Wölöf Way of Life: Importance of Greetings

[Olùkọ́ Ọbádélé]

Cultural Mores—Importance of Greetings

http://www.wolof.org/way_of_life/cul...importance.htm

Greeting and leave-taking are very important. Take the time to greet people and shake hands, if possible, before any kind of transaction. Take the time to say goodbye when you leave.

Some do's and don'ts:

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Greet everyone in the group, not just the person you know or need to talk to.
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Ask about the family. Mention any family members you may know by name.
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After a meeting, take your leave gradually rather than abruptly to underline how pleasant that relationship is and how difficult it is to leave. It also gives people the chance to make whatever final arrangements need to be made.
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After a visit to someone's home, announce that you are preparing to leave well before you intend to leave. Be prepared to sit around talking a bit more before you actually get up to leave. Then be prepared to talk a bit more while standing around before you leave. Your host will probably walk you out into the street where you will talk a bit more before saying goodbye.
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Linger a bit when saying goodbye to someone on the street.
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It is usually polite to accompany your guests (gunge) all the way out into the street before saying a final goodbye. You might even walk part of the way with them to the bus stop, or stand to wave goodbye until the taxi or car pulls away. In general, your gesture should not indicate you are in a hurry to get rid of them.