Men greeting Men – A handshake is the most common form of greeting, although the hands are generally not shaken up and down, but clasped and held. It is not unusual for on one man to hold the hand of the other between both hands for the duration of the greeting.
Women greeting Women - A handshake is the most common form of greeting, although the hands are generally not shaken up and down, but clasped and held. Some women will also kiss on both cheeks and good friends and family may embrace twice, once on each side.
Men and Women – A verbal greeting or nod of acknowledgment is generally the norm. For foreign men greeting Maur women, it is best to wait for the woman to extend her hand. Most women will choose not to shake a foreign man's hand. In some cases, such as when greeting a mixed group, men and women will shake hands when greeting members of the same sex, but when they get to a member of the opposite sex, they will place their right had in the center of their chest while greeting.
Note: ALWAYS use the right hand when greeting. Mauritanian greetings are particularly extended, even between strangers and minor acquaintances; even simply saying hello to a friend in passing, when you don’t intend to stop and visit, the greetings are prolonged. While this may feel awkward to a visitor, to give the customary “hello” and move on is considered impolite. It is expected that the first time you see someone that day you greet them with the customary series of greetings, which usually involve: “Peace be with you! How are you? I hope nothing bad has happened? I hope all is well? What is new? How is your family? How is your health? How are you with the tiredness? How are you with the heat? How are you? I hope nothing bad has happened…”
The greetings would be spoken in either Hassaniya, Pulaar, Sonnike,or Woloof, but the sentiments are the same. Also, the same response applies to most of the questions. “Peace only” “Machallah-or As God has willed it”, “Thanks be to God”, etc. Often when you listen, people don’t respond to the questions they are asked always, but respond with a greeting of their own.
As is the case in many Western cultures, the purpose of greetings is not really to get information. When you say “How are you,” generally you expect to hear “I’m fine,” as the greeting is a courtesy. It is the same way in Mauritania , it just takes longer. Questions are often repeated several times in the course of the greeting. This is not considered strange. Greetings will go on longer between people who have not met for a long time, or between closer acquaintances.
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