Bafa Bafa

A Cross-Cultural Simulation Game

Submitted by Stephanie Thibeau and Bhreagh MacDonald


Note from Web site management:
The rules for Bafa Bafa prepared for the Games web site by Stephanie and Bhreagh have been removed at the request of Mitch Shirts, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Simulation Training Systems.  Simulation Training Systems claims the copyright on Bafa Bafa.  Complete rules and materials can be ordered from them via their web site at http://www.simulationtrainingsystems.com/.

Stephanie and Bhreagh found the game described in the two books listed under sources below.  There are also some similar games described on the web, for which links are included.  Stephanie and Bhreagh also considered some adaptations for children with special needs which are worth considering.

Source:

TAKEN FROM:

Pike, G. and D. Selby.  "Bafa Bafa" in In the Global Classroom 1.  Ontario: Pippin Publishing Corporation, 1999.  pp.189-195.

ORIGINALLY ADAPTED FROM:

Hicks, D.  "Bafa Bafa" in Minorities.  London: Heinemann Educational, 1981.  pp. 82-85.

Adaptations of Bafa Bafa

(Links to Websites)

This is just a simpler version of the Bafa Bafa game.  It basically goes along the same premise of the original game, but each group develops their own culture rather than following the outline of the Beta and Alpha cultures.

Another version of the Bafa Bafa game that gives us a variation on what each cultures attributes are.  It seems to be more aimed towards younger students since the culture differences are simplified.

This is another culture shock type simulation game called NaZa. This game seems much more in depth and would require quite a bit of preparation and planning in order to play.  From what I read on the game, it is used often when teaching English as a second language (ESL), so those who plan to do this in the future may be interested in this particular game. 

Another game that kept coming up in my research of Bafa Bafa was called Barnga.  This site will bring you to a description of the game, but I could not find a complete outline because its a game played with cards that have to be purchased. 

Bafa Bafa Modifications for Students with Special Needs

            The game Bafa Bafa is a great way for an entire class to interact with one another, and this includes any students who may have language, mobility and hearing problems.  Although the rules dont presently accommodate these various types of learners, with a little thought and a few modifications all will be able to enjoy this game on the same level.  Here are a few examples:

       Students with Visual Difficulties:

Students with Auditory Difficulties:

Students with Mobility Difficulties:

         A game of this nature needs quite a bit of open space and room to move freely anyways, so this should be appropriate for any students who may have difficulty with mobility.  Just ensure that the room is free of any obstacles that may pose a problem for the student to participate fully in the game.


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