Namibia

Greetings

For men greeting men – A handshake with the right hand is the most common form of greeting. A firm traditional African handshake is used most often. The traditional African handshake consists of three parts: in the first part, you clasp someone’s hand as you would in the west; the second part, both individuals lock thumbs while still clasping hands, so your thumb is pointed upwards; and the handshake finishes by going back to the traditional Western shake.

For women greeting women - Women usually just greet one another with words only. If you are greeting a woman of seniority (i.e. an elder, a person holding a position of power, etc.), a handshake with the right hand is the most common form of greeting. Often, to show respect, one or the other greeter will make a quick curtsy while shaking hands. This is a tradition that many young girls are raised with and carry throughout their lives.

For meetings between men and women – While a handshake with the right hand is the most common form of greeting, some women may just give a nod of acknowledgment or greet with words only. As more and more women become liberated in Namibia, you will find women shaking hands with men more often. Though the traditional African handshake is not as common between men and women, you will see it. And again, many girls may curtsy when shaking hands with a man, especially an elder or dignitary.

Notes on greetings: Along with a curtsy, another traditional show of respect is for the greeter to shake with his or her right hand while at the same time touching their right elbow with their left hand. The curtsy and the elbow touch performed together are very common in the northern regions, especially the rural areas.

It is considered common courtesy to greet people in Namibia. When walking down the road, you should greet passers-by by saying hello and asking how they are, either in English or in the local language. It is considered disrespectful to not greet people.

When entering a room for a meeting, you should greet everyone with a handshake if possible, before sitting down.

When asking someone in a public establishment for help (i.e. directions, prices, etc.), always greet first and ask how they are before proceeding to business.

Often after shaking someone’s hand, Namibians will continue to hold on to each other’s hand while conversing, especially if the two people are friends with one another.

Communication Style

• Namibians tend to be indirect communicators. Conversations almost always begin with a hello and how are you doing. It is generally considered impolite to just rush into trying to obtain the specific information you need.
• Safe topics of conversations include family, work, hometown, and sports. It’s best to avoid speaking about local politics during initial meetings.

• Namibians are non-confrontational by nature. While many people will be comfortable greeting you and talking to you on their own, most will not come out and tell you if you have violated some cultural norm or offended them.

• While Namibians may not come outright and say what they think or how they are feeling, if you give them the time and they trust you, they will be more upfront with their words.

• When you are doing business with someone, often times they will tell you whatever you want to hear but don’t expect this to always reflect reality.

Personal Space & Touch

• In general, the appropriate amount of personal space during conversations is about an arm's length.
• In other situations, expect people to stand very close to you in lines and on public transportation.

• When riding in taxis or minibuses, it is not uncommon for a person to sit in the seat right next to you even if there are open seats spaced further apart. With most interactions, Namibians prefer to be within close proximity of one another.

• After shaking hands, Namibians may continue to hold onto your hand while talking. They may touch your arm or your hair, both of which are signs of their fondness for you. This is NOT common for a man to do to a woman, and women should be wary of such advances.

• Light touching on the hand and shoulders during conversations is common between members of the same gender and sometimes between genders.
• It is not uncommon for men to hold hands with men, and there is no sexual connotation for men to hold hands with one another. This is a sign of friendship.
• The easiest rule of thumb for foreigners is expect to be touched by the same sex and perhaps by the opposite but don’t initiate the touching yourself.

Eye Contact

• When speaking to someone it is generally considered acceptable to maintain direct eye contact.
• Those in positions of lesser status, for example, children or anyone who feels they are of lower status may not look at you out of respect. This is also found in cross-cultural exchanges that are influenced by the apartheid past.
• Direct eye contact is common and expected among adults. Often times when children are spoken to by adults, they will avoid eye contact. This used to be considered respectful by elders, but this tradition is no longer held true in all places.
• Children may avoid eye contact with foreigners because they are shy or scared as they are not used to seeing people who look different from them. They also avoid eye contact when being reprimanded by an elder or person of authority.
• As a visitor, you should make eye contact whenever possible.

Gestures

• Always present and receive items with your right hand.
• A thumbs-up sign is often used to show approval for something.

• When hosting guests at your house, you should offer them at least cool water to drink.

Views of Time

• The view of time tends to be VERY flexible. Lateness in social situations is acceptable, but if you are in professional settings you will be expected to be on time even though others may not be.
• In most social situations, punctuality is not valued and time is meant to be shared with others. So, if you end up talking to someone on your way to an event and thus are late, it is completely expected.
• Namibia runs on “ Africa time.” Things and people running late is not uncommon and not usually considered rude. Trains and buses do not usually run on a schedule, and can be anywhere from a few hours to a few days late.
• Businesses will not necessarily be open during their posted business hours. Similarly, rest camps, b&b’s and shops may close without notice. Phoning in advance is recommended.
• For official functions, it is not uncommon for people to be late and for things to not start on time, but people do consider it rude. They will not be surprised at having to wait, but they will be irritated. To keep in good graces, arrive as close to the posted start time of events as possible, +/- 10 minutes.

Gender Roles

• Women and girls are generally considered to be the ones who uphold the household duties of cooking and cleaning.
• Men and women tend to spend the majority of their time socializing within their same gender groups.
• Women in general are not to be in bars and clubs or else they are seen to have a bad reputation. However, due to high unemployment and alcoholism rates, you will see women drinking in public. Generally, women holding positions of authority who are respected by their communities won’t be drinking in public.
• Foreign women are able to get away with more of these behaviors than locals.

