英语课本_9A_Unit3_C

Teranga: The word that defines Senegal

You never know what to expect on your trip.
As I waited for my plane to Dakar, a woman dressed in boubou asked if she could use my mobile phone.
While I was hesitating, a similarly dressed traveller presented her phone to the woman without a second thought.
This was my introduction to Teranga: The Senegalese way of life.
During the summer I spent volunteering in Dakar, Teranga helped me learn about and enjoy Senegalese culture.
I accepted an invitation to stay with a local family, and regular offers to visit their neighbours and drink coffee.
In Dakar, a friend told me, people would be willing to share whatever they have.
Requests to strangers for a place to rest, a bathroom, a phone or water, would likely be answered with Teranga.
When we went on trips to the beach, children who didn't even know me would jump into my arms to get away from the coming waves.
I was shocked by their ease with me, until I remembered that they were raised to believe that community members — even strangers — will always support each other.
I often saw adults educating and guiding neighbourhood children like a parent would.
Teranga is especially visible in Senegal's food culture.
Senegalese families cook in a manner that expects the arrival of guests; it can be a friend or a stranger.
To prepare to greet even unplanned visitors with Teranga, there's often an extra plate ready.
And for guests who do show up at mealtime, they will always get the best part of the dish.
The local people truly believe that the more you give, the more you receive.
Teranga builds a culture where there is no "other" and keeps neighbourhood life harmonious.
As a song says, "When people come to your country, welcome them and honour them so much that when they leave they will want to return.
It's no wonder visitors to the country can't wait to go back.