Aptc fiji cultural awareness workshop this is it

APTC CROSS
CULTURAL
AWARENESS
WORKSHOP
L E A R N E R S ’ W O R K B O O K
1
APTC School of Hospitality and Community Services

Bula, Welcome to the Fijian Experience!
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Overview
 About Fiji
 Background of this workshop
 A look at history & Culture of the Fiji Islands
 Pre-history
 The Melanesians/Pictures
 The Polynesians/Pictures
 The King of Tonga
 Fiji Culture, Religion & the Fijian Language
 Fijian Cultural Environment
 Analysis of iTaukei & Fiji Indian Business System
 Traditions & Ceremonies
 The Fijian Language
 Analysis of Fijian Business Style as per Theoretical Framework
 New Business
 Example of Cultural Insensitivity & Attuning
 In-Class Activity
 Conclusion
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About Fiji
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• Location: Fiji is situated in the centre of the South Pacific Ocean, on the International
Dateline. It has a total landmass of about 18,000 square kilometers. Its two main islands are
Viti Levu and Vanua Levu
• Capital: Suva
• Population - Approx . 850,000. (60% people dwell in rural areas and 40% in the cities).
• Currency: Fijian Dollar
• Government: Republican
• Ethnic Groups: Fijians (57%) Indians (37%) plus Caucasian, Chinese & other Pacific
Islanders and persons of mixed race.
• Religion: Christianity (52%), Hinduism (38%), Muslim (8%), Others (2%)
• Language: English is the official language. However people also speak Fijian and Hindi
• Main Industries: Tourism, Sugar, Fishing & Forestry
• Main Source of Income: Tourism & Sugar Industries
About Fiji….
5

BACKGROUND OF THIS
WORKSHOP
Fiji is a multiracial country where the culture and
heritage is dynamic and strong . It constitutes of
two major ethnic groups which are the iTaukei
(indigenous Fijians) and Fiji-Indians and since
both have distinctive cultures and styles this
workshop will analyze the cultural, language and
business aspects of both.
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A look at the history and culture of the Fiji Islands
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Pre-History
 The exact origins of the first inhabitants of the
islands of Fiji remain a mystery, since the
Fijians had no written language and relied on
memory and story telling for their history. It is
most commonly accepted that the first settlers
arrived around 1500B.C.
 What is clear, however; is that Fiji was settled
by two distinct races, the Polynesian and
Melanesian races.
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The Melanesians…
 The Melanesian people made their way
to Fiji from the islands of Vanuatu, New
Caledonia and the eastern Solomon
islands.
 These settlers were dark skinned with
many physical characteristics of the
Negro race.
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Nee-Vanuatu and Kanaks
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Nee-Vanuatu
Kanaks

…the Melanesian race of the pacific
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Solomon Islanders
Papua New Guineans

A village in the foot hills of the Namosi Plateau, shows the
Fijian bures very similar to Vanuatu leaf haus
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Indigenous Fijians (iTaukei)

The Polynesians…
 The other settlers of the islands of Fiji were
taller, lighter skinned and with straighter soft
hair. They are often referred to as the Lapita
people, named for an area in New Caledonia
where large deposits of their distinctive form of
pottery were found.
 Lapita pottery, marked by geometric designs
formed by stamping the unfired clay with a
tooth-like implement have been found from
New Guinea eastward to Samoa.
13

 Scholars debate which race arrived first?
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A large portion of the Lapita people were forced, or chose to leave the
islands of Fiji for places further east – Tonga, Samoa, Hawaii
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The King of Tonga – one of the most influential figures that
changed the course of time for the Fijians
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Enele Ma’afu – King of Tonga

Udre Udre– the last known Cannibal
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…legend has it he ate 872 people
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His tomb can be seen on your way to Rakiraki town junction

..the dark days in Fiji. Before Cession
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The Culture
 The Fijians are pretty easy-going people
 When invited to the village be mindful to wear
modest clothing
 Take off your hat (wearing one is a sign of
being disrespectful)
 Leave your shoes outside the door when
entering a home
 Keep in mind its insulting to touch someone's
head
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EXAMPLE OF CULTURAL INSENSITIVITY
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EXAMPLE OF ATTUNINGTO LOCAL CULTURE
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McDonalds (Fiji) is mindful of the fact that Hindus do
not consume beef products and that Muslims are
mindful of having their meat ‘Halal’ (meat prepared as
per Islamic law) therefore it caters to both by using
100% vegetarian oil for its fries and having vegetarian
meals and using Halal meat. McDonalds Fiji is Halal
Certified.

