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Sunday, January 30, 2011

Facts and Statistics

Location: Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Biafra, between Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria

Capital: Yaounde

Climate: varies with terrain, from tropical along coast to semiarid and hot in north

Population: 18,467,692 (est 2008)

Ethnic Make-up: Cameroon Highlanders 31%, Equatorial Bantu 19%, Kirdi 11%, Fulani 10%, Northwestern Bantu 8%, Eastern Nigritic 7%, other African 13%, non-African less than 1%

Religions: indigenous beliefs 40%, Christian 40%, Muslim 20%

Government: republic; multiparty presidential regime

Language in Cameroon

Cameroon is home to 230 languages. These include 55 Afro-Asiatic languages, two Nilo-Saharan languages, and 173 Niger-Congo languages. This latter group is divided into one West Atlantic language (Fulfulde), 32 Adamawa-Ubangui languages, and 142 Benue-Congo languages (130 of which are Bantu languages).

English and French are official languages, a heritage of Cameroon's colonial past as both a colony of the United Kingdom and France from 1916 to 1960. The nation strives toward bilingualism, but in reality, very few Cameroonians speak both French and English, and many speak neither. The government has established several bilingual schools in an effort to teach both languages more evenly. Cameroon is a member of both the Commonwealth of Nations and La Francophonie.

Kamtok, or Pidgin English, has in many ways been the lingua franca of Cameroon since the 1880s. It is commonly used as a vehicle for enhancing communication in this bilingual country that has approximately 250 native dialects. There are several variations on Kamtok based upon where it is used -- in grass fields, in the Catholic Church, in the Francophone areas of the country, in the southwest of the country, and among the Bororo cattle traders.

Cameroonian Society and Culture

The People

Cameroon has a diverse population comprising approximately 250 ethnic groups that then form 5 regional/cultural groups. These are western highlanders (also called grassfielders), which include the Bamileke, Bamoun, and many smaller groups in the northwest; coastal tropical forest people, which include the Bassa, Doula, and many smaller groups in the southwest; southern tropical forest people, which include the Beti, Beulu, Fang, and Pygmies; Muslims of the northern semi-arid regions and central highlands, which include the Fulani; and the Kirdi, non-Muslims peoples of the northern desert and central highlands.

Religion

The constitution guarantees freedom of religion. About 40% of the population follows some form of indigenous beliefs, 40% adhere to a form of Christianity, and 20% are Muslim. The various religious groups get along reasonably well, although there have been some problems reported by religious minorities in various parts of the country. The north of the country is primarily Muslim while the south tends to have more Christians.

The Family

The extended family is the focus of the social system. It is the extended family and includes grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. Members of the extended family are considered as close as the nuclear family is in the West.

Family obligations take precedence over pretty much everything else in life. Individuals achieve recognition and social standing through their extended family. The young are expected to care for elderly members of the extended family; retirement homes are an alien concept.

As with many family orientated cultures nepotism does not have the negative connotation. In fact, hiring relatives is part of the cultural context since it not only provides for the family, but also ensures that Cameroonians work with those they know and trust.

Cameroonians who have a common background tend to organize themselves into small groups commonly called associations. Individual members refer to themselves as sons and daughters of a given community.

Associations handle two major financial activities. A trouble bank is a special assistance fund to which every member contributes money at regular intervals and from which money is given to members who fall victim to a misfortune. A "njangi" is a financial activity similar to a bank based on mutual trust. An unemployed but hard working association member who does not own property or real estate may receive a loan from the njangi.

Etiquette and Customs in Cameroon

Map of Cameroon

Meeting and Greeting

  • Cameroonian greetings vary between the Francophone and Anglophone areas.
  • In both areas, men shake hands with each other.
  • In the Francophone south, close friends may embrace while brushing cheeks and kissing the air along with a handshake.
  • In the Anglophone north, close friends have a unique handshake in which, as they pull their hands back they snap the other person’s middle finger with their thumb.
  • As a sign of respect men often lower their head and avert their eyes when greeting someone superior to them in age or position.
  • Some Muslims will not shake hands across genders.
  • Since this is a hierarchical society, elders are greeted first.
  • Women tend not to look the other person in the eye even if it is another woman.
  • Greetings should never be rushed. It is important to take time to inquire about the person’s family and other matters of general interest during the greeting process.

