Africa, a continent of remarkable diversity, is home to 54 countries and over 3,000 ethnic and cultural groups. Each group possesses a unique identity and expression. Across the 30.37 million square kilometer landmass of Africa, over 2,000 different languages are spoken. This immense diversity gives rise to a captivating array of greetings, varying significantly between regions.
The continent of Africa boasts a rich tapestry of cultures, each with its own unique traditions.
General Etiquette
When venturing into African countries, understanding and respecting local customs is paramount. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
- Always greet people first: When you enter an area, it's customary to greet people. In a large area, group, or waiting room, a wave and a greeting are acceptable. Otherwise, people may just look at you, waiting for you to offer a greeting, which will be received with a big smile and a warm reply.
- Be respectful, especially to elders: The older the person, the more respect you should show.
- Remember to share: People in Africa do not live the independent lives of Western cultures. Sharing food and sharing stories are two of the best ways to join this culture of interdependence.
- Avoid wastefulness: Africa is a land where every little thing has value.
- Exchange pleasantries: Direct, “let’s get to business” conversation is considered rude. Always exchange pleasantries and inquire about family before beginning any transaction, even when just purchasing an orange.
- Maintain proper demeanor and dress: For men, lightweight trousers are more proper than shorts during the weekday. Shirts with a collar are also the preferred dress during the weekday. Men should not go shirtless except at the beach, poolside, or festivals and shrines where your shirt should be removed. Shorts and T-shirts are fine after the workday hours or on weekends, when it is casual time. For women, modesty is preferred.
- Keep your shoes clean: Always try to keep your shoes clean of dirt and dust.
- Be aware of "Africa Time": Realize that starting times for events are not exact. An event will usually not begin until at least one hour after the noted starting time. This is often called "Africa time", and if you arrive at the posted starting time, people will jokingly say you are following "European time".
Specific Country Customs
Here's a glimpse into greeting customs in various African nations:
- Benin: Home to over 60 ethnic groups, Benin's greetings vary by region. Men typically greet men with a right handshake, while women may also offer a kiss on the cheek.
- Botswana: While English is widely spoken, Setswana is the national language. Using even a few words of Setswana is greatly appreciated.
- Eswatini (formerly Swaziland): Swazi is the national language alongside English.
- Ghana: Known as the "Gateway to Africa," Ghana is renowned for its hospitality. Akan is the most widely spoken local language, but English is also common.
- Kenya: With over 40 ethnic groups, Kenya boasts a rich cultural heritage. Swahili and English are the most spoken languages.
- Lesotho: Known as the "Kingdom in the Sky," Lesotho's national languages are English and Sesotho.
- Malawi: It is customary to greet everyone with a handshake. In rural areas, grasping your right forearm with your left hand is a sign of respect.
- Mozambique: Greetings are exceptionally important. Men greet each other by shaking hands, with the left hand placed on the upper arm of the other person. Women can also shake hands but it is sometimes frowned upon when speaking to men.
- Namibia: Oshiwambo is the most spoken language, though English is also common. Many Namibians greet one another as brothers and sisters.
- Rwanda: While shaking hands is common, it's best to wave and say "hi" when meeting someone for the first time. Kinyarwanda is the most spoken language, but people also speak French and English.
- South Africa: The most common greeting is a handshake accompanied by eye contact and a smile. With 11 official languages, Zulu is the most spoken.
- Togo: It is customary to greet people with a handshake or by placing your right hand over your heart. The most spoken language is French, but Mina and Ewe are also popular.
- Uganda: Known as the "Pearl of Africa," Uganda's most spoken language is Luganda.
- Zambia: Shaking hands is commonplace, but communication without physical contact is also acceptable. English is the most spoken language, but Bemba and Nyanja/Chichewa are also widely spoken.
- Zimbabwe: A firm handshake with the right hand is the common greeting. Greetings are performed in age hierarchy - it’s customary for the younger to be the first to greet the older. The most commonly spoken language is Shona.
Here is a table summarizing greetings in different African countries:
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| Country | Common Greetings | Languages |
|---|---|---|
| Benin | Right handshake (men), kiss on the cheek (women) | French |
| Botswana | Setswana greetings | Setswana, English |
| Ghana | Handshake | Akan, English |
| Kenya | Swahili and English greetings | Swahili, English |
| Malawi | Handshake | Chichewa, English |
| Mozambique | Handshake (men), nod of acknowledgment | Portuguese |
| South Africa | Handshake, eye contact, smile | Zulu, English |
| Uganda | Luganda greetings | Luganda, English |
| Zambia | Handshake | English, Bemba, Nyanja/Chichewa |
| Zimbabwe | Firm handshake | Shona, English |
The Ghanaian Handshake: Specifics
In Ghana, the West African handshake involves a unique element: the middle finger snaps the middle finger of the person you are shaking. Note that in some cultures, like in Italy, this gesture can be considered a serious insult. Always use your right hand to give and receive items, and to eat, as the left hand is traditionally considered the 'toilet hand'.
