There are two languages we need to learn to survive here in Egypt. The first, of course, is Arabic. The second is Car Horn. I am still in the process of completely decoding this language, but here is a preliminary glossary:
One Honk- the driver is politely announcing his existence. He is coming up on another car and would like to pass, he is turning into a street and want to alert pedestrians of your presence, or he is a taxi and wants let passing people know he is available for hire.
Two Honks- the driver is feeling a bit impatient with the current situation. The car he would like to pass is not allowing it, the pedestrians in the street are going too slow, or another car is sitting in the intersection doing, apparently, nothing (this happens all the time!)
Rapid and Successive Honks- the driver is quite unhappy. Pedestrians are passing the time of day in the middle of the street, or a very large truck is driving in the middle of a highway, prohibiting any passing (there is absolutely no respect for lanes).
Honks in Rhythm- the driver is celebrating. Recently this has been demonstrated at the end of the daily Ramadan fast (Iftar). Can also be heard at weddings, weekends, or any time the driver is happy. Often accompanied by ululation.
No Honks- the power is out. As power outages are a daily event (sometimes multiple times daily, and usually after dark) it is rather noticeable. Everyone drives slower and hardly anyone honks.
I plan to interview our friendly shuttle drivers over the next few trips to complete this analysis. Updates coming soon!
One Honk- the driver is politely announcing his existence. He is coming up on another car and would like to pass, he is turning into a street and want to alert pedestrians of your presence, or he is a taxi and wants let passing people know he is available for hire.
Two Honks- the driver is feeling a bit impatient with the current situation. The car he would like to pass is not allowing it, the pedestrians in the street are going too slow, or another car is sitting in the intersection doing, apparently, nothing (this happens all the time!)
Rapid and Successive Honks- the driver is quite unhappy. Pedestrians are passing the time of day in the middle of the street, or a very large truck is driving in the middle of a highway, prohibiting any passing (there is absolutely no respect for lanes).
Honks in Rhythm- the driver is celebrating. Recently this has been demonstrated at the end of the daily Ramadan fast (Iftar). Can also be heard at weddings, weekends, or any time the driver is happy. Often accompanied by ululation.
No Honks- the power is out. As power outages are a daily event (sometimes multiple times daily, and usually after dark) it is rather noticeable. Everyone drives slower and hardly anyone honks.
I plan to interview our friendly shuttle drivers over the next few trips to complete this analysis. Updates coming soon!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.