Joking Around

They say you understand the language or culture when you can tell a joke in the language. So far I am simply trying to figure out when to laugh so I look like I understand. Ghanaians have a great sense of humour and love a good laugh. There is plenty of back slapping, high fiving, finger clicking and reminiscing of punch lines going on.

Ironic humour doesn’t work. And for me, telling a funny story can result in the response of “Oh, I’m sorry-yo” when I’m waiting for a laugh. From what I gather there is a lot of tribal humour, one driver loves to tell everyone that isn’t from his clan that they are his slaves. This always brings in the laughs, just when i feel he has really insulted someone by asking them to ‘run away’ (in my mind this means ‘get lost??’) or ‘get rid of your father’s slave name’. I realise I can’t quite pull these jokes off, so I try to focus on other topics.

My new chief met with the Regional Health Director with me recently. She gave him stern words about not having been to his office yet, and how he is more committed to work than receive her in the office. Hilarity ensued with me laughing nervously by her side...how is that funny??

So my main focus now is to just follow the conversation. Winding emotional stories are used to communicate here. My humour comes mostly from watching my colleagues and friends crack themselves up and my total ignorance to the joke.

But I’ll leave you with one that made people laugh for days, I get it, but I laughed for a second or so and left it. But the joke was bought up all week, and I’m sure if I saw someone who was there now, they’d still be laughing;

JOKE:

The difference between directors and leaders; the directors write cheques, and the leaders make decisions….

?