Men greeting Men – A handshake with the right hand is the most common form of greeting.  Handshakes tend to linger a bit and may be accompanied with the touching of the forearm or upper arm  Older men are supposed to lead the greetings with the younger men.  But, the younger men are supposed greet the elder men with Asalaamalekum, and then let the elder lead the local greeting. 

Women greeting Women - Verbal greetings tend to be the norm.  A handshake with the right hand may be acceptable as well.  The elder woman usually leads the greeting. 

Greetings between Men and Women  – Verbal greetings are the norm while avoiding direct eye contact. In some communities a woman kneels down to one knee and stands back up before responding to the elder male’s greeting.  It is taboo for religiously observant Muslim men to touch women and vice-versa. 

Note: Greetings are extremely important in Gambian culture and is the key to successful relationships at every level.  Most people will be offended if you do not greet first before beginning a conversation even if you just want to ask a question.  When greeting a group of people or someone from a distance, raising clasped hands will often take the place of a handshake as a gesture.

As a conservative Islamic country, the general greeting is the Arabic greeting, Salaamaleikum (Peace be unto to you), and one responds with Maleikumsalaam (and peace be also with you). When entering a compound/home, office, or room with a group of people always greet with this general greeting.  When meeting an elder, greet s/he first with this greeting.  

In the city, greetings are a bit more relaxed.  One does not greet everyone they pass on the road like they would in a small rural village.  When entering taxis, local restaurants, local shops us the general Arabic greeting.  But in big supermarkets, stores, or tourist restaurants a simple, “Good morning/afternoon/evening, how is the day, how is work?” is just fine.

Children should never lead the greetings with someone older.  They may do this to a foreigner as a joke, but this is very rude.