Stereotyping
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In-Class Activity
I invite you to think of and relate to
either a stereotype prevalent in your
country or cultural setting or relate to an
experience whereby an overseas based
company exhibited cultural insensitivity
to the host country.
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Fijian Cultural Environment
Cultural
Aspects
iTaukei Fiji-Indians
Religion Christians Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, South Indians
Food Food is mostly boiled/steamed. Typically like Asian-Indian food.
However Beef and Pork are not
consumed.
Traditional
Dressing
‘Sulu’ (worn like a sarong). Both men and women wear
this.
‘Sari’ or ‘Salwaar Kameez’ are worn by
women. Men wear similar styled Indian
outfits.
These are worn mostly during traditional ceremonies or religious occasions. Otherwise casual
clothing is widely accepted in cities and town. Skimpy attire is forbidden by both cultural groups
especially in the villages and rural setting as its not deemed appropriate
Taboo Both groups do not express their feelings in public – couples do not hold hands or display
affection in public. They tend to be private about their relationships.
Respect of elders is prevalent.
Sexuality is not openly discussed especially amongst the older generation. The younger
generation however is more understanding and accepting.
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Fijian Cultural Environment …Cont’d
Cultural
Aspects
iTaukei Fiji-Indians
Mannerisms Indigenous Fijians (iTaukei) are particular about and are offended if they are
touched on their head . Pointing and standing with hands on hips is considered
rude.
Negotiations Fijians are too polite and thus are hesitant
to ask for clarifications or ask questions –
thinking it is rude or offensive. For
successful negotiation it is important that
the party develops a rapport with them.
Also due to their social structure they
normally refer to someone in higher
authority in their social structure to make
the decision.
Fiji-Indians are a little more direct
and thus come to a conclusion
faster.
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Business Culture in Fiji
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Aspects Public Sector Private Sector
Work pace Slow – Even working hours is a little
lesser than private organizations
Fast – competition is rife and staff have
targets to meet so work pace is faster
Timeliness Not so strictly observed – its ok to
procrastinate.
More importance given and deadlines and
strictly adhered to.
Bureaucracy High – because of the organization
structure – lots of reporting
Low – time is not wasted in bureaucracies
as ‘time is money’
Dressing Smart casual is accepted however on
official occasions formal dressing is
required
Dress code is more formal.
Workforce 90% of the workforce are iTaukei 92% of the workforce are Fiji Indians

Fiji Business Culture…cont’d
28
Socializing Exchange of
Gifts
Use of Titles/
Surnames
National Drink Kava
is a norm during
official ceremonies
and refusal to drink
a bowl is seen
offensive by the
iTaukei.
Not a widely accepted
business practice. New
legal requirement is that
all gifts are to be
declared by persons to
their organizations. This
is strictly followed in the
public sector.
Generally in business people
prefer to be called by their first
names rather than using
Mr/Mrs/Ms. However in formal
correspondence formal titles are
used. For iTaukei they have titles
such as Ratu (for men of chiefly
status) and Adi (pronounced
Aan-Dee – for iTaikei women of
chiefly status) which is always
used when addressing them.

