What you should know about Algeria!
This is not a travel guide, but rather some insights on how to communicate effectively with Algerians.
While it is true that our cultural background affects somehow the way we see things, individuals of a given society are not all alike. So, while reading this article, keep in mind that my goal is to share with you an overview of the Algerian culture, based on Hofstede’s theory and my personal experience, to know how to behave and communicate effectively in Algeria.
Read between the lines!
Algeria is considered to be a high context culture, meaning that communication is indirect and packaged. So, you have to be careful about what people are trying to tell you, try to read between the lines!
Wait! Everyone says completely the opposite, they all say that Algerians are easy going and that it is very easy to have a conversation even with strangers. Well, sure thing, Algerian are genuinely friendly, but truth is, you are probably doing a lot of mistakes, but your Algerian friend won’t tell if you say something wrong, because they will assume that you’ll eventually get it. Communication is indirect, Remember?
One big difference between Algeria and the other countries I visited or lived in is humor. You have to know that humor is everywhere in Algeria, it is such that the same word “Guss’ra”, refers to both having a conversion, and joking.
“What will people say?”
Algerians are taught at a young age a strict pattern of behavior and rules to follow and respect. Individuals live in a collectivist society, so they must show commitment and loyalty to the member of the group; The group is members of the family (extended) and friends. Everyone is aware that their value within the society is strongly tied to the reputation of the group they belong to. Therefore, every individual protects their group. If one member of the group transcends society rules, then they bring shame to the whole group; that’s what is called “H’shuma” in Algeria. Members of the group are often reminded “What will people say?” (واش حيقولوا الناس؟) before every move.
Also, the quality of the relations one has within society influences their professional life. So, keep in mind that Algerians are more relation-centered, unlike most Northern Europeans who are task-centered.
Mediterranean non-nonchalance
Very often, one of the first things foreigners say about Algerians, is that they are nonchalant and carefree. Indeed, Algeria is a poly-chronic society, unlike many European countries which are mono-chronic. This can be very irritating for people who are mono-chronic because they find themselves living in a country where DDLs are often flexible, and where plans can be changed spontaneously. However, one thing you may appreciate as a European in Algeria is that people around stay relatively calm when something unexpected comes up, and find a way to adapt pretty quickly.
“Let me leave today and kill me tomorrow”, “Every delay will serve your good” are some of the Algerian sayings that reflect the national nonchalant attitude.
