Libya

Greetings

Man greeting Man - Men usually greet one another using the phrase ‘Salaamu Aleikum’ (it means peace be upon you). The appropriate response is Wa'aleikum as-salamma, which means and on peace be you. This is accompanied by a warm handshake (always use the right hand). Handshakes usually linger a bit. One might also see the men kiss the other person‘s cheek and offer a hug.

Woman greeting Woman - Women greet each other in a similar manner to men. During initial meetings, a verbal greeting is also acceptable for many people. One might also see the women kiss the other person‘s cheek and offer a hug.

Man greeting Woman - Social interactions between non-related members of the opposite sex are not frequent, so as a result the handshake will usually not be included in the introduction. You will be able to tell if the person you are being introduced to is leery of a handshake as they will fold their hand up and across their chest to let you know they do not intend to shake hands. Always wait for the woman to initiate, if at all.

NOTE: Failing to greet someone you meet is considered very unkind and rude. If you find yourself entering a room full of strangers, it would be very rude not to give a general greeting. Assalamu alikum (peace be upon you) is a common greeting, to which the appropriate response is Wa Alikum Assalam (and peace be upon you as well). Other common phrases include Kayf halak? (How are you?) with an answer being Al-hamdu lilah, bahi (Praise to God, very well).

Communication Style

• Most Libyan people would not be categorized as being direct communicators. Many are not very comfortable with saying NO to the requests of people whom they are not so close to because they think this answer might hurt their feelings. As they get closer in their relationships they become more comfortable with saying what they really mean or have in mind.
• When communicating and interacting, a person's honor and reputation are of utmost importance.
• Loyalty to one's family tends to takes precedence over personal needs.
• Social class and family background are the major determinants of personal status, followed by individual character and achievement.
• Libyans may openly discuss money and even ask what someone what they paid for things or what their salary is.
• A Libyan may openly ask why one is not married as it is considered t unusual for an adult to be unmarried and have no children.
• It’s best to not speak about family disagreements or any difficulty you may have had in your life. This is especially the case during initial meetings.
• Questions that may be considered too personal include those related to women in a family. It is best not to ask about a person's wife, sister or adult daughter. Just refer to the family as a whole.
• One way to avoid disclosing information that you may feel is too personal is by responding with a reference to the subject in general. For example, answering "why are you not married” by saying “ah, marriage is a wonderful thing.” This indirect approach should let your Libyan counterpart know that there is no interest in pursuing this line of conversation. They may employ similar tactics.

Personal Space & Touch

• Public displays of affection are not acceptable and are mostly forbidden. Kissing or hugging between members of the opposite gender is not acceptable in public, even if they are married.
• Libyans tend to feel comfortable standing a little less than an arms length apart from one another. This space is much, much greater between men and women.
• There is a decent amount of touching between members of the same gender during conversations. It is common 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.
• It also very common for female friends to link arms while walking or talking.
• There is no touching between men and women in public places except if they are related and even then it is usually kept to a minimum.

Eye Contact

• Direct eye contact is acceptable between men and between women. Indirect eye contact with genders is often considered disrespectful. This may not be the case when interacting with superior or certain elders.
• Indirect to no eye contact is best between genders, especially between strangers and in public situations.

Gestures

• Keeping your hands in your pockets while in conversation with someone is usually seen as a lack of respect.

• If you admire something, like a work of art at a Libyan home, your host may insist that it be taken as a gift. It is considered rude to refuse this offer so be aware of how you compliment things.

• When eating always use the right hand as the left hand is not used and considered unclean. This is especially the case when taking food from communal dishes.

• Always pass and receive goods with your right hand.

• Touching the thumb with the tips of the fingers is a common way of adding emphasis to a point during conversation.

• It’s considered common behavior to stand when new guests arrive at a social gathering or when a high-ranking person enters or leaves. Men almost always stand when a woman enters the room.

Views of Time

• When it comes to time, Libyans tend to be relaxed about the timing of events, especially in social situations.
• In business situations, punctuality is desirable and appointments are usually necessary.
• Note that most Muslims pray five times a day: at dawn (4:30-5:00 a.m.), around noon, in the afternoon between 2:00 and 4:00, at sunset, and one hour after sunset (never later than 9:00 p.m.). Prayer times vary according to the time of year and the part of the country you may be in. At prayer time, everything stops. So if you are in a store, you would have to go outside and wait for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. It’s best to plan your schedule around prayer times.

Gender Roles

• By law, Libyan women have the same rights as men, but in practice it is not always so.
• While women have the rights to get promotions or to have the same opportunity to apply and get the same jobs as men, salaries are usually lower and most people still defer to men in most situations.
• Women cannot usually speak their minds as openly much as men, especially in public.
• When it comes to dress, women have to dress appropriately (mostly covered) at all times while men can dress as they please.
• It is rare for women to gather together at a restaurant or café. This is not usually the case for foreign women.

Taboos

• Don’t point the toe or heel or any part of the foot at any person.
• Don’t show the sole of your foot or use the foot to move anything as it is viewed as the lowliest body part.
• Tight or revealing clothing baring shoulders, calves, things, etc., is considered extremely rude and can lead to trouble.

• Disrespecting ones family name is the ultimate form of rudeness.

Law & Order

• Alcohol is strictly prohibited. Drinking is illegal for all ages. However, there are still many underground alcohol sellers and buyers. There are also certain sanctioned hotels and clubs where drinking is allowed for foreigners.
• Penalties for the import, manufacture, possession, and consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences, fines, public flogging, and/or deportation.

Dress

• Most people are expected to dress conservatively and properly. Furthermore, some jobs require formal dress while others less so.
  
• While most Libyans appreciate business suits, they do not expect a foreigner to wear one unless in marketing positions or in a position dealing constantly with managers/Directors/CEO of Libyan companies.
  
• If you are a woman, wearing other things than long dresses/pants and long sleeves blouses would be inappropriate.
  

Titles & Business Cards

• When dealing with a superior or in formal meeting, one should use Mr. or Mrs. in front of the first or last name. If there is a friendship relation, the family name or the first name is enough.