1. Directions This Operational Cultural Awareness Training (OCAT) Brief in PowerPoint (.ppt) format is designed primarily for presentation to a group by a facilitator. In the.ppt format, the bulk of information can be found in the Notes Section. Slides contain bulletized summaries of the Notes Section and images supporting the information presented. The facilitator should print out the Notes Pages and read the text aloud while presenting the slide. Bracketed text is intended as additional information for the facilitator and may or may not be read/commented on at the facilitator’s discretion. To print the Notes Pages: In the menu bar, select “File” and “Print;” a print menu will appear. On the print menu, in the lower left area under the pulldown tab “Print What,” select “Notes Pages.” If viewing the OCAT individually, it is recommended that the Notes Pages be viewed/read. To access the Notes Pages, in the menu bar, select “View” and “Notes Page.” Direct questions or comments about this presentation to the Regional Desk Officer listed on the last slide of this presentation.

2. Disclaimer This training is an introduction to cultural norms and is NOT intended to countermand or supersede current rules of engagement (RoE). RoE are subject to continuous review and modification in response to strategic objectives and the dynamic tactical environment. Where ambiguity or inconsistency exists regarding what you, as an American service member, should do in a specific situation, consult your chain of command. The photos and text reproduced herein have been extracted solely for research, comment and information reporting, and are intended for fair use by designated personnel in their official duties, including local reproduction for training. A listing of all references and photos used herein is maintained by CLREC. Further dissemination of copyrighted material contained in this document, to include excerpts and graphics, is strictly prohibited under Title 17, U.S. Code.

3. Center for Language, Regional Expertise and Culture (CLREC) A Directorate of the Center for Information Dominance (CID) Pensacola, Florida CLREC@navy.mil Last Update: June 29, 2012 Version 2.9 Operational Cultural Awareness Training – Republic of Liberia

4. Overview The following characteristics of the culture and its people will be presented: Geography History Peoples and Ethnic Groups Language Religious Influences Society and Norms Behavior and Etiquette Cultural Summary Introduction The purpose of this Operational Cultural Awareness Training is to familiarize you with the foreign culture presented. For this training, “culture” is defined as “the values, beliefs, behaviors, and norms that shape and reflect the basic worldview and way of life shared by a group of people”.

5. Geography West African nation bordering Atlantic Ocean Slightly larger than Ohio 360 miles of Atlantic coastline Abundant rainforest Liberia’s capital city is Monrovia (1.1M)

6. Geography (Continued) Tropical climate; African heat and humidity Heaviest rainfall on the coast Rainy season May to October Dry season winds and airborne dust

7. History Centuries of native migration into the area Portuguese explorers arrived in 1461 Trade with Europeans; transatlantic slave trade American Colonization Society (ACS) Freed slaves first arrived as settlers in 1820 First settlement in Christopolis, now Monrovia First independent African nation (1847) Joseph Jenkins Roberts 1809-1876 West African Peppers Seal of the Republic of Liberia

8. Early conflict between settlers and natives Relations marked by ethnocentrism Long-term Americo-Liberian control Group identity and class distinctions persist Africa’s first female President 2006 History (Continued) Early Map of Liberia 1880 Drawing Depicting Refugees In New York City Awaiting Transportation to Liberia Africa’s 1 st Female President – Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf

9. Peoples and Ethnic Groups 16 ethnic groups comprise 97% of the population Largest tribes are the Kpelle (20%), Bassa (14%) Numerous smaller native ethnic groups Americo-Liberian descendents make up about 5% Masks Traditionally Worn by Bassa Dancers Dancer from Lofa Mandingo People (Muslim)

10. Language English is the official language Government, media, business, education Main language spoken in urban areas Used between different native groups Other languages belong to 1 of 3 groups Mande (in northern Liberia) Kwa (in the southeast) Mel (in the central area) Pidgin English popular How de body? (Greeting) De body fine! (Response) “Come le go” = “Come on, let’s go” “You wait small” = “Wait a minute” UN Peacekeeping Soldier in Liberia (UNMIL) Leading Language Lesson