Dimension iTaukei Style Fiji-Indian Style
Rules or Relationship?? iTaukei value relationships and
place a lot of emphasis on
building and maintaining
relationships. They need to
establish a rapport in order to
understand the other party.
Similarly Indians too value
relationships a little more than
rules and place importance on
trust.
Displaying of Emotions iTaukei do not display their
emotions openly but prefer to
stay calm and quiet. They are
shy and reserved so much so
that they consider it rude to ask
for clarifications.
Indians will speak out and not
be quite when the need arises
however they won’t be outright
confrontational .
Private Vs. Working
Life
iTaukei and Indians both don’t keep their work and personal lives
distinctly apart. Work and personal lives both go hand in hand.
Discussions about family at work and vice versa is quite common.
Analysis of iTaukei and Fiji-Indian Business Styles
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Analysis of iTaukei and Fiji-Indian Business Styles….Cont’d
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Dimension iTaukei Style Fiji-Indian Style
Personal Achievement vs. Status
in society
• iTaukei place a lot of importance on
their societal and hierarchal standing
in society.
• Chiefs would be given prominence
automatically due to their social status.
• Fiji-Indians are more Achievement
oriented
• They value and place emphasis on
hard work and owe their
achievements through their
education and parents hard work
• They are highly competitive.
Function as Individuals or as a
Group
• iTaukei believe in communitarianism
as they like to consult within their
groups
• However; they leave decisions to the
person in authority to make
recommendation.
• Fiji-Indians are more individualists as
they like to operate individually and
make their own decisions.
• They rally behind community work
and participate assiduously
Past, Present or Future Oriented • iTaukei are more focused on the
present – they live their lives basically
on a day to day basis.
• Fiji-Indians are more future oriented
– most of their decision looks at how
it would impact their future plans and
aspirations.
Internal Vs. External Control
(Do we control our working
environment or are we controlled
by it)
Both iTaukei and Fiji-Indians blend into the existing working environment. They
generally work harmoniously and are accommodative and accepting on the existing
environment.

Traditions and Ceremonies
• Yaqona: more commonly referred to as Kava -
Fijis‟ traditional ceremonial drink.
• Its made from the pulverised roots of a local
pepper plant, mixed with water and consumed
from a communal coconut shell bowl/cup
(bilo).
• You will be asked to sit on the floor as the kava
is being prepared in a tanoa bowl.
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TABUA(Tambua) – Whales Tooth
APTC School of Hospitality and Community
Services
32

Yaqona Ceremony
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Communal Cup (Bilo)
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Sevusevu – A Village Visit
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The Yaqona root
Ensure that the yaqona root is presented as a gift.
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Presenting a sevusevu (gift). Your respect for their customs and traditions will
not only make you a welcome guest in their villages & homes, but add a
dimension to your stay.
37

Roqoroqo (Rongorongo)/Babyshower
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Reguregu (Condolence Gathering)
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The Meke - music is woven into the fabric of Fiji and the meke
embraces traditional song and dance to tell legends, love
stories, history and spirits of the islands
40

…Vakatara – the Orchestra
41

Preparing the Hot Stones
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Vilavila I Revo – the Fire Walkers of Beqa
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…a gift from their traditional God
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Religion – Na Lotu
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The Fijian Language – Na Vosa Vakaviti
46
One of the main reasons many visitors from English- speaking world find Fiji a
congenial place to visit is that majority of the local people speak English.
However; if you wish to develop a better understanding of the Fijian people and their
culture; then learning a few Fijian words and everyday phrases will help you get around
and truly enjoy the world class Fijian Hospitality.
Pronunciation
Fijian pronunciation isn‟t difficult for the English speaker. The standard Fijian
alphabet uses all the English letters except „x‟. The letters “h” and „z‟ are used as
borrowed words.
The Fijians‟ five vowels are pronounced much as they are in languages such as Spanish,
German and Italian.
a as in father
e as in bet
i as in India
o as in orchestra
u flute

The Fijian Language – Na Vosa Vakaviti…Cont’d
47
Vowels have both short and long variants, with the long vowel
having a significantly longer sound that changes the entire
meaning of the word. An approximate English equivalent is the
difference between the final vowel sound in “icy” and “I see” So
to convey the correct meaning of a word it‟s important that the
vowel length is taken into account in your pronunciation.
E.g. mama means „a ring‟
Mamaa means „chew it‟
Maamaa means „light‟ (in weight)
Most consonants are pronounced as they are in English, but
there are a few differences you need to be aware of:

