Greeting and Meeting Etiquette

In Sierra Leone, greetings differ according to ethnic group. "Hello" in Krio is Kushe. It is Bua in Mende and Seke in Temne. When shaking hands with someone of higher status, it is customary to support one's right arm with one's left arm, implying that the other person's hand is of great weight. The Mende people may shake another person's hand and then touch their chest with the other hand.

In Sierra Leone, people are frequently addressed with "Mr." or "Miss." Someone of the same age may be addressed as "brother" or "sister," while elders may be addressed as "auntie," "uncle," "ma," or "pa." Padi ("friend") is a common way to address a stranger. Friends visit or "keep time" with one another on a regular basis. Men may gather in the evenings to drink fresh palm wine or beer. Women socialize in the family compound's cooking house. It is not necessary to bring a gift when visiting someone else's home, but it is important to accept whatever the host offers—usually water or food. Upon departure, honored guests are frequently given food.