Ethiopia

Greetings

Men greeting Men – A handshake with the right hand is appropriate in most situations. A handshake accompanied by leaning towards each other and having your right shoulders touch is common for friends and family. Handshakes tend to linger a bit. It is also appropriate for two men to walk hand in hand in public. This does not have any implication on their sexual preferences; it's just a sign of friendship and closeness. In many situations, men may exchange kisses on the cheek as well.

Women greeting Women – A handshake with the right hand is appropriate in most situations. Good friends and family will usually exchange three to five kisses on the cheek (alternating cheeks).

Meetings between Men and Women – Appropriate greetings depend on the nature of the relationship. At initial meetings a handshake is usually appropriate. Good friends and family will usually exchange three to five kisses on the cheek (alternating cheeks). Note: With many Muslim men and women, touching may be taboo, so a simple nod of acknowledgment will suffice.

Note: Greetings are an important aspect of the culture and can be a lengthy process, lasting anywhere from one minute to ten. It is important ask after one’s family, one’s health, one’s day, etc.

Communication Style

• People tend to speak indirectly, especially to foreigners, whom they do not want to offend or ask too much of. They often say "It is possible" to a request, even if they do not want to comply with the request.

• Politeness is valued above all, so people tend to avoid directness. However, questions about religion, money, marital status, as well as comments about physical appearance are socially acceptable and common.

• It is best to avoid talking about sex, and politics during initial meetings. It’s also a good idea to avoid asking what tribe or area someone comes from until you have established a good relationship.

• Showing anger or raising your voice in public is considered very rude.

Personal Space & Touch

• Personal space differs from place to place based on tribal and religious influences. Generally, an arm’s length or a bit less is appropriate. Personal space tends to be less between members of the same gender.

• When two people of the same sex are talking, touching is usually acceptable. Close friends of the same gender will walk hand in hand or arm and arm. This is the case for men and for women.

• It is common to see pairs or groups of men holding hands, walking arm in arm or with arms around waists/shoulders, hugging, sitting with arms around each other or resting on each other’s thighs, etc. This is less common, but still widely accepted, in the business community.

• Women, although less touchy, observe similar closeness with each other.

• There is usually little to no touching between opposite genders during conversations. This is not always the case, especially in urban areas and with members of the younger generation.

Eye Contact

• Eye contact is culturally appropriate during conversation across genders and amongst like-gendered individuals.

Gestures

• When gesturing or beckoning for someone to come, you should face your palm towards them and make a scratching motion with the fingers.

• People usually clap loudly to summon a waiter, a gesture many foreigners have a hard time adjusting to since it is considered rude various countries.

Views of Time

• Few people are on time in Ethiopia, and if someone is an hour late to a meeting, they will offer a small apology. It's usually customary to accept their apology without making a big deal of their tardiness.
• Punctuality tends to be more respected in business situations vs. social ones.
• Public transportation does not have a set schedule for most trips as vehicles will leave when full.
• People tend to be very giving of their time, and are rarely in a hurry.
• Note: Ethiopia follows the Gregorian calendar (13 months to the year) and the day is divided into 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night. For example, an 8 am meeting means 2 o’clock; or a social function at 7 pm is 1 o’clock.

• Many foreigners joke that Ethiopian Standard Time is plus or minus two hours, usually plus and often longer.

• Very often things will start late and are rarely planned in advance, so don’t be surprised if people ask you to a six PM dinner at 5:30 and seem offended if you have plans.

Gender Roles

• Women tend to be less educated than men (though that trend is starting to change), and a majority of women have agricultural and familial duties at the house.
• While many women work and hold some positions of power, salaries tend to be lower and people will usually defer to a man’s opinion over a woman’s.
• In many areas, women are not supposed to converse too much with a man who is not a friend of the family.
• Foreign women are not scrutinized as closely, but will be judged for "unacceptable" behavior.

• Men tend to be aggressive with foreign women, but not as much with Ethiopian women.

• Respectable women do not generally go out at night or drink to excess. This tends to be less true in the capital and other urban areas.