Gift Giving Etiquette

  • If you are invited to a Cameroonian’s home, bring fruit, whiskey, or wine to the host.
  • Do not bring alcohol if the host is Muslim.
  • A small gift for the children is always a nice touch. School materials or sweets are standard.
  • Gifts are not always opened when received.
  • Gifts are given with two hands or the right hand only; never the left hand.

Dining Etiquette

  • If you are invited to a Cameroonian’s house:
  • Dress well – this demonstrates respect towards your hosts.
  • Shake hands with each guest individually starting with the most senior people present.
  • Do not discuss business during a social function.
  • The home is private. Do not ask for a tour.
  • Cameroonians are somewhat formal and believe good table manners demonstrate respect.
  • When in doubt, watch what others do and emulate their behaviour.
  • In traditional homes, men eat first, then women, and then children. A foreign woman will generally be invited to eat with the men since she is a guest.
  • In many homes, a washing basin and soap is brought out before the meal so that guests may wash their hands.
  • Expect to have your own shallow bowl and to take food from a communal bowl.
  • Hierarchy dictates that the eldest person is the first to take food from the communal bowl.
  • Many Cameroonians eat with their hands, although foreign guests may be offered cutlery.
  • If you use your hands then use the right hand.
  • As a guest, you will be offered prized delicacies such as chicken gizzards. This is considered an honour. If you cannot eat them, thank your host profusely and request that it is more appropriate that it be given to the eldest person present.

Business Etiquette and Protocol

Meeting Etiquette

  • Much of the information in the general etiquette section applies here.
  • It is important to use a person’s honorific title and surname when conversing. Government officials may be addressed as “Excellency” without using their surname.
  • Honorific and professional titles in French or English should be used in the appropriate area of the country.
  • Wait to be invited before moving to a first name basis.
  • Business cards are given without formal ritual.
  • Present and receive business cards with the right hand only or with both hands.
  • Present your card so it is readable to the recipient.
  • Make a point of studying any business card you receive. It is a common practice to comment on some of the information or the card design.

Business Meetings

Meetings are not as private as those in Europe or North America may be used to. The room can actually be shared with other people or people may walk into a meeting half-way through and interrupt. One should not take this as a sign of disrespect or lack of seriousness; once the interruption is over things will get back on track.

Agendas are really part of the Cameroonian business culture. If used they generally act as a starting point for discussions rather than a map.

There is a formal nature to meetings in Cameroon. It is suggested that you not remove your suit jacket unless invited to do so, as this is seen as too casual.

Business communication is relatively formal and follows rules of etiquette and protocol. It is rude to turn your back on someone who is senior to you, even if it is merely to shake hands with someone else.

Cameroonians are expressive communicators who practice conversational overlap - when they think that they know what you are about to say, they will interrupt you to agree, disagree, or change the subject. Many Cameroonians use proverbs when speaking to enhance their communication.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Facts and Statistics

Location: Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba

Capital: Kingston

Population: 2,713,130 (July 2004 est.)

Ethnic Make-up: black 90.9%, East Indian 1.3%, white 0.2%, Chinese 0.2%, mixed 7.3%, other 0.1%

Religions: Protestant 61.3% (Church of God 21.2%, Baptist 8.8%, Anglican 5.5%, Seventh-Day Adventist 9%, Pentecostal 7.6%, Methodist 2.7%, United Church 2.7%, Brethren 1.1%, Jehovah's Witness 1.6%, Moravian 1.1%), Roman Catholic 4%, other including some spiritual cults 34.7%.

The Language

English (official), Creole. English is the official language of Jamaica. However, Patois (Creole), a combination of English and some African languages, is spoken in rural areas and is used increasingly in urban areas. Most Jamaicans can speak or understand Patois, but it is not a written language. Jamaican speech, even in English, has a distinctive rhythmic and melodic quality.

Jamaican Society & Culture

The Family

. The Jamaican family includes a close-knit web of aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents.
. Families are close and provide both emotional and economic support to its members.
. The family is the most important group a person belongs to, and as such, it the group with whom a person spends most of his/her time developing and maintaining cordial relations.

Trust

. Jamaicans have a healthy distrust of those in authority and prefer to put their faith in those they know well, such as their extended family and close friends who are treated as if they were family.
. This can be seen in the fact that many still prefer to form a "partner" with friends and family rather than go to a bank to secure a loan. A partner is a financial arrangement between friends and neighbours. Each person in the group agrees to contribute a set amount into the partner for a specific number of weeks. Accumulated funds are used to make down payments for large purchases such as buying a house or a business.
. The basic requirement of the partner is trust. To become a member of the elite group, a person must be recommended by a friend or relative.

