Are you truly Central African?

Naturally, like anyone learning a foreign language, Central Africans find that native French speakers talk too fast, whereas they themselves take their time; a particular trait—noted in figures like Bokassa—is the tendency to emphasize words, as if their meaning alone weren't enough! Generally, the French spoken there is essentially translated Sango—not to mention the incredibly thick accents, which is quite amusing. Regarding writing—often observed among Central African journalists—there are unique expressions: one doesn't speak of the Bangui-Boali "road," but the Bangui-Boali "axis"; people aren't just trained or informed, they are "instructed"; vehicles and motorcycles are referred to as "rolling stock"; the African term délestage is used for water or power outages, as is 2ème bureau for a mistress. Unlike in Europe, meals aren't divided into appetizer, main course, salad, cheese, and dessert, but consist of a single dish from which everyone helps themselves. There is no dessert as such; fruit is simply snacked on between meals. As for weddings, the man must provide a dowry and various gifts; household chores, cooking, and child-rearing are women's business—men do not get involved—which explains their astonishment when coming to Europe and seeing men cooking or doing housework. There are many Central African taboos: "the white man said so," not planting apple or pear trees, not investigating Boganda's assassination, and so on. Central African tourism does not exist; a Mbaka person might visit Lobaye, or a Banda person might go to Ouham. Finally, the title used is not "Mayor" but "President of the Special Delegation," and instead of "funders," the euphemism "technical and financial partners" is employed. In the West, sheet metal—which conducts heat and amplifies the sound of rain—is used for pig shelters; yet in the Central African Republic, it is the ultimate choice for villas, even though there is an abundance of red laterite soil available to make roof tiles, which are far better suited to tropical climates. If you recognize yourself in all this, then you are a true Central African.

Thanks to the LAMINE MÉDIA social department for the information.

Analysis by Firmine YABADA | LNC

For: FatimaLamineHebdo

Date: June 23, 2026

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