Greetings etiquette

Namibians place a premium on greetings. Namibians are generally indirect communicators. Conversations almost always start with a hello and a how are you? It is generally considered impolite to rush into obtaining the specific information you require. In most Namibian cultures, extended greetings and handshakes are very important. Accepting food and drink is considered polite. Public displays of affection between spouses or lovers are frowned upon, especially in rural areas, and there is a general emphasis on emotional restraint.

Along with a curtsy, another traditional show of respect is for the greeter to shake their right hand while touching their right elbow with their left hand. The curtsy and the elbow touch are very common in the northern regions, particularly in rural areas. Greeting people in is considered common courtesy. It is considered impolite not to greet people.

When entering a meeting room, if possible, greet everyone with a handshake before sitting down. When asking someone in a public place for assistance (e.g., directions, prices, etc. ), always greet them first and ask how they are before getting down to business. Namibians frequently continue to hold each other's hands while conversing after shaking hands, especially if the two people are friends. Males must nod their heads when shaking someone's hand, especially an elder, while females must bend their knees slightly as a sign of respect.