Teranga

[Olùkọ́ Ọbádélé]

Teranga

teer to help come ashore, to come ashore
teeral helping the boat come ashore
gan guest, visitor, foreigner, stranger

Hospitality or teranga is a highly prized traditional value in Senegal. It is not merely an option. It is a duty for every Senegalese to receive and honor strangers. Teranga is more than a practice; it is a philosophical code. It is based on the belief that a mother who assists a visitor ensures that her children will never find themselves in a desperate situation away from home without help or support.

To get to your house, your visitor passed hundreds of other doors to get to yours. Therefore, you are special, blessed. A visitor is considered a gift from God. When people cannot provide for a guest, they feel bad.

Teranga is providing for the person(s) who has just arrived. You provide water to drink, water to wash, food to eat, a bed to sleep in (even if you have to give them your own), and take them where they need or want to go. Once they have found their family or place, your responsibility is over.

You are not expected to return teranga. If you provide for a guest, they in turn provide for someone else.

Senegalese don't invite people to their homes or to a meal. It is expected that you will visit. Your visit shows honor to your friend or family.