Is it a custom in Tanzania to call someone 'mother' as a polite form?

Question

A Tanzanian student called me mother.. Like in How are you doing, mother (in a very respectful manner). Me being dutch, was wondering; who are you calling mother ( I am only 30 :-) and is that a compliment or something? Who knows more???

Marinda

Answer 1

1. Yes, it was respectful. Politeness is part of the culture of East Africa.

2. "Bwana, bibi, mama. It is courteous in Swahili (and courtesy is very important wherever Swahili is spoken) to use these as titles when addressing people. They can be used on their own or followed by the person's name.

Bibi is usually shortened to Bi. when followed by the woman's name, e.g. Bi. Ruth. Bibi is probably more common at the coast than inland. Where both are in use, bibi is slightly more formal, and some speakers tend to use it for younger rather than older women. ...

Sometimes a married woman is addressed, and referred to, as Mama followed by the name of her eldest or last child, so Mama Fatuama, Mohamed's mother, may well be referred to, by family and friends, as Mama Mohamed..."

3. Another variant that you will hear Africans use, for women older than themselves, is Auntie. So whether it's "Mother" or "Auntie" you are being shown a great deal of respect. Now you can move away from your eurocentrism.