Malagasy Values: Attitude Towards Age

The Malagasy culture has produced a people with complicated and
fascinating beliefs and customs. Despite the various tribes or clans
the country shares many beliefs such as the belief in the power of
ancestors (razana). In this essay, I will share the concept of how
Malagasy people view age. In Malagasy culture, older people—or
elders—wield considerable power.

In Madagascar elders are they people who are called Ray Aman-Dreny or
parents. We call them Ray Aman-Dreny for all older people even if
they are not our biological parents. Older people are more respected
than children or youth. In the beginning parents take care of
children but if the parent becomes older then concept is that the
child should take care of the parent—an exchange. In Madagascar we
call it "valim-babena" which means to pay your parents back.

There are some expressions to show that older people are valued for
their age. "Manan-jandry afa-kolan'etana, mana-joky afa-kolan-teny."
This means that young people should bring the luggage of the older
people. If you have an older sister or brother you can be proud
because they will be the ones who get to speak. If you have a little
sister or brother you can be happy because they will bring your
luggage.

Another expression is, "Ray aman-dreny tsy manary sanana." This
expression is one of the reasons that respect is given to older people
in Madagascar. It means you should respect your parents, "The parents
never abandon their children."
In Malagasy culture in the case of public speaking—older people are
allowed to speak because they have more experience in life. Malagasy
people think that older people are more formal. During conversations
in families or in larger settings only older people are asked to
speak. Also, when there is an older person who died in Madagascar we
celebrate it or make a party. If a person lives to be very old it is
a celebration when they die because we are happy they lived so long.
Most Malagasy people are happy to have old age.

In conclusion, respect for Malagasy elders from all fellow humans is
part of our tradition. It is a great honor for a Malagasy person to
have old age. Older people should have a good position or value in
Malagasy society. Madagascar is a country rich in traditional
culture.