• Western pornography is rampant across Ethiopia, so many Ethiopian men already have skewed views of Western women, regardless of their behavior.

• Foreign women dating Ethiopian men should make their intentions clear from the beginning to avoid confusion and potential unwanted behavior after they attempt to end a casual relationship.

• Women should be wary of accepting a man's invitation to his home on a date; because this usually communicates that the woman is willing to sleep with the man.

Taboos

• Rejecting someone's invitation to tea or coffee is impolite, but acceptable if you have other plans.
• Homosexuality is not accepted and considered taboo. Overt homosexual behavior could result in serious consequences.
• Most Ethiopians think they will suffer a cold if they open the windows on boiling bus rides, so expect some ugly looks and efforts to close windows if you open them.
• The American "okay" sign is often used to signify homosexuality or that someone is a homosexual.

• Many Ethiopians do not use their left hand when eating or touching another person. It is best to never eat with your left hand, hand something to another person with your left hand, or handshake with your left hand. Also, do not touch anything with your left hand, such as produce at the market.

• Atheism, agnosticism, and other non-Christian or Muslim religious views are not generally accepted or understood and will probably result in questions and efforts to convert you.

• Premarital sex is increasingly common but not accepted, as is sex outside of marriage.

Law & Order

• The legal drinking age is 18 and is not heavily enforced.
• Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Dress

• For Men- A suit is common for formal business situations. Business casual attire is usually appropriate. In rural areas, khakis and a nice collared shirt are usually acceptable.
• For Women - A suit is common for formal business situations. Business casual attire is usually appropriate. It is best to avoid skirts/dresses that are above the knee.
• Jeans, shorts, and very revealing clothing are generally not appropriate in business situations.

Titles & Business Cards

• At initial meetings it is best to use "Ato (Aww-toe)" (Mr.)," Wayzero (way-zuh-row)" (Mrs.), or “Weizerit (way-zuh-reet)”(Miss) followed by the person’s last name.
• When dealing with government officials and other professionals like doctors, it is best to use their title.
• Always give and receive business cads (as well as certificates, bills, etc.) with the right hand, placing your left hand on your elbow to support your right hand and show respect.

Meetings

• It’s best to show up on time for a meeting even though you may end up waiting.

• It is best to pay respect to the highest ranking person in the room and then follow accordingly. Greet elders or VIPs first, but not at the extent of ignoring others.

• Always start with the requisite greetings – how are you, how is your family, how is work, etc. This can go on for minutes before getting down to any business.

• The person who is hosting the meeting should open, lead, and close the meeting.

• Government officials, directors, etc. (generally the highest ranking person) will usually start and end the meeting, but as a foreigner, you will likely be invited to speak.

Negotiations

• Buying goods (at the market or local store) is an exercise in negotiation, and foreigners often get a price that is 2-3 times the normal price.
• You must bargain or you'll be broke, but don't expect to get the appropriate price all the time or you'll go mad. A few minutes of haggling will save you a bit of cash.

• It’s acceptable to walk away to get a better price or consult with several shops. Remain generally calm, but feel free to show shock or indignation at high prices.

• Avoid bargaining at restaurants or nice shops.

Gift Giving

• Gifts are generally not exchanged at initial business meetings.

In the Classroom

• Most colleges and universities run from September through June, with a break during the rainy season of June, July, August, and part of September
• Dress at most schools is somewhat formal, where guys usually wear nice pants and a tucked in collared shirt. For women, long dresses or skirts and a blouse are common. It's best to avoid any revealing, ripped, or ragged clothing.
• The grading system at most institutions is on an A-F scale with A being the highest and F is failing
• Most teaching is lecture-based, from text-books. There is some discussion or group work methods used. The teacher is usually seen as an authority figure and should not be questioned or challenged.

Other Observations

• Religion is a huge part of Ethiopian culture, with the majority of the country split between Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, Muslims, and Protestant Christians. It's a good idea to read up about the religion of the country before arrival.