Yesterday (24 September), was Heritage Day (유산의 날) here in South Africa.

On this day, all around the nation (전국 각지에서), we celebrate our different cultures and traditions. Our country is very diverse (다양하다), with many cultures and languages. We even have 11 official languages (공식 언어)!

We like to celebrate this day in various ways, but the most popular is having a barbeque with family and friends. In South Africa, a barbeque is called a "braai" (브라이). That's why this National Holiday is also called National Braai Day!

A South African braai is very different from what many people mean when they say "barbeque".

I attended (참석하다) a Korean barbeque once; I was shocked (깜짝 놀랐다)! Everyone arrived, the meat was barbequed quickly while the side dishes were made, we ate, everyone cleaned up... and then everyone left! I think we spent (지나다) a total of 1.5 hours together.

At a South African braai, it's common to arrive at the host's house in the late afternoon (4-5pm), and only to eat late in the evening (9-10pm). After that, the hosts and guests often keep chatting until midnight!

Guests typically (일반적으로) bring their own meat, as well as a side dish like a salad for everyone to share. People also like to bring chips (칩) and "dip" (sauce for dipping the chips in).

Often, the women spend time talking in the kitchen preparing the salads or desserts, while the men visit outside around the fire. Visiting, chatting, and spending time together is called "kuier" in South Africa.

The braai takes so long because the wood needs to burn and turn into coals (석탄) before the meat is placed on the braai grill. And also, because everyone is chatting and laughing and having a great time, the men often forget to start the fire until it's already quite late!

Here are some photos of our braai this weekend at my friends' house:

Do you like barbequed (braaied) meat?
Would you like to compare South African "braai" and social culture with the culture in your country?

Join my "Free Talking in English" class linked below! I have a 15% discount for you in honour of our National Heritage Day ^^

I'll see you in my next tutor column! 

Chané (샤네)