Personal Space & Touching

People of the same sex will stand in close proximity to one another, and they may also hold hands while talking. This is more common in rural areas, but it has a long history. There is little respect or awareness of personal space. In most cases, less than arm's length is appropriate.

Interactions in the business environment are more "westernized," but visitors should not be surprised or concerned if they encounter more touching or personal closeness than they might in their home countries. In rural areas, physical interactions between males and females are not tolerated. Men sit in one section of community meetings and women in another.

Men and women may shake hands and converse as usual in the business arena, but it should be noted that these types of interactions are relatively new to Swazi culture, and caution should always be exercised when interacting with members of the opposite sex to avoid misunderstandings and misinterpretations. Even in business, men and women typically work in separate groups, though the mixing is becoming more common.

When speaking with someone, Swazis may stand very close. Swazis tend to sit together with little to no space between them on public transportation and in situations where individuals are seated (even if other seats are available). Hugging is uncommon in traditional Swazi families and is reserved for children. Elderly females are more likely to grasp their children's hands.

In urban areas, hugs are more common among women. When hugging someone, you must keep space between yourself and the other and move towards the right, meeting his or her cheek and using just the right arm to embrace.