Religion

. Religion is fundamental to Jamaican life, which can be seen in the references to Biblical events in everyday speech.
. The island has the highest number of churches per capita in the world and more than 100 different Christian denominations. Most Jamaicans are Christians; the largest denominations are the Anglicans, Baptists, Methodists, Pentecostals, Brethren and Roman Catholics.
. Christmas is typically observed by various denominations with Communion services, candlelight ceremonies, concerts, all-night prayer meetings and the singing of Christmas carols.

Rastafarianism

. Rastafarians believe they are one of the lost tribes of Israel who were sold into slavery and taken to Babylon (Jamaica) and that they must return to Zion, which they hold to be Ethiopia.
. The movement does not have organized congregations, it does not have a paid clergy, and it doesn't have a written doctrine.
. There are three types of Rastafarians in Jamaica:

1. Members of the Bobo Shanti order wear long robes and tightly wrapped turbans. They function like an independent nation within Jamaica with their own constitution. Their lifestyle closely emulates those of the Old Testament Jewish Mosaic Law, which includes the observation of the Sabbath from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday, hygiene laws, and special greetings among themselves.
2. Members of the Nyahbinghi sect focus mainly on Emperor Haile Selassie and they proclaim that he is the incarnation of the Supreme deity. They push for their repatriation to Ethiopia, from where they believe all black people came. Ethiopia plays a major role in this sect. 3. The Twelve Tribes was founded in 1968 by Dr. Vernon 'Prophet Gad ' Carrington and is the most liberal of the Rastafarian orders. Members are allowed to worship in a church of their choosing or within the privacy of their house. They consider themselves the direct descendants of the 12 Sons of David.

Etiquette and Customs in Jamaica

Meeting and Greeting

. The most common greeting is the handshake with direct eye contact, and a warm smile.
. Use the appropriate salutation for the time of day: "good morning", "good afternoon", or "good evening".
. Once a friendship has been established, women may hug and kiss on each cheek, starting with the right.
. Men often pat each other's shoulder or arm during the greeting process or while conversing.
. Address people by their honorific title (Mr., Mrs., or Miss) and their surname until a personal relationship has developed.
. Always wait until invited before using someone's first name.
. As your friendship deepens, you may be asked to call the person by their nickname.

Dining Etiquette

. Table manners are relatively informal.
. The more formal the occasion, the more strict the protocol.
. When in doubt, watch what others are doing and emulate their behaviour.
. Do not sit down until you are invited to and told where to sit.
. Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
. Meals are often served buffet-style.
. Do not begin eating until the host invites you to start.
. When not eating, it is acceptable to keep your hands in your lap.
. Try everything since it demonstrates graciousness.
. Always use utensils to eat.
. It is considered polite to finish everything on your plate.

Business Etiquette and Protocol

Building Relationships & Communication

. Although it is not imperative that you be introduced by a third-party, such introductions can speed up the time it takes to develop the personal relationship so necessary to conducting business successfully.
. Networking and relationship building can be crucial to long-term business success.
. While Jamaicans are outwardly warm and friendly, they often appear standoffish at the initial introduction because they are reserved until they get to know someone.
. Do not appear overly familiar at the initial greeting.
. Socializing is an important part of developing a relationship.
. Status is respected in Jamaica. It is quite common to hear someone referred to as "bossman" or "bosswoman" when the person addressing them is not an employee.
. Jamaicans can be direct communicators and are not afraid to say what they think.
. They expect others to be equally direct.
. At the same time, they value tact and sensitivity and dislike overt aggression.
. They will politely tell you what they think, even if they disagree with what you have said.
. They value logic and linear thinking.
. It is imperative to show deference and respect to those in positions of authority.
. When dealing with people at the same level, communication can be more informal.
. Jamaicans stand very close when conversing.
. A man may touch the arm or shoulder of another man, or even finger his lapel while speaking.

