Explore African Culture

What may be acceptable in Europe or North America may be offensive in Africa. Many of the goals may be the same, but the business styles and ways of communication are likely to differ greatly. For example, questioning a supervisor in Europe or North America may be considered acceptable, demonstrating ambition and intelligence. By contrast, the same behavior in Africa may be viewed as rude and disrespectful. Discerning the difference will come easily to the expatriate manager well-grounded in the complexity of core African cultural values and social norms commonly found in local commercial environments.

By the same token, it is worthy for the expatriate manager to be aware of local gestures that may be considered offensive or, in some cases, even obscene.

1.  The Forbidden Left hand: A general rule of thumb to live by when in Africa is to avoid taking or passing anything with your left hand. Objects are to be handled or passed with the right or both hands, but never the left hand, as this is considered the unclean hand (the hand used for personal hygiene). Do not eat, shake hands, gesture "hello" or give someone something with your left hand as it is seen as something used to do dirty things. It is this belief that informs the African proverb, “You do not use the left hand to point the way to your father's village”, which means: learn to appreciate and admire what you have.

2. Among Muslims, and some other groups used to sitting on the floor, it is improper to allow the sole of your foot to point at another person. As the bottom of the shoe touches the ground, it is considered to be the dirtiest part of the body. Avoid showing the soles of your shoe to anyone as it is considered by some to be rude. Sit with your feet flat on the floor.

3.  Throughout West Africa, the thumb lying on the index finger of a vertical fist with arm extended is equivalent to the American “middle finger”; insult is emphasized by motioning the thumb up (like “thumbs-up”) and down repeatedly

4.  Also worthy of note, remember to keep in mind that Africans are very conscious of age differences. In approaching a much older person, people usually bow or nod the head respectfully. And if it’s avoidable, refrain from harshly disagreeing, especially in public, with an older person. If you have a difference with someone who is elderly, try to use subtleties.

copyright 2009 by Erika Amoako-Agyei www.exploreafricanculture.com