Current Time in Senegal
Senegalese culture regarding time
Senegalese culture regarding time
A society tolerant of time
In Senegal, a flexible attitude toward time is common, and there is a culture in which being a little late to a scheduled time is routinely tolerated. There is a strong tendency to value relationships with people, and responding according to the situation takes precedence over strict time management.
Social events start "gently"
Weddings, religious events, and community gatherings rarely start at the announced time, and they usually start naturally after all participants are present. The emphasis is on "people gathering" rather than on time.
Traffic and weather affect the sense of time
Schedules are often delayed due to road congestion, infrastructure conditions, and sudden squalls (heavy rain), so the value of "not being too pressed for time" is deeply rooted among the people.
Senegalese values regarding time
Relationships take priority over time
In Senegal, human relationships and the flow of conversation are often more important than time, and the atmosphere and relationships of the place may take priority over the time of an appointment. It is a culture that values flexibility and consideration more than being on time.
"Flow" is more important than "now"
There is a tendency to judge things based on the feeling of "when is the appropriate time to do something" rather than "what time to do it". In rural areas in particular, the style of living based on the flow of nature and the movement of the sun remains strong.
The sense of time varies depending on the situation
Although there is a relatively high awareness of time in public institutions and business places, the flow of time is very relaxed in everyday life and local events. Understanding this gap will lead to smooth relationship building.
Things foreigners should know about time when traveling or relocating to Senegal
Appointment times should be considered as a guideline
It is not uncommon for meetings and appointments to be delayed, and delays of about 15 to 30 minutes are common. It is important to not get irritated and to be open to the other person's circumstances.
Public transportation often does not operate according to schedule
Taxis and buses often do not operate on a fixed schedule, so if you want to travel on time, you need to act with plenty of time. Departure times may change, especially for long-distance travel.
Be careful of opening and closing times of government offices and banks
Public institutions tend to keep their opening hours relatively well, starting early in the morning and closing early in the afternoon. Procedures may be interrupted around noon for prayer or lunch, so you need to be careful about allocating your time.
Interesting trivia about time in Senegal
The term "African time" is used naturally in Senegal, which means "to act flexibly without being particular about time." This is due to a social consensus that tolerates delays with a broad mind.
Prayer times shape the daily rhythm
In Senegal, where there are many Muslims, five prayer times a day are deeply rooted in daily life. School and work schedules are sometimes adjusted accordingly.
Lifestyle based on the movement of the sun
In rural areas, there is still a lifestyle in which the time is determined by the position of the sun rather than by a clock. Activities are carried out in accordance with the rhythm of nature, such as the "morning sun," "high midday sun," and "twilight."