Greetings Etiquette

Everyone should be greeted politely and right away when you see them. This is crucial, especially in South African rural villages where it is polite to welcome everyone you pass. The most typical greeting consists of a handshake, eye contact, and a grin. Most South Africans would consider this appropriate.

Depending on who you are greeting, handshakes might be soft or forceful. People from small towns and villages may shake hands with two hands. Men typically wait for women to extend their hand first when shaking hands with someone of the opposing gender. If two people are close friends, they might hug when they first meet.

Until a person indicates that it is permissible to use their first name, it is courteous to refer to them by their title and last name. Elders are frequently referred to as Tata (Xhosa meaning father) or Mama while being addressed in the native language with titles for father, uncle, mother, or aunt (Xhosa for mother). South Africans typically like taking the time to greet one other, exchange pleasantries, and participate in social conversation. It is considerate to inquire about someone's wellbeing.

Location may also have an impact on interactions, with people in rural areas using more traditional methods and those in metropolitan areas using more cosmopolitan methods. A Xhosa man might, for instance, greet everyone in a tiny town but hardly recognise outsiders in a big metropolis.