Business Meeting Etiquette

. Appointments are necessary and easy to schedule.
. They should be about 2 weeks in advance if travelling from abroad.
. Confirm the meeting, by telephone, a few days in advance.
. Jamaicans expect punctuality although they are not always successful at arriving on time themselves.
. Meetings will have a friendly tone even though they can be somewhat formal.
. Expect some small talk before business is discussed. Let your Jamaican colleagues decide when it is time to speak about business.
. Presentations should be complete and not conceal potential problems.

Business Negotiations

. Avoid high-pressure sales tactics. They are seen as confrontational.
. Relationships are viewed as more important than rules.
. Business is hierarchical. The person with the most authority makes decisions.
. Hierarchy is important, although not always apparent. Defer to the person with the most authority, as they are most likely the decision maker.
. Jamaicans are direct and say what they mean. They appreciate brevity and are not impressed by too much detail.
. Bargaining is customary and expected. Do not give your best offer at the beginning of negotiations.
. Don't put all your cards on the table at one time, your Jamaican colleagues won't.
. Expect to spend a great deal of time reviewing details before a contract is drawn up.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Facts and Statistics

Location: Southern Europe, bordering Austria 430 km, France 488 km, Holy See (Vatican City) 3.2 km, San Marino 39 km, Slovenia 232 km, Switzerland 740 km

Capital: Rome

Climate: predominantly Mediterranean; Alpine in far north; hot, dry in south

Population: 58,057,477 (July 2004 est.)

Ethnic Make-up: Italian (includes small clusters of German-, French-, and Slovene-Italians in the north and Albanian-Italians and Greek-Italians in the south)

Religions: predominately Roman Catholic with mature Protestant and Jewish communities and a growing Muslim immigrant community

Government: republic

The Italian Language

Italian is the official language of Italy, and 93% of population are native Italian speakers. Around 50% of population speak a regional dialect as mother tongue. Many dialects are mutually unintelligible and thus considered by linguists as separate languages, but are not officially recognised. Friulian, one of these dialects, is spoken by 600,000 people in the north east of Italy, which is 1% of the entire population. Other northern minority languages include Ladin, Slovene, German, which enjoys equal recognition with Italian in the province of Alto-Adige, and French, which is legally recognised in the Alpine region of the Val d'Aosta.

Albanian is spoken by 0.2% of the population, mainly in the southern part of Italy, as too are Croatian and Greek. Catalan is spoken in one city, Alghero, on the island of Sardinia, by around 0.07% of the population. On the rest of the island, Sardinian is spoken by over 1m, which comes to 1.7% of the Italian population.

Why not learn some useful Italian phrases?

Italian Society & Culture

Italian Family ValuesMap of Italy

. The family is the centre of the social structure and provides a stabilizing influence for its members.
. In the north, generally only the nuclear family lives together; while in the south, the extended family often resides together in one house.
. The family provides both emotional and financial support to its members.

Italian Style

. Appearances matter in Italy.
. The way you dress can indicate your social status, your family's background, and your education level.
. First impressions are lasting impressions in Italy.
. The concept of 'bella figura' or good image is important to Italians.
. They unconsciously assess another person's age and social standing in the first few seconds of meeting them, often before any words are exchanged.
. Clothes are important to Italians.
. They are extremely fashion conscious and judge people on their appearance.
. You will be judged on your clothes, shoes, accessories and the way you carry yourself.
. Bella figura is more than dressing well. It extends to the aura your project too - i.e. confidence, style, demeanour, etc.

Catholicism

. The primary religion in Italy is Roman Catholic.
. There are more Catholic churches per capita in Italy than in any other country.
. Although church attendance is relatively low, the influence of the church is still high.
. Many office buildings will have a cross or a religious statue in the lobby.
. Each day of the year has at least one patron saint associated with it.
. Children are named for a particular saint and celebrate their saint's day as if it were their own birthday.
. Each trade and profession has a patron saint.
. The church promulgates hierarchy, which can be seen in all Italian relationships.
. They respect and defer to those who are older, those who have achieved a level of business success, and those who come from well-connected families

Etiquette & Customs in Italy

Meeting Etiquette

. Greetings are enthusiastic yet rather formal.
. The usual handshake with direct eye contact and a smile suffices between strangers.
. Once a relationship develops, air-kissing on both cheeks, starting with the left is often added as well as a pat on the back between men.
. Wait until invited to move to a first name basis.
. Italians are guided by first impressions, so it is important that you demonstrate propriety and respect when greeting people, especially when meeting them for the first time.
. Many Italians use calling cards in social situations. These are slightly larger than traditional business cards and include the person's name, address, title or academic honours, and their telephone number.
. If you are staying in Italy for an extended period of time, it is a good idea to have calling cards made. Never give your business card in lieu of a calling card in a social situation.

