The culture of inquiry that I have chosen is Gambia. This is particularly intriguing to me, because I am not very knowledgeable about the origin of my parent’s culture. Ultimately, I would like to obtain as much information as I can pertaining to the culture in Gambia – especially topics related to marriage. To obtain a better understanding – I have chosen to compare and contrast Gambia and America 's marriage customs – this will allow me to visualize the ideals and the differences between a culture I am familiar with compared to one I would like to learn about. Let’s take a closer look at the marriage customs in both America and Gambia by researching sources and referring to the textbook Communication between Cultures.
In Gambia, certain …show more content…
On average in Gambia, women tend to get married between the ages of 14 and 20 years old. While the average age of women in urban areas of Gambia is between 20 and 30 years old. Men in Gambia tend to get married later in life. In America, the average age of men when they get married is 27 years old; and the average age for a woman is 25 years old. There are many factors that determine a viable marriage in Gambia. One of the main contributing factors is the importance of individuals marrying within their own social groups. Alternatively, social groups do not really play a fundamental role in the marriage process within America. Courting is very different within these two cultures. Primarily, in the way in which it is initially carried out; when a man in Gambia chooses a woman that he would like to court, kola nuts are taken to the family of the potential bride-to-be by the potential groom’s close male relatives. If the potential bride-to-be’s father accepts the union – a bride price, also known as, “la dot” if determined and a date is set for a ceremony to be held at the …show more content…
Once the man decides that he would like to take the next step in their relationship, he purchases a ring and talks to the woman’s father in an attempt to attain the father’s blessing. Once approval is provided by the father, the man chooses a time and place to ask the woman for her hand in Marriage. If the woman accepts his proposal – the man places the ring on her left ring finger, and they are officially engaged to be married.
There is essentially no engagement period in Gambia. Once an arrangement is made and all of the agreements are fulfilled, a wedding date is set; this typically is set within one week after the announcement of marriage is made to the family. However, in America, an engagement period is normally determined by the potential bride and groom. Some couples only remain engaged for a very short period of time; others remain engaged for several years. The ultimate determination of the length of the engagement in America is usually set when the soon to be married couple sets their wedding
In Gambia, certain …show more content…
On average in Gambia, women tend to get married between the ages of 14 and 20 years old. While the average age of women in urban areas of Gambia is between 20 and 30 years old. Men in Gambia tend to get married later in life. In America, the average age of men when they get married is 27 years old; and the average age for a woman is 25 years old. There are many factors that determine a viable marriage in Gambia. One of the main contributing factors is the importance of individuals marrying within their own social groups. Alternatively, social groups do not really play a fundamental role in the marriage process within America. Courting is very different within these two cultures. Primarily, in the way in which it is initially carried out; when a man in Gambia chooses a woman that he would like to court, kola nuts are taken to the family of the potential bride-to-be by the potential groom’s close male relatives. If the potential bride-to-be’s father accepts the union – a bride price, also known as, “la dot” if determined and a date is set for a ceremony to be held at the …show more content…
Once the man decides that he would like to take the next step in their relationship, he purchases a ring and talks to the woman’s father in an attempt to attain the father’s blessing. Once approval is provided by the father, the man chooses a time and place to ask the woman for her hand in Marriage. If the woman accepts his proposal – the man places the ring on her left ring finger, and they are officially engaged to be married.
There is essentially no engagement period in Gambia. Once an arrangement is made and all of the agreements are fulfilled, a wedding date is set; this typically is set within one week after the announcement of marriage is made to the family. However, in America, an engagement period is normally determined by the potential bride and groom. Some couples only remain engaged for a very short period of time; others remain engaged for several years. The ultimate determination of the length of the engagement in America is usually set when the soon to be married couple sets their wedding