Customs
Greeting
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In urban areas when meeting a new person, just shake hands
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If good friends, perform three bise
(three kisses on alternate cheeks)
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When men meet eachother, they do not perform bise unless if they are family
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People in rural areas only shake hands
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When entering or leaving a group a person must greet and say good bye to all persons in the group
Gestures
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It is acceptable to pass objects with the right or both hands
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It is rude and unclean to pass objects with the left hand
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To show a vendor one is not interested in the merchendise they are selling, make a pushing motion with their arms and make no eye contact
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Call a taxi by raising one arm
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If close to a person, snap fingers to get their attention; if far away, make a "tsssss" sound.
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Men and women should keep distance in public and act reserved around the oposite gender
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Don't keep eye contact with someone of higher status
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People of the same gender can hold hands in public as a sign of friendship
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Couples only hold hands in urban areas, in rural areas it is considered impolite to show public signs of affection
Languages
Official Language:
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French
Traditional Languages:
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Wolof
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Fula
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Serer
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Diola
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Mandinka