Customs and Traditions

In Sudan, as in all Muslim societies, hospitality is a quality that is almost mandatory. There is a considerable likelihood that a foreign visitor will be welcomed into a Sudanese home. Most meetings with a Sudanese start with the salutation As-Salaam Aleikum and a handshake. It is courteous to use a title, such as the generally respectable uztaz (for males) or uztaza (for women), followed by the first name when you first meet someone.

After that, you learn to avoid getting too personal when meeting someone new and learn what conversational themes are appropriate. Keep some physical distance, perhaps a meter, if the person you are speaking with is of the opposite sex. Foreign visitors shouldn't show their emotions in front of others, and it's best to look away and avoid making direct eye contact when confronted with uncomfortable or embarrassing circumstances.