Celebrity Nasara

Nasara is the word for white person. It is not used negatively, but as a way to greet you (as a white person- almost like hello).

When I first arrived in Chad, I was told about the word ‘Nasara’. And I was afraid of it. This was a word that meant ‘white person’ - making me stand out and feel noticed, overly important and even slightly offended. I’m not used to being noticed, looked at, and stared at by total strangers. In fact, in Canada, I’m used to being invisible in the streets, with no one even taking a second glance.

I learned that when walking down the street, everybody that you meet (Side note: the Arthur theme song just came into my head because of this.) that says hello, you should greet. In fact if someone greets you it is very rude to not reply. They may say Bonjour, Hello, Laphia (hello in Ngambai) or even just say Nasara. At the beginning, I was nervous that I would be greeted with ‘Nasara’ and not realize it and then offend someone. During our first visit to the market, I was very aware of what was said and tried to listen for that ‘Nasara’ phrase which had almost become a new name.

Now in Moundou, when I walk to Maddie or Gene’s house (each about 5-10 minutes away from mine), I am slowed down mostly by children shouting ‘Nasara’ with big smiles on their faces. They wave at me, and sometimes we shake hands. Generally, it is fun and I do like interacting with children, however at times I feel a little bit like a celebrity in Chad- every child wants to greet me, and shake my hand. While this is great, I really am no one special. Yet I am in the spot light and am beginning to understand both the joys and the struggles this brings (For example sometimes I almost fall in a puddle- when I look up there is almost always someone watching me and we laugh.

I must admit the word ‘Nasara’ has lost its scariness. I now will respond to it without fear, and that even though at times I get tired of all the attention and stares, I do enjoy waving at excited children.