11. Religious Influences Christianity is the dominant religion 85% Christian 12% Muslim Bible’s teachings closely adhered to Most Liberian Muslims are moderate Sunnis Believers maintain traditional African beliefs Christian Choir in Monrovia Female Muslim (Mandingo Tribe) from Bakaidou, Lofa, Liberia

12. What is traditional African religion? Belief in a Supreme Being – God God dwells both near to Man and far away Soul is immortal; life after death Spiritual intermediaries exist between God and Man Belief in mystical powers that can be tapped by humans Connections with traditional medicine and practices Traditional religion is NOT nature worship Traditional religion is NOT based on magical practices Religious Influences (Continued) A Variety of “Charms” Being Worn

13. Religious Influences (Continued) Traditional beliefs are a powerful force in society Secret societies are power associations Bonds of solidarity and a spirit of cooperation exist Masquerades Depict Spirits Graduation Day from Bush School Sande Society Initiation

14. Family and social connections extremely important “I am” because “We are” Family members help each other Family includes non-blood relatives Elderly are highly respected A Liberian Family near Salala Society and Norms Family and Family Values

15. Traditional family roles are the norm Women handle household and childcare duties Men expected to be the main breadwinners Women work harder than men in general Gender Roles Society and Norms (Continued) Young People at Work

16. Dress and Appearance Society and Norms (Continued) T-shirts, jeans, sneakers common for men Western clothing common in urban areas African boubou shirt common in rural areas Urban and rural women wear a lappa Head wraps common Jeans or skirts for women in urban areas Professional setting Suit and tie for men Blouse, skirt and heels for women

17. Housing Society and Norms (Continued) Mud brick or mud stick structures Thatched, tile or metal roofing Cement in expensive urban homes Apartments rare Electricity rare Frame of New Mud-Stick House

18. Utilities and Public Services Society and Norms (Continued) No electrical grid, most roads aren’t paved Limited access to improved water and sanitation Water quality a cause of major health problems Generator power available A Source of Drinking Water near Gbolokai, Liberia

19. Chronic unemployment and underemployment Public employees not paid regularly Dependence on subsistence farming Overweight people considered wealthy Land rich in natural resources Wealth and Poverty Society and Norms (Continued) Cassava Root

20. Class Differences Society and Norms (Continued) Division between Americo-Liberian descendants and native majority Native groups also divided into “civilized” (urban) and “native” (rural) cultures Class differences less important than one’s tribal background and social connections Washing Laundry in the Lofa River, Bakaidou, Liberia Rural Blacksmith Making Farming Tools

21. Literacy and Education Society and Norms (Continued) Children required attend school from age 6-16 Insufficient number of schools and teachers Rural schools lack basic resources Overcrowded classrooms and underpaid teachers Many families can only send one child to school Cost of books and supplies prevent attendance Poverty main obstacle to good education Few females attend school

22. Medicinal and Healing Practices Society and Norms (Continued) Public hospitals operate only in urban areas Public hospitals may lack modern equipment Private hospitals expensive Low life-expectancy rates Female genital mutilation still practiced Female Doctor Performing an Operation Under-5’s are High Risk Liberian Women Training to Become Traditional Midwives

23. Consulting traditional native healers common Patients typically use traditional healing methods first Illness often associated with revenge or voodoo Jungle herbs, exotic teas, powders and acupuncture Society and Norms (Continued) Medicinal and Healing Practices (Continued) Rural Native Healer Traditional Midwife Wearing Health Credentials

24. Crime, Vice and Trafficking in Persons Society and Norms (Continued) High crime rate Police incapable of providing protection Business fraud targeted at foreigners Drug and diamond transshipment point Liberian Police Emergency Response Team

25. IAW UCMJ U.S. armed forces and DoD civilians prohibited from engaging in any form of prostitution Source, transit, and destination country for trafficked women and children Most victims trafficked from within the country Displaced children at risk Crime, Vice and Trafficking in Persons (Continued) Society and Norms (Continued)

26. Popular sports Soccer Basketball Volleyball Table tennis Handball Popular recreational activities Checkers and scrabble Billiards Hopscotch and marbles Hide and seek games Visiting bars Visiting the beach Movies Music and dancing Recreation Society and Norms (Continued) Children at Play

