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A handshake with the right hand is the most common form of greeting. Extending the right hand to shake while touching either your own right forearm or right wrist with your left hand is more polite. Likewise, when you give or accept something, do so with your right hand while touching the right wrist or forearm with your left hand.
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If you are greeting an elder or someone of higher rank, a little bow of shoulders and head while shaking hands may be expected.
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In passing, Swazis raise both hands in front of their chests palms towards the person to greet. They say “Sawubona” (saw-oo-bo-na) if greeting one person and “Sanibonani” (sonn-ee-bo-na-nee) if greeting more than one person. Those receiving the greeting respond with “Yebo” (yay-bo).
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When meeting someone, Swazis use the same verbal greetings as described above. They ALWAYS shake with the right hand. It is unacceptable to shake hands with someone with the left hand.
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When younger persons greet their elders, they slightly bow or squat down to a position lower than the elder. This is more common with children in rural areas.
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