• Men are considered more senior and are shown respect by women in all positions. It is often not acceptable for a woman to correct or disagree with a man in a public setting. Now that women are beginning to hold positions with more superiority, things have started to change in some areas of the country, though this practice of women keeping quiet and passive in the presence of men is still very common.

• Namibians are aware that foreign women are different and therefore understand when foreign women act in different ways. When living in Namibia, foreign women should consider the appropriate ways local women are expected to act and if possible should adapt to some of these ways, or at least be aware and respectful of them.

• Women tend to dress conservatively and where long skirts and covered shoulders. Foreign women are increasingly seen dressing less modestly, but should try to respect this culture as it may be considered rude and disrespectful not to.

Taboos

• Avoid asking people, “What tribe are you from?", as they may take offense. A better way is to ask “Which region or town do you come from?” or “What is your native language?”

• When eating with your hands, you should always wash them first.

• When visiting friends, it is not uncommon to bring a small gift for them, either food or drink or something that you’ve collected during your travels to their home, not doing so may be considered rude.

• It is considered rude to not greet people, even strangers.

Law & Order

• The legal drinking age is 18, and isn’t enforced strongly. It is not uncommon to find young children being served alcohol in clubs. The rate of alcoholism is very high in Namibia, and due to things such as lack of employment or any healthy pastime options, many people start drinking during their school-aged days.

• The legal smoking age is 18 and not readily enforced.

• The penalties for possession of illegal drugs are quite severe and are enforced. In recent years, there has been an increase in marijuana passing through, and many Namibians smoke marijuana, though it is highly illegal and can bring long jail sentences. Drug use in general is considered taboo and the penalties are harsh.
• Other strongly enforced laws are: cattle theft, which carries one of the harshest penalties, often more than 30 years in jail; rape and child molestation; murder, etc.
• One commonly invoked law is that of defamation. It is illegal for someone to defame you in public, by either making false allegations about you, spreading rumors, saying bad things about your family members, etc. People often file police report against other people who say bad things about them, and the accused must often pay a fine.

Dress

• For Men- collared shirts, pants and tie are acceptable in most situations. Clean dress shoes are appreciated as well.
• For Women- skirt, dress or dress pants, clean dress top, clean shoes. Usually dressy sandals or high heels. Avoid clothes that are too revealing or tight fitting.

• Although Namibians do not tend to wear casual sandals to work or to do business, most foreign volunteers do and Namibians are used to this and usually consider it acceptable.

Titles & Business Cards

• It is best to address people using their professional title or Mr./Mrs. and last name.

• People are often referred to using their surname only, and that is acceptable in most cases. If you don’t know the person’s name, you should say sir, ma’am, or the like in the local language. In Afrikaans, which is spoken throughout the southern 2/3rds of the country, sir is “manier” and ma’am is “may frou.”

• Avoid using first names until being invited to do so.
• "Director” or a person’s title is often used for people in high posts.
• There is no set protocol with the giving and receiving of business cards, but it is always advisable to give and receive cards with the right hand.

Meetings

• It is best to show up on time for meetings even though you may be kept waiting. If you are hosting the meeting, you should show up a bit early.
• It is polite to greet everybody in the room, either with a handshake or with a verbal greeting and eye contact. It's best to start with the most senior person.
• Small talk is common and usually consists of asking the person how they are, etc.
• Expect a bit of small talk before the business discussion begins. Small talk usually consists of asking the person how they are, etc.
• The most senior person (by title) or the named officiator will begin and end the meeting.
• There should be an agenda for the meeting which MUST be followed. Things are often done exactly as on the schedule, people will generally not allow others to deviate too much.

Negotiations

• Bargaining is expected and common in most cases. You should remain calm and not appear like you are desperate for this business deal; appearing as if you can get a similar deal elsewhere will bring prices down.

• Namibians do not generally try to cheat foreigners; when buying goods such as crafts they will start high but will quickly drop their prices, but often times negotiating things such as bus fares is not necessary, as they offer you the same fare they would offer a Namibian.

• If you ask around about prices before making a purchase, local people will give you honest answers.

Gift Giving

• When visiting a Namibian's home, it is not uncommon to bring a small gift for them, either food or drink or something that from your home country.

• It generally doesn’t matter if a gift wrapped or not, or even if it is something very small such as a piece of fruit. Any gift is appreciated.

In the Classroom

• Most schools run on trimesters. The year begins around the second week of January and the first term runs until mid to late April. The first school holiday is about 2 to 3 weeks. The second term begins about 3 weeks later and runs until mid to late August. The second school holiday is about 2 weeks. The third term begins about two weeks later and runs until early December. The school then closes for about 4 weeks.

• Grades are given on an A-E or 4.00-0.0 scale. A is the highest and E is failing. The pass/fail level is usually a D.

• Tasteful dress is expected at university; clean but casual clothes are fine. Dress is not different for men and women. Some teachers will ban things such as baseball caps in class, but on campus any tasteful attire is fine.

Other Observations

• There is still a lasting divide in many ways because of the past of apartheid in Namibia. Westerners are generally treated with great openness and kindness, but tend to be a real source of excitement and amusement in more local settings.
• Children in particular may shout “Makuha” (white person) when see white foreigners.
• A lot of people also automatically assume that you are rich since you are white and will ask for money. It's best not to encourage this.