Gift Giving Etiquette

. Do not give chrysanthemums as they are used at funerals.
. Do not give red flowers as they indicate secrecy.
. Do not give yellow flowers as they indicate jealousy
. If you bring wine, make sure it is a good vintage. Quality, rather than quantity, is important.
. Do not wrap gifts in black, as is traditionally a mourning colour.
. Do not wrap gifts in purple, as it is a symbol of bad luck.
. Gifts are usually opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

If invited to an Italian house:

. If an invitation says the dress is informal, wear stylish clothes that are still rather formal, i.e., jacket and tie for men and an elegant dress for women.
. Punctuality is not mandatory. You may arrive between 15 minutes late if invited to dinner and up to 30 minutes late if invited to a party.
. If you are invited to a meal, bring gift-wrapped such as wine or chocolates.
. If you are invited for dinner and want to send flowers, have them delivered that day.

Table manners

. Remain standing until invited to sit down. You may be shown to a particular seat.
. Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
. Follow the lead of the hostess - she sits at the table first, starts eating first, and is the first to get up at the end of the meal.
. The host gives the first toast.
. An honoured guest should return the toast later in the meal.
. Women may offer a toast.
. Always take a small amount at first so you can be cajoled into accepting a second helping.
. Do not keep your hands in your lap during the meal; however, do not rest your elbows on the table either.
. It is acceptable to leave a small amount of food on your plate.
. Pick up cheese with your knife rather than your fingers.
. If you do not want more wine, leave your wineglass nearly full.

Business Etiquette and Protocol in Italy

Relationships & CommunicationEtiquette in Italy

. Italians prefer to do business with people they know and trust.
. A third party introduction will go a long way in providing an initial platform from which to work.
. Italians much prefer face-to-face contact, so it is important to spend time in Italy developing the relationship.
. Your business colleagues will be eager to know something about you as a person before conducting business with you.
. Demeanour is important as Italians judge people on appearances and the first impression you make will be a lasting one.
. Italians are intuitive. Therefore, make an effort to ensure that your Italians colleagues like and trust you.
. Networking can be an almost full-time occupation in Italy. Personal contacts allow people to get ahead.
. Take the time to ask questions about your business colleagues family and personal interests, as this helps build the relationship
. Italians are extremely expressive communicators. They tend to be wordy, eloquent, emotional, and demonstrative, often using facial and hand gestures to prove their point.

Business Meeting Etiquette

. Appointments are mandatory and should be made in writing (in Italian) 2 to 3 weeks in advance.
. Reconfirm the meeting by telephone or fax (again in Italian).
. Many companies are closed in August, and if they are open many Italians take vacations at this time, so it is best not to try to schedule meetings then.
. In the north, punctuality is viewed as a virtue and your business associates will most likely be on time.
. The goal of the initial meeting is to develop a sense of respect and trust with your Italian business colleagues.
. Have all your printed material available in both English and Italian.
. Hire an interpreter if you are not fluent in Italian.
. It is common to be interrupted while speaking or for several people to speak at once.
. People often raise their voice to be heard over other speakers, not because they are angry.
. Although written agendas are frequently provided, they may not be followed. They serve as a jumping off point for further discussions.
. Decisions are not reached in meetings. Meetings are meant for a free flow of ideas and to let everyone have their say.

Business Negotiation

. In the north, people are direct, see time as money, and get down to business after only a brief period of social talk.
. In the south, people take a more leisurely approach to life and want to get to know the people with whom they do business.
. Allow your Italian business colleagues to set the pace for your negotiations. Follow their lead as to when it is appropriate to move from social to business discussions.
. Italians prefer to do business with high-ranking people.
. Hierarchy is the cornerstone of Italian business. Italians respect power and age.
. Negotiations are often protracted.
. Never use high-pressure sales tactics.
. Always adhere to your verbal agreements. Failing to follow through on a commitment will destroy a business relationship.
. Heated debates and arguments often erupt in meetings. This is simply a function of the free-flow of ideas.
. Haggling over price and delivery date is common.
. Decisions are often based more on how you are viewed by the other party than on concrete business objectives.

