Hi everyone,

It’s been a pretty standard Sunday with church in the morning and relaxing, reading, and watching TV in the afternoon. Because things are starting to form a routine, I will take some time here to tell you about an important phenomenon in daily life. The term “Yovo”.

The term yovo means foreigner, and generally white person. In the United States and many other countries, addressing someone by such a broad ethnic title would be very offensive. Here people do use the term yovo to address foreigners, and it isn’t intended to be offensive.

In fact, in Beninese culture, it’s very normal and even respectful to address people by titles. The oldest daughter and oldest son in my host family are often referred to as ‘Dada’ and ‘Fofo’ respectively, referring to their roles as oldest siblings. I didn’t even know my host mama’s first name until a few weeks ago. This can be extended even further to say that in Beninese culture it is not rude to comment on outward appearances. Our host families and homologues had to be informed that in the United States, commenting about pimples, body hair, weight gain, and skin tone are all culturally inappropriate.

The term ‘yovo’ specifically has been very interesting for us American volunteers, because here in the south people, especially little kids will excitedly call out to greet you based on the name they know for you. It’s not uncommon to walk down the street being greeted by a chorus of “Yovo Yovo Bonsoir!” from excited kids and adults alike. It certainly gets old after a while, but it is a real interesting reminder of how our cultural perceptions tint our view. It’s easy to get offended, but you look at people’s faces and hear the tone of their voice and know that they aren’t trying to say something negative.

All the same, it’s very gratifying that my host family, and homologue, understand that Americans don’t appreciate being called yovo. They will almost always correct people when they hear them. I once took a walk in my neighborhood with my host siblings, and by the end of the walk they were all pretty fed up with hearing the word yovo every 50 feet. That was exciting for me, because they literally got to walk in my shoes and will probably be telling their friends about the experience for years to come.

Incidentally, in the North of Benin (i.e. in Founougo) it’s a little different, in my experience, a little more pleasant. The word for white person/foreigner is ‘Baturi’ (Bah-too-ree) and I find that has a little bit more of an elegant sound. Also, in the south it isn’t uncommon for people to just exclaim “Yovo!” as you walk by. One trainee said it seems kind of like bunch-bugee some times. In the North, where greeting people is even more culturally valued, people are much more likely to say, “Baturi, comment ca-va?” (how’s it going?).

Cultural differences make life interesting. I’m grateful to be getting to learn more about them here.

Thanks for reading! With love,

Lauren