Meeting time in Benin: A cultural phenomenon

I know my last blog was a little boring, because dealing with problems related to my data collection. That’s why in this one I will tell you about a different matter. I remember in my first blog saying that I will inform about my research and some issues of my country as well. What I called “Meeting time: a cultural phenomenon” is a happening people will notice while travelling in some countries in Africa especially in the republic of Benin. This phenomenon is related to how people consider a meeting time or a time certain people agree upon for a meeting. It is common to hear in Benin while two or more people are setting up a time for a rendezvous or a meeting: Is it a Beninese time or a French time (Benin has been colonized by France and is a French-speaking country)? A French time means the exact time they agree upon; whereas a Beninese time means an hour or an hour and half after the exact time they agree upon. This practice is so engraved in people’s mind; consequently people will show up an hour or more after the scheduled time. This does not mean that people will be late for their work or when they are meeting an important authority or person. However, it is common place to notice this situation when it is a group meeting or when two friends are meeting.
Aware of this fact in Benin people’s habits, I told teachers I will be working with, that we will start the training at 8:00 AM, knowing perfectly that the opening of the activities is at 9:00 AM. So, whenever an African friend especially a Beninese friend is late at one of your rendezvous, do not be disappointed. He is probably using his home country time.