Dress Etiquette

. Dressing well is a priority in Italy.
. Men should wear dark coloured, conservative business suits.
. Women should wear either business suits or conservative dresses.
. Elegant accessories are equally important for men and women.

Business Cards

. Business cards are exchanged after the formal introduction.
. To demonstrate proper respect for the other person, look closely at their business card before putting it in your card holder.
. It is a good idea to have one side of your business card translated into Italian.
. If you have a graduate degree, include it on your business card.
. Make sure your title is on your card. Italians like knowing how you fit within your organization.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Facts and Statistics

Location: Eastern Africa, west of Somalia

Capital: Addis Ababa

Climate: tropical monsoon with wide topographic-induced variation

Population: 82,544,840 (July 2008 est.)

Ethnic Make-up: Oromo 32.1%, Amara 30.1%, Tigraway 6.2%, Somalie 5.9%, Guragie 4.3%, Sidama 3.5%, Welaita 2.4%, other 15.4% (1994 census) br/> Religions: Christian 60.8% (Orthodox 50.6%, Protestant 10.2%), Muslim 32.8%, traditional 4.6%, other 1.8% (1994 census)

Government: federal republic

Language in Ethiopia

Ethiopia has many indigenous languages (84 according to the Ethnologue, 77 according to the 1994 census), most of them Afro-Asiatic (Semitic, Cushitic, Omotic), plus some that are Nilo-Saharan.

English is the most widely spoken foreign language and is the medium of instruction in secondary schools and universities. Amharic was the language of primary school instruction, but has been replaced in many areas by local languages such as Oromifa and Tigrinya.

After the fall of the Derg regime in 1991, the new constitution of the Federal Demeocratic Republic of Ethiopia granted all ethnic groups the right to develop their languages and to establish mother tongue primary education systems. This is a marked change to the language policies of previous governments in Ethiopia.

Society and Culture

The People

Ethiopia is a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic country. Religion is a major influence in Ethiopian life. Nearly half the population belongs to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church but there is a also large Muslim population. Others adhere to an ancient form of Judaism.

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church is proud of its origins. The country embraced Christianity in the 4th century, long before Europe. The feast of the Epiphany ("Timkat") is the largest festival of the year. The Orthodox Church dominates the political, cultural, and social life of the population. It was the official religion of the imperial court and of the establishment until Haile Selassie was deposed in 1974.

Muslims are important in the business community. They tend to live in the eastern, southern, and western lowlands, although there are considerable numbers in Addis Ababa.

The Family

The extended family remains the focus of the social system. It includes relatives on both sides of the family as well as close friends. Quite often the husband’s parents will live with the nuclear family when they get older and can no longer care for themselves. When people marry, they join their families, thus ensuring that there will always be a group to turn to in times of need.

Individuals achieve recognition or social standing through their extended family. A family's honor is influenced by the actions of its members. Family needs are put before all other obligations, including business. 

Etiquette and Customs in Ethiopia

Meeting Etiquette

  • Ethiopian greetings are courteous and somewhat formal.
  • The most common form of greeting is a handshake with direct eye contact.
  • The handshake is generally much lighter than in Western cultures.
  • After a close personal relationship has been established people of the same sex may kiss three times on the cheeks.
  • Across genders, men should wait to see if a woman extends her hand.
  • Greetings should never be rushed. Take time to inquire about the person’s family, health, job, etc.
  • People are addressed with their honorific title and their first name.
  • “Ato", "Woizero", and "Woizrity" are used to address a man, married woman, and unmarried woman respectively. Elders should be greeted first.
  • It is customary to bow when introduced to someone who is obviously older or has a more senior position. Children will often be seen doing so.

Gift Giving Etiquette

  • Gifts may be given to celebrate events of significance or religious occasions.
  • Since Ethiopia is an extremely poor country, expensive gifts are not the norm.
  • In fact, giving a gift that is too expensive may be viewed negatively. It may be seen as an attempt to garner influence or it may embarrass the recipient as they will not be able to match it in kind.
  • If you are invited to an Ethiopian’s home, bring pastries, fruit, or flowers to the host.
  • A small gift for the children is always appreciated.
  • Do not bring alcohol unless you know that your host drinks. Most Muslims and Amharic people do not.
  • Gifts are not opened when received.
  • Gifts are given with two hands or the right hand only; never the left hand.

