Global Gathering: The Culture and Traditions of Togo

At Global Awareness Consulting, we often say that cultural understanding is not learned from textbooks—it is experienced through people, their stories, and the objects and traditions they bring into the room.

Yesterday, we had the privilege of hosting Debi N. Tettey, who guided us through a deeply engaging exploration of her cultural heritage. Her session was not only informative, but reflective and thought-provoking in the way that only lived experience can be.

We are truly grateful for her presence and the openness with which she shared her world with us.

A Country of Many Voices and Meanings

Debi introduced us to the richness of Togo—a small West African nation with a remarkably layered cultural identity.

One of the most striking insights was the linguistic diversity within the country. Despite its size, Togo is home to many languages and dialects, each shaping how communities communicate, think, and relate to one another. It prompted a deeper reflection: how does identity evolve when language itself is not singular, but plural?

Names as Time, Memory, and Belonging

A particularly compelling part of the discussion focused on naming traditions.

Debi explained how, in many West African cultural systems, names are not chosen at random—they are deeply meaningful and often reflect:

• The day of the week a child is born

• Their birth order within the family

• Cultural or spiritual expectations tied to their arrival

It invited us to reflect on our own naming conventions and how often modern naming practices can feel disconnected from history, time, and ancestry.

Art as Memory You Can Touch

One of the most memorable moments of the session was when Debi brought in unique pieces of art and craft from Togo.

These objects were far more than decorative items—they carried symbolism, identity, and lived experience. Each piece reflected aspects of daily life and cultural expression, offering a tangible connection to stories that are often passed down orally.

It was a powerful reminder that in many cultures, art is not separate from life—it is part of it.

A Taste of Tradition: Fufu and Shared Experience

Following the presentation, we had the opportunity to take part in something equally meaningful: tasting fufu, a traditional West African dish.

Experiencing fufu firsthand added another layer of understanding to the session. We ate it in the traditional way—using our hands, just as it is commonly enjoyed in many West African households.

This shared meal was more than a culinary experience. It became a moment of cultural immersion, reminding us that food is also language—one that communicates tradition, community, and belonging without words.

The Question We Left With

As the session came to a close, one reflection stayed with us:

How often do we truly experience culture, rather than simply observe it?

Global awareness is not built through distance—it is built through participation, curiosity, and respect.

Closing Reflection

We are deeply thankful to Debi N. Tettey for offering not only knowledge, but perspective. Her sharing reminded us that culture is not static—it is lived, expressed, and continuously carried forward.

And perhaps most importantly, it reminded us that every culture we encounter is also an invitation to rethink what we assume we already understand about the world.