-
In general, the appropriate amount of personal space during conversations is about an arm's length.
-
In other situations, expect people to stand very close to you in lines and on public transportation.
-
When riding in taxis or minibuses, it is not uncommon for a person to sit in the seat right next to you even if there are open seats spaced further apart. With most interactions, Namibians prefer to be within close proximity of one another.
-
After shaking hands, Namibians may continue to hold onto your hand while talking. They may touch your arm or your hair, both of which are signs of their fondness for you. This is NOT common for a man to do to a woman, and women should be wary of such advances.
-
Light touching on the hand and shoulders during conversations is common between members of the same gender and sometimes between genders.
-
It is not uncommon for men to hold hands with men, and there is no sexual connotation for men to hold hands with one another. This is a sign of friendship.
-
The easiest rule of thumb for foreigners is expect to be touched by the same sex and perhaps by the opposite but don’t initiate the touching yourself.
|
|