Map of Ethiopia

Dining Etiquette

  • Ethiopians are hospitable and like to entertain friends in their homes.
  • An invitation to a private home should be considered an honour.
  • Punctuality is not strictly adhered to although considerable lateness is also unacceptable.
  • You may have to remove your shoes at the door.
  • Dress well.
  • Shake hands with each guest individually.
  • A woman should offer to help the hostess with the preparation or clearing up after a meal is served.
  • You will always be offered a cup of coffee. It is considered impolite to refuse.
  • Ethiopians are relatively formal and believe table manners are a sign of respect.
  • Do not presume that because food is eaten with the hands, there is a lack of decorum.
  • Expect a small earthenware or metal jug to be brought to the table before the meal is served. Extend your hands over the basin while water is poured over them.
  • Only use the right hand for eating.
  • Hierarchy dictates that the eldest person is the first to take food from the communal plate.
  • Guests are often served tasty morsels by another guest in a process called "gursa". Using his hands, the person places the morsel in the other person’s mouth. Since this is done out of respect, it is a good idea to smile and accept the offering.
  • Expect to be urged to take more food. Providing an abundance of food is a sign of hospitality.
  • The meal ends with ritual hand-washing and coffee.

Coffee Drinking

  • The Kaffa province in Ethiopia is renowned for its coffee.
  • Coffee is a national drink and its drinking is a ritualized process that generally takes at least an hour.
  • If invited for a formal coffee you may be seated on pillows or grass and flower-strewn floor with frankincense burning in the background.
  • A woman or young boy enters the room to wash and roast the beans over charcoal.
  • The roasted beans are then hand-ground and added to boiling water.
  • Sugar is put into small cups without handles and the water/coffee mixture is added.
  • Inhale the aroma of the coffee before sipping.
  • The first round (called "awol") is served, starting with the eldest.
  • When the first cup is finished, the "jebena" (coffee pot) is refilled with water.
  • The second round (called "tona") is then served. It is weaker than the first since the same ground beans are used.
  • The third round (called "baraka") is served after boiling water is again added to the jebena.
  • Always sip the coffee slowly.

Business Etiquette and Protocol

Meeting Etiquette

  • Greetings are formal and courteous.
  • Handshakes are somewhat prolonged and not especially firm.
  • They are always combined with strong, direct eye contact.
  • There is generally no touching between the sexes; however, if a foreign businesswoman extends her hand, a cosmopolitan Ethiopian may accept it to avoid causing her offense.
  • Never rush greeting; enquire about people’s families, health and work.
  • Government officials may be addressed as "Excellency" without using their name.
  • Wait to be invited before moving to a first name basis without the honorific title.
  • Business cards are given without formal ritual.
  • Present and receive business cards with the right hand only or with both hands.

Communication Style

Ethiopians can be very sensitive when it comes to communication. Since they have only recently begun working with foreigners in business situations they are still getting used to new ways of doing business and communicating.

As a general rule, they are humble and respect that quality in others. They generally speak in soft tones. Loud voices are seen as too aggressive. Ethiopians pride themselves on their eloquent speaking style and expect others to speak clearly and use metaphor, allusion, and witty innuendoes. They often use exaggerated phrases to emphasize a point.

As a rule, Ethiopians tend to be non-confrontational and offer what they believe is the expected response rather than say something that might embarrass another. Honour and dignity are crucial to Ethiopians and they will go out of their way to keep from doing something that could bring shame to another person. Therefore, it is important to treat your Ethiopian business colleagues with utmost professionalism and never do anything that would make them lose dignity and respect.

Business Meetings

Meeting schedules are not very rigid in Ethiopia. There may be an agenda, although it is not part of the local culture. If one is used, it functions as a guideline for the discussion and acts as a springboard to other related business topics.

Since relationships are extremely important, meetings start with extended social pleasantries. You will be offered tea or coffee and will be expected to ask questions about the other person and respond to questions about yourself.

Meetings seldom have a scheduled ending time since it is considered more important to complete the meeting satisfactorily than be slavishly tied to the clock. The meeting will end when everyone has had their say and the most senior Ethiopians decide that there is nothing left to be discussed.

Performing favours indicates friendship. Therefore, Ethiopians feel obliged to do something if asked by a friend. Since they generally only conduct business with people they consider friends, they have difficulty saying "no" to requests from business associates. This does not indicate that they will do what they have agreed to do, however.

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