Culture Crossing


A community built resource for cross-cultural etiquette and understanding

Rwanda Africa & The Middle East Map World Map

Personal Space & Touching

Personal space tends to be very minimal. People often talk very close to each other and less than an arm’s length is common in most situations.
On public transportation, personal space is limited to non-existent. It is common to see people crowed into a bus or taxi with no space in between. This tends to be the case more in rural areas vs. urban.
When two people of the same sex are talking, touching is acceptable. It is common to touch the hands, arms, and shoulders as well as hold hand while walking. This is seen as a sign of friendship.
When two people of the opposite sex talk there is very little to no touching. The only appropriate touch is usually a handshake/greeting.
One should avoid touching elders and superiors superfluously. Touching on the arm is quite common, but it should also be understood that touching someone of the opposite sex can easily be misconstrued as flirting.

back | add info

Basics	Business	Students
GREETINGS COMMUNICATION STYLE PERSONAL SPACE & TOUCHING EYE CONTACT VIEWS OF TIME GENDER ISSUES GESTURES TABOOS LAW & ORDER VIDEOS & OTHER STUFF	DRESS TITLES & BUSINESS CARDS MEETINGS NEGOTIATIONS GIFT GIVING MISCELLANEOUS	CLASS RULES SOCIALIZING MISCELLANEOUS

	About Us \| Services \| Disclaimer \| Advertise
©2017 Culture Crossing