERGY Team
From L-R Wongani, Grace, Delipher, Anisa, John, Shubs, Praveena, Charles, Usama, Tafadzwa, Tatty and Naomi

(Please note that the following are just some examples for you to get a basic idea!)

Similarities:

• Both accomodate different people to reside in their country 
• Both have diverse food 
• Both claim to be a Christian country
• Both advocate human rights (but they differ on which rights should a citizen enjoy)
• Both sides of men follow a common fashion
• Both regard the English language as the official language of the country
• Both encourage education

Differences:

• The Malawian women wear chitenje (wrapper) whereas in Britain it is more socially accepted for a woman to be able to wear more revealing clothes 
• The Malawian people take Nsima almost everyday (a concoction of maize flour and water) whereas the British people have their own cultural meals, for example an English Breakfast or a Roast Dinner
• The Malawian people are more open to the practice of religion in society whereas the British people rely more on liberal laws. The British mix between those who believe in religion and those who don't
• The British society is more open to the LGBT society whereas in Malawi being gay is illegal 
• Malawi holds many languages (more than 20 in only one district...and there are 28 districts...), whereas the United Kingdom rely only on the English Language
• The Malawian people enjoy many cultural dances passed down by generation whereas the UK only has a few (mainly belonging to Wales and Scotland)
• The government policies in the UK are not strict on marriage, whereas in Malawi people are set to marry at a minimum of 21 for boys and 18 for girls

Overall, despite all the differences and possible passionate discussions about a few of them we are enjoying the good from each culture and learning more and more every day.