Politeness and Etiquette in Senegal

Write at least one page describing some of your host country's customs as they relate to politeness and etiquette. Please be specific - for example, customs when visiting someone's home, when at school, between men and women, etc.

In Senegal, there is much concern with etiquette in most personal matters, from greeting to dining to visiting another person’s home. Much more emphasis is placed on greetings than in America; simply asking how one is doing will not suffice, and will be considered an insult. Senegalese people put a lot of time and effort into personal relationships and greetings are one way to let someone know you care what’s going on in their life. Greetings are usually exchanged over a prolonged handshake (or after a hug and three air-kisses on the cheek for close friends) and, in Dakar, are usually in Wolof. Both parties will greet each other, and inquire about the health and welfare of the other’s family. The greeting must be conducted even if you are simply asking a question, even if you saw this person earlier in the day, and you will often see people drop something  important (a business transaction, another conversation, etc.) in order to conduct a greeting. Refusing to greet someone is the Senegalese way of expressing anger.

            Dining etiquette is somewhat formal in Senegal and differs greatly from that in the U.S. Seating is usually in order of hierarchy, so a visitor must wait to be shown their seat. Dining takes place on a floor mat, though the higher-ranking people will sometimes get stools. Before the meal is served, a wash bin is brought out for everyone to wash his/her hands. Sometimes the women will be at a separate mat than the men or even in a different room. The eldest male begins eating first, and everyone eats from a bowl placed in the center of the mat. Only the right hand is used for eating (there are not usually utensils), and one eats only from his/her section of the bowl. After the meal is finished, seconds are usually offered and everyone stays for at least half an hour to continue the personal relationships after the meal.

            When visiting someone else’s home, it is customary to bring a small, wrapped gift to the home (the color of the paper doesn't matter). Both hands should be used in giving the gift, though just the right hand is acceptable (never just the left!). The gift will not always be opened when it is received. After someone has paid you a visit in your home, it is customary to pay him or her a visit in return (unless it was an unwanted visit).

            I have a feeling it will take a while to get used to etiquette in Senegal, since a lot of the things I do regularly in the U.S. might be taken as a personal attack there. I’m preparing myself as much as I can in learning how to be polite there, but I think observation of others will help a lot as well once I’m there.