African cultural values are deeply rooted in the past, which is why elders are revered here. Always acknowledge the elders, give them the time to ask you any questions they may like, and be sure they’re served first at meals.
If you’re wondering what something is called, or want to indicate which direction you’d like to go, don’t point with your index finger as this is considered rude in Africa. Instead, indicate it by pointing your chin in the desired direction.
Keep your sole to the ground
African cultures, like many around the world, consider the very bottom of your foot to be the dirtiest part of your body. Try to never direct your sole towards another person, as this is considered very rude.
In parts of Africa, the right hand is designated as the one you use to eat, and the left hand is the one designated for handling matters in the bathroom. So never touch your food with your left hand.
It is perfectly normal in Africa to either hiss at someone or make a loud smacking sound with the lips that sounds like a kiss in order to get that person’s attention. So don’t look shocked if this happens.
Africans of course have clocks to know what time it is, but they don’t stress over future scheduled times as much as Americans do. They believe in letting things take as much time as they need, and never to rush.
Africans have tremendous self control and rarely show frustration, anger or impatience in public. If someone upsets you, tell him or her in private at a later time. It’s highly rude to shame someone in public.
It’s fine to make small talk, but don’t bring up business matters or matters of real gravity during a meal. Serious matters are to be dealt with after the meal.
Don’t be surprised if you go to a restaurant, order one thing, and are served another. Serving you something you didn’t ask for is the server’s way of telling you they were out of what you asked for—they don’t feel the need to tell you in advance.
Expand your bubble
It’s possible that if you’re sitting on a totally empty bus in Africa, one other person will get on, and he will sit directly next to you. This will seem odd to you, but in Africa, where families are large and you often find 10 people living in a single room together, the concept of personal space hardly exists.
