The southern Sudanese diet is similar to that of its African neighbors. Milk, lamb, chicken, rice, and vegetables are key ingredients. Food is often served from a common dish and eaten with flat bread. Sudanese are known for their unique preparation of coffee. Families rely on cows for nutritious milk and meat, for bartering to gain money and goods, for dowries to arrange marriages, and for sacrificial killing to honor gods and ancestors.
Cows are a source of dignity and self-esteem for most Dinka men.
Sudanese in Resettlement Reports on the Sudanese usually note that they are an extremely resilient group. Many of the males will have some knowledge of English or Arabic. For the women, learning English is often cited as the most important need. Their expectations are high. Employment will be the first priority of the P-2 Sudanese young adults.