27. Arts Society and Norms (Continued) Rich cultural heritage of music and dance Music and dance impart life lessons Tribal song groups and choirs Music adds life Village Masquerade and Dance Musical Game Similar to Musical Chairs

28. Holidays Society and Norms (Continued) New Year’s Day1 January Armed Forces Day11 February Decoration Day 2 nd Wednesday in March Joseph Jenkins Roberts’ Birthday15 March Fast and Prayer Day 2 nd Friday in April National Unification Day 14 May African Liberation Day 25 May National Independence Day 26 July National Flag Day24 August Thanksgiving Day Late November William V.S. Tubman’s Birthday 29 November Christmas Day 25 December Independence Day Celebration Tending to a Grave on Decoration Day Children’s Chorus on Unification Day

29. Introductions, Meeting and Greeting Behavior and Etiquette Greetings socially important; greetings taken very seriously Ask sincerely about another’s health and family “What is your tribe?” is a typical greeting Friends and strangers often greet each other Liberian Family at Home

30. Introductions, Meeting and Greeting (Continued) Behavior and Etiquette (Continued) Unusual handshake called “snapshake” Some groups only shake hands within same age group Younger people may bow in some ethnic groups Women often embrace each other Liberian Snap Handshake

31. Behavior and Etiquette (Continued) Many local chieftaincies and sub-chieftaincies Always present yourself to local leaders and Chiefs Small gifts customarily given to village elders Introductions, Meeting and Greeting (Continued) Rural Paramount Chief Village Palaver Hut (Meeting Place) Village Elder

32. Non-Verbal Communications Behavior and Etiquette (Continued) Hand or accept objects with right hand or both hands Men offer seat to elderly or pregnant women Same gender may hold hands in public Sign of friendship Other public displays of affection are inappropriate Impolite to beckon someone with the index finger Snapping the fingers to get someone’s attention Proper Beckoning Gesture OK

33. Social Engagements and Visiting Behavior and Etiquette (Continued) Hospitality culture; visiting reinforces social bonds Pride in slaughtering a goat when entertaining Hosts offer visitors water, palm wine, or kola nuts Hosts may give visitors a small gift upon departure

34. Food and Dining Behavior and Etiquette (Continued) Cooking considered a labor of love Goat soup and many unique foods Ginger beer and palm wine Often served to guests Very high alcohol content Cassava, palm butter, peppers, onions, okra Hot, Spicy Food Typical Liberian Meal Includes Rice Shortbread Seller

35. Food and Dining (Continued) Behavior and Etiquette (Continued) Staple foods are rice and fufu Liberians say there has been no meal unless rice is served Eat using right hand from communal plate or bowl Anniversary Cake, 15 Jan 2007 Women Selling Fufu in Village Market Rice Being Pounded

36. Good topics of conversation: Family Health Rainfall and crop rotation Natural beauty of the country Conversational Etiquette Behavior and Etiquette (Continued) Don’t interrupt a speaker Listen to what is being said Wait until it is your turn to speak

37. Always carry in-country travel papers Never laugh at, or make fun of host nationals Create lasting partners Don’t let your agenda bowl over local practices Behavior and Etiquette (Continued) Rural Roads are Usually Unpaved Other Situational Etiquette Nigerian Soldier with the UN Speaks with a Civilian

38. Street vendors may be stubbornly persistent To “eat someone’s eyeball” is to cheat or scam them in a deal Avoid being a victim in public marketplaces Cash-only economy Other Situational Etiquette (Continued) Behavior and Etiquette (Continued) Street Market in Kakata Most Street Vendors Are Honest

39. Land of the Free; Africa’s first female President Family and kinship groups very important Social connections vital Families support each other through hardship Tribal connections are stronger than political boundaries Christian majority; moderate Islamic minority Sincerely greeting others is very important Take to time to meet and greet people individually Present yourself to local civil and military leaders Ask about family, health, national sports teams, local sites Don’t let your agenda bowl over local practices Cultural Summary

40. CLREC@navy.mil COMM: 850.452.6736 DSN: 922.6736 CLREC Contact