ANGOLA

 

Angola is a country located on the southwest coast of Africa. Its capital is Luanda and its official language is Portuguese due to its colonial history. Angola is known for its rich cultural diversity, beautiful beaches and stunning wildlife.

In Angola, manners and etiquette are very important in social interaction. Abiding by manners and etiquette is important because it reflects respect for others and shows consideration for the country's culture and traditions. Following the rules of politeness helps maintain harmony in social interactions and avoid misunderstandings. It also shows a genuine interest in understanding and respecting the Angolan way of life. It is fundamental to building positive and lasting relationships in any society.

• GREETINGS:

-Greeting is important in Angolan culture. It is customary to shake hands with a firm handshake and may include a light hug or tap on the shoulder between close friends and family members. It is common to ask about health and family during greetings.

-It is common to greet people with a handshake and make eye contact during conversation.

• RESPECT FOR AGE AND AUTHORITY:

-Young people are expected to show respect for elders and authority figures. It is common to address elders with titles such as "Tio" (uncle) or "Tia" (aunt) followed by name.
-It is also considered polite to show respect to elders and people in positions of authority.

• RESPECT FOR DIVERSITY:

-In addition, it is important to avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics or religion, as this can lead to conflict. Angolan society values harmony and mutual respect, so it is better to focus on more neutral and positive topics when interacting with people.

• TABLE MANNERS:

-During meals, it is considered polite to wait for the host to start the meal before eating. It is common to eat with the hands in some cases, especially at traditional meals, but in more formal situations cutlery is used.
-In Angola, dining etiquette is an important aspect of the culture. Food is a central part of social life in Angola, and sharing a meal is a way of bonding and building relationships with others. Some common customs include washing hands before eating, and it is considered polite to offer food to others before serving oneself. In addition, it is customary to eat with the right hand, as the left hand is considered impure.

• PUNCTUALITY:

-Punctuality is not considered as strict as in other places. It is common for meetings and events to start with some delay, so it is not unusual to be a few minutes late. However, it is important to show respect for the time of others and try to be punctual in formal or business situations.

• POLITE GESTURES:

 It is important to be courteous and considerate in all social interactions. Avoid interrupting others while they are speaking and show genuine interest in what they have to say.