The Fijian Language
 The Fijian language does have a few idiosyncrasies in
terms of pronunciation, however; so keep in mind that
the letter “a” is pronounced „ah‟ as in father.
 Any word with a “d” has an unwritten „n‟ in front of it
–e.g. Nadi is pronounced Nandi
 Put an „m‟ before the “b” as in Tabu – Tambu
(taboo)
 „c‟ is pronounced “th” as in Moce – Mo-they
(goodbye)
 ‘g‟ is pronounced “ng”- as in Running
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Cont’d.
 “q” is „g‟ – as in Good
 The letter „r‟ is rolled as in Spanish
 In Fijian words, each vowel is given its full
weight and never shortened, skipped or slurred.
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Useful Fijian Phrases
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English vaka-Viti (Fijian)
Welcome Bula
Hello Bula (inf) Drau bula (dl) Dou bula (pl) Nibula (mp)
How are you? Vacava tiko?
Long-time no see Sa dede da sega ni sota
What's your name?
My name is ...
O cei na yacamu(ni)?
Na yacaqu o ...
Where are you from?
I'm from ...
O ni lako mai vei? O kemuni mai vei?
O yau mai ...
Pleased to meet you Ia (ni) bula
Good morning Yadra, Ni sa yadra
Good afternoon/evening Bula, Ni sa Bula
Good night/Goodbye Moce, Ni sa moce
Guide to abbreviations: inf = informal, frm = formal, sg = singular (to one person), dl = dual (to two people), pl =
plural (to three or more people), mp = many people (to a large group of people)

Useful Fijian Phrases…Cont’d
51
English Vaka-Viti (Fijian)
Good luck Vanuinui vinaka
Cheers/Good health! Bula!
Have a nice day Vanuinui vinaka ki na siga ni kua
Bon appetit Da kana!
Bon voyage Vanuinui vinaka e nomu volau
I don't understand Au sega ni taura rawa
Could you speak
more slowly please?
Vosa mada vakamālua?
Could you repeat that? Tukuna tale mada
Please write it down Kerekere, mo ni vola
Do you speak Fijian?
I speak little Fijian
O(nī) kilā na vosa vakaviti?
Au kilā vakalailai na vosa vakaviti

52
Do you speak English? O(nī) vosa vakavālagi?
How do you say ...
in Fijian?
Na cava na kena vosa vakaviti ni ...?
Pardon (what did you say?) Ō?
Excuse me Au lako mada yani (to get past)
How much is this? E vica na kena i-sau?
Sorry
(Nī) vosota sara / (Nī) vosoti au (general
Tulou / Jilou (when invading space)
Please Yalo vinaka
Thank you Vinaka, Vinaka vaka levu
Where's the toilet? E vei na vale-lailai?
This gentleman/lady
will pay for everything
Na turaga/marama oqo e na sauma taucoko

53
Would you like to
dance with me?
Ko via meke kei au?
I love you Au domoni iko / Au lomani iko
Get well soon Nuitaka ni ko na vabulabula totolo
Leave me alone! Biuti au tu madaga!
Help!
Fire!
Stop!
Kere veivuke!
Kama!
Kele!
Call the police! Qirita na ovisa!
Merry Christmas
and Happy New Year
Me Nomuni na marau ni siga ni sucu kei na tawase ni yabaki
vou
Happy Easter Vanuinui vinaka ni Siga ni Mate
Happy Birthday Vanuinui vinaka ki na nomu siga ni sucu

Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed the cultural experience of Fiji and
taken note of the cultural and business etiquettes
prevalent here. The uniqueness of the Fijian experience
is the peaceful coexistence of the two major ethnics
groups and the acceptance and adaptation to both
cultures with the other minor ethnic groups. This has
culminated in a modern Fijian lifestyle whereby both
ethnic groups have adopted to each other’s dressing
styles, cooking methods, religion etc. Intermarriages are
also common now. The new generation of Fijians are
educated and thus are in a position to make better
informed choices and thus are more mindful and
accepting of the new lifestyles and business
environment. “Overtime, cultures evolve as societies
adapt to transitions in their external and internal
environments and relationships” (Deresky, 2008).
54

Acknowledgements:
 Evelyn Maharaj Lal – Material & research on Fijian
Business Culture.
 Dr. Asinate Kedrayate – Dept. of
Sociology, University of the South Pacific
 Bureau of Statistics – Fiji Government
 Dr. Apolonia Tamata – Fijian Culture/Historian
55

REFERENCES
 www.countrycodes.boomja.com
 www.fijigov.fj
 www.ftib.org.fj
 www.jasons.com/fiji/fijian-culture
 www.munroleyslaw.com
 www.pitic.org
 www.swyaa.org
 The Fiji Museum – Archives unit
 www.everyculture.com
 www.justpacific.com/fiji/fijiphotos
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VINAKA!
57

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