Ethiopian Usefull Cultural Aspects

There are many other important cultural elements in Ethiopia that reflect the culture and life styles of the peoples such as;-

  • Giving respect of elders
  • Welcoming guest (Hospitality)
  • Religious tolerance
  • Sending Elders to arrange Marriage
  • Condolence and others
  • Ethiopian greetings are courteous and somewhat formal.
  • The most common form of greeting is a handshake with direct eye contact.
  • The handshake is generally much lighter than in Western cultures.
  • After a close personal relationship has been established people of the same sex may kiss three times on the cheeks.
  • Across genders, men should wait to see if a woman extends her hand.
  • Greetings should never be rushed. Take time to inquire about the person’s family, health, job, etc.
  • People are addressed with their honorific title and their first name.
  • “Ato", "Woizero", and "Woizrity" are used to address a man, married woman, and unmarried woman respectively.
  • Elders should be greeted first.
  • It is customary to bow when introduced to someone who is obviously older or has a more senior position. Children will often be seen doing so.