People and Community
Bolivian families and communities are generally conservative or traditionalist, with strong religious ties. Bolivian society is centered around the family, and it is rare for kids to leave the house before getting married. Sunday is family day (día de la familia) for the majority of Bolivian families, when they have lunch or dinner together and exchange tales and experiences. Bolivian families typically have two or three kids. Younger siblings look up to the eldest daughters in a household, who are sometimes referred to as mamitas (little moms), as second mothers. Girls learn how to take care of the home and their children. In Bolivia’s more rural parts, the mother is regarded as the family’s wisest member. Teenagers in Bolivia typically center their social lives around their families and other close relatives. They enjoy entertaining guests, going to discos, watching movies, and performing sports like volleyball, basketball, and gymnastics in their free time. The national sport, soccer, is a favorite pastime of many youths. Teens enjoy taking leisurely strolls across plazas in groups during the evening. The school year in Bolivia for teens runs from Monday through Friday (8 am to 1 pm) and ends in November.
Languages and Communication
The majority of rural residents of Bolivia speak Quechua, Aymara, or Guaraní in addition to Spanish, which is the country’s official language. Bolivians tend to communicate in an honest and direct manner. It is not impolite to express one’s opinions directly or to make comments about the way someone looks. It is customary to see people show passion and emotion in public, particularly when they are celebrating or watching a soccer match. Small conversation is very common in Bolivian culture since people there like speaking and getting to know one another. When two people meet for the first time, they typically shake hands.
