This archive report was first published on 1 October 2019.
Published on October 1, 2019, a remarkable story of cultural adaptation has emerged from Tanzania. Oscar Daudi, a 13-year-old boy of Swedish descent, has learned to not only adapt to a completely new environment but also embody the culture and lifestyle of the community he lives amongst.
After landing in Tanzania at the tender age of 8, Oscar underwent assimilation into the famous Maasai culture. He learned how to hunt, herd hundreds of cattle, and speak their language.
Speaking to Global Publishers, Oscar narrates how he had to learn to speak two foreign languages; Swahili and Maasai. He proudly declares, 'I am a Maasai,' and has fully embraced the culture.
Photo: Global Publishers
According to Oscar, he doesn't like wearing trousers or regular clothing and rarely walks around without his club (rungu). He wears Maasai leso and his neck is decorated in flashy Maasai ornaments.
Learning Maasai and Swahili ¶
Oscar credits his ability to learn two foreign languages to listening. 'No one taught me. I just used to listen to people talk then I learned how to speak fluent Maasai and Swahili,' he said.
His adoptive dad, Daudi, who works as a guard, couldn't hide his pride and praised Oscar for fitting in so well despite coming from a different country and culture. 'I am so proud of my son. Everyone in our community considers him as one of us and my peers refer to him as the Maasai boy,' Daudi gushed.
