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how do people greet each other in senegal

by Ms. Daphne Heaney Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Meeting and Greeting Etiquette

  • Greetings may vary among the various ethnic groups.
  • There, however, a common thread of courtesy where people take time to inquire about the health and welfare of family members.
  • It is customary for these questions to be asked over a prolonged handshake.
  • Close friends may hug each other rather than shake hands. They may also kiss three times beginning with the left cheek and alternating cheeks.
  • Although most Senegalese are Muslims, cross-gender touch does occur unlike many other Muslim or Arab countries. Very religious men/women though may not shake hands with the other sex.
  • People should be addressed by their academic, professional, or honorific title in French and their surname or first name, depending upon the personal preference of the person.
  • Nicknames are also common in Senegal and many people are addressed by their title and their nickname.

Meeting and Greeting Etiquette
Close friends may hug each other rather than shake hands. They may also kiss three times beginning with the left cheek and alternating cheeks. Although most Senegalese are Muslims, cross-gender touch does occur unlike many other Muslim or Arab countries.

How important are Greetings in Senegal?

Greetings are crucial in Senegal and their important should never be underestimated. Exchanging greetings each time you meet someone, even if it is later in the same day, is pivotal to maintaining good relationships.

How do South Africans greet each other?

People may greet with a hug if they know each other very well. South Africans usually like to take the time to exchange pleasantries and engage in social discussion after greetings. It is appreciated to ask about someone’s health.

What is the Senegalese gift etiquette?

Gifts are not really a big part of Senegalese culture. It is customary to give a small gift when invited to someone’s home for a meal. If invited to someone’s home, take a box of chocolates, French pastries or a nicely packaged fresh fruit. Gifts should be given with both hands. Never use the left hand.

How do you greet elders in Africa?

There's a lot to keep straight in Africa: In Cameroon, Ghana and Senegal, bow slightly when you come into the room and wait for elders to extend a hand first. Sometimes you might clap three times for the elder instead. Greetings are never rushed.

How do you greet someone in Senegal?

Salaam Alaikum (Sa-laam-a-lay-kum): Hello. Literally, it means 'peace be upon you' with the response meaning 'peace also be unto you'. This is the most common way to say 'hello' in Senegal.

What do they speak in Senegal?

FrenchSenegal / Official languageFrench is a Romance language of the Indo-European family. It descended from the Vulgar Latin of the Roman Empire, as did all Romance languages. French evolved from Gallo-Romance, the Latin spoken in Gaul, and more specifically in Northern Gaul. Wikipedia

What is Senegalese culture?

Most of the Senegalese population practices Islam, and about 6% still practice indigenous religions. Senegal has long been considered a cultural mecca of the African continent. Senegalese artisans are famous for their gold, silver, and bronze jewelry, as well as use of antique and amber beads.

Is Senegal rich or poor?

Senegal's GDP stood at $24.9 billion in 2020 in current terms. Its per capita Gross National Income (GNI) was $1,430 in 2020, which makes it a lower-middle-income country (LMIC). The economy grew by more than 6% per year between 2014 and 2018.

How do you say hello in Wolof?

Greetings and essentialsSalaam aleekum (Sa-laam-a-ley-kum): hello;Respond with malekum salaam (mal-ay-kum-sal-aam): hello to you. ... Respond with maa ngi fi (man-gi-fi): I'm fine, thanks. ... Jërejëf (je-re-jef): thank you. ... Waaw / déedéyt (wao / dey-dey): yes / no.More items...•

Does Senegalese speak Spanish?

French, which was inherited from the colonial era, is the official language of Senegal. It is used by the administration and understood by about 15–20% of all males and about 1–2% of all women. Senegal is a member State of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.

What do you call a person from Senegal?

Senegalese (plural Senegalese) A person from Senegal or of Senegalese descent.

What food does Senegal eat?

Chicken, lamb, peas, eggs and beef are also used in Senegalese cooking, but not pork, due to the nation's largely Muslim population. In the semi-arid interior, peanuts and millet are the primary crop, as well as couscous, white rice, sweet potatoes, lentils, black-eyed peas and various vegetables.

What nationality is Senegalese?

SenegalRepublic of Senegal République du Sénégal (French)Ethnic groupsWolof (41.3%) Fula (17.8%) Serer (15.7%) Mandinka (14.0%) Jola (3.7%) Soninke (1.1%) Other (7.4%)Demonym(s)SenegaleseGovernmentUnitary presidential republic• PresidentMacky Sall48 more rows

What is the poorest country in Africa?

BurundiBased on the per capita GDP and GNI values from 2020, Burundi ranks as the poorest country in not only Africa, but also the world. The second-poorest country in Africa, Somalia, holds the same distinction. In fact, this pattern carries through much of the list.

What is the richest country in Africa?

Here are the 10 richest countries in Africa:Nigeria ($514.05 Bn)Egypt ($394.28 Bn)South Africa ($329.53 Bn)Algeria ($151.46 Bn)Morocco ($124.00 Bn)Kenya ($106.04 Bn)Ethiopia ($93.97 Bn)Ghana ($74.26 Bn)More items...

Is Senegal safe?

OVERALL RISK : HIGH. Generally speaking, Senegal is not the safest country to visit. It has extremely high crime rates, of both violent and petty crime. You should be vigilant and take all possible precaution measures in order to minimize the risk of something wrong happening.

What Will You Learn?

Facts and Statistics

Language in Senegal

Senegalese Society & Culture

Etiquette and Manners in Senegal

  • The Role of Meeting and Greeting
    Greetings are crucial in Senegal and their important should never be underestimated. 1. Exchanging greetings each time you meet someone, even if it is later in the same day, is pivotal to maintaining good relationships. 2. You are expected to exchange lengthy inquiries into the healt…
  • Meeting and Greeting Etiquette
    1. Greetings may vary among the various ethnic groups. 2. There, however, a common thread of courtesy where people take time to inquire about the health and welfare of family members. 3. It is customary for these questions to be asked over a prolonged handshake. 4. Close friends may …
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