The unique West African handshake involves a finger snap.
When in rural areas and small villages, a visit to the local chief is the first stop you should make. When in the presence of the chief, remove your hat, keep your hands out of your pockets and do not cross your legs. When invited to greet the chief, approach just short of where they are seated and bow slightly. Do not offer your hand unless the chief invites you for a handshake. Always be sure to bring a small gift, usually a bottle of schnapps is perfect.
Knowing just a couple words of the local language makes a huge impact. In Ghana, ask your guide to teach you to say 'Thank you' (me da ase) and 'How are you' (wo ho te sen) in Twi.
Greetings in Ghana: Right-to-Left Order
Always greet people from right to left, always with your right hand. Remember that your palms are always properly aligned for greeting people when going right-to-left. Always follow this order, regardless of the age or gender or status of the people you are greeting. The exception is when greeting a chief in a formal setting, where you should greet the chief first. This will seem very awkward when you enter a room where everyone is lined up on the left wall because you will have to walk past everyone to start greeting from the furthest person.
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Always be respectful, especially to elders. The older the person, the more respect. But always greet in the correct order, right-to-left, regardless of age or gender.
It is acceptable to give small amounts of money ($2 maximum in local currency) to children or the disabled, but usually not to beggars.
Never make derogatory remarks about any religious, political or ethnic group or behavior. Ghana is tolerant and respectful of all its diverse tribes, religions and customs.
Greetings Between Different Genders
- For men greeting men: A handshake with the right hand is the most common form of greeting. A firm traditional African handshake is used most often.
- For women greeting women: Women usually just greet one another with words only. If you are greeting a woman of seniority (i.e. an elder, a person holding a position of power, etc.), a handshake with the right hand is the most common form of greeting. Often, to show respect, one or the other greeter will make a quick curtsy while shaking hands. This is a tradition that many young girls are raised with and carry throughout their lives.
- For meetings between men and women: While a handshake with the right hand is the most common form of greeting, some women may just give a nod of acknowledgment or greet with words only. As more and more women become liberated, you will find women shaking hands with men more often. Though the traditional African handshake is not as common between men and women, you will see it. And again, many girls may curtsy when shaking hands with a man, especially an elder or dignitary.
Along with a curtsy, another traditional show of respect is for the greeter to shake with his or her right hand while at the same time touching their right elbow with their left hand. The curtsy and the elbow touch performed together are very common in the northern regions, especially the rural areas.
It is considered common courtesy to greet people. When walking down the road, you should greet passers-by by saying hello and asking how they are, either in English or in the local language. It is considered disrespectful to not greet people. When entering a room for a meeting, you should greet everyone with a handshake if possible, before sitting down. When asking someone in a public establishment for help (i.e. directions, prices, etc.), always greet first and ask how they are before proceeding to business.
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How to greet people from different countries
The Black American Handshake
Until recently, the salutations of Black America were an anomaly to mainstream white Americans. The verbal expressions, hand gestures, and bodily maneuvers of Black people when greeting each other, or bidding one another farewell, affirm a shared racial, ethnic, and/or cultural identity within a white majority country, and this unique subculture was often viewed as irreverent and unprofessional among Euro-Americans.
As ethnocentric interpreters of cultural difference, the journals and published narratives of European enslavers reveal detailed accounts of rituals they found particularly strange. Historians note that West African forms of dance, music, language, spirituality, food, recreation, and sexuality baffled Europeans, who, though employing a biased lens, recorded many of their observations with significant detail. Their comments surrounding West African handshakes were no different. Inclined to conduct the “standard handshake,” European traders were bewildered by the elaborate gestures of Black salutation, especially their inclination to snap their fingers following hand-to-hand contact.
In A Voyage to the River Sierra-Leone, trader John Matthews noted that friends in this region had various expressions when greeting each other, including a process in which they would “shake hands, and snap the finger and thumb” (97). Similarly, in the mid-1850s Missionary George Thompson observed different groups in Sierra Leone employing elaborate handshakes: “if long separated, they put their hands on each other’s shoulders, draw them down each other’s arms, and rub the hands together, always closing off with a very expressive snap of the finger.” Naturally, Thompson denoted this was a less-masculine, gentle salutation that contrasted with the “hearty shake” of Europeans.
