South African etiquette taboos
In recent years, South Africa, as a tourist hotspot, has attracted more and more Chinese people to go for sightseeing. However, when we come into contact with South Africans, we must pay attention to these taboos in etiquette and customs.
Social etiquette Generally speaking, South African social etiquette can be summarized in two words: "black and white" and "British". By saying that black and white are clearly defined, this refers to the difference between blacks and whites. Due to the constraints of race, religion, customs, etc. in South Africa, the social etiquette observed by blacks and whites is correspondingly different. By being British, it means that because white people have held power in South Africa for a long period of history, the social etiquette commonly used in white society, especially British etiquette, is very popular in South African society. So, what are the specific social etiquette?
When meeting, South Africans are accustomed to shaking hands. When communicating, the addresses are generally "sir","miss","madam", etc. If you go to black tribes, especially the vast black countryside, it will show a completely different style from mainstream society. For example, what they often give to distinguished guests is ostrich hair or peacock hair. For the honored guests who receive gifts, it is more appropriate to carefully insert these precious ostrich or peacock feathers on their hats or hair.
It should be noted that negative and black are forbidden sentences. Black people in the United States have no resistance to the word black. However, when he heard someone call him negro, especially blacks and their descendants who were originally from Africa and sold to the United States as slaves, he flew into a rage. However, Africans not only have resistance to the words negro and black, but also do not recognize their meaning. Emphasizing different skin colors is the biggest taboo in Africa. Therefore, it is best to call Africans according to their nationality. Generally speaking, Africans have a strong sense of country, and it sounds very useful to them to call their country names.
Most people will think that Africans can be collectively referred to as African. In fact, the term African has a specific target. In fact, in Africa, especially South Africa, it is a serious mistake to casually call black Africans African African. In Africa, the so-called African does not refer to all Africans in general, but refers to a specific group of people, that is: white Dutch Americans in the Republic of South Africa. Therefore, when people call them African, they blatantly express their disgust.
Costume etiquette is not just social etiquette influenced by Western culture. South Africans in cities are also relatively Westernized in terms of clothing. In more formal occasions, South Africans are also very particular. They generally dress more dignified and rigorous. If you have official or business contact with them, it's best to wear some conservative, dark suits or skirts. If you don't, you may be regarded as rude by the other party. For black people in South Africa, you will see that they prefer to wear clothes with their own ethnic characteristics.
Catering etiquette In terms of catering, white people in South Africa are also more Westernized. They prefer to eat Western food, such as beef, chicken, eggs, bread, etc., and their drinks are also mainly coffee and black tea. The more famous drink in South Africa is Rubao Tea. If you want to visit a black home in South Africa, the owner will often hand over some freshly squeezed milk, goat's milk, etc., and occasionally beer. At this time, you must drink more, preferably in one sitting.
Customs taboo South Africans to believe in Christianity, so the number "13" is very taboo. For black people in South Africa, they respect their ancestors more, so it is taboo for outsiders to show disrespect for their ancestors in words and deeds. If you chat with South Africans, you must also remember to avoid talking about the following four topics: 1. You cannot discuss the merits of white people, nor can you show kindness to white people; 2. You cannot comment on the relationships or conflicts between various black tribes; 3. Don't make random comments on some traditional habits of black people; 4. South Africans do not have the idea of "favoring boys over girls", and if the other person gives birth to a boy baby, they will not congratulate them.
Social taboos 1. Africans generally believe that when the camera is pointed at something and the lens is taken, the "essence" of something will be completely absorbed. This is no small matter. People, houses, and livestock are not allowed to be photographed.
2. There is also a superstition in South Africa, Ethiopia and other African countries, that is: When someone stares at you, the person being stared at will either be disaster or death will find him. In these countries, when talking or meeting with local people, you can't stare at each other without blinking. Doing so will definitely make the other person very unhappy.
Therefore, when we travel to South Africa, we should not only appreciate its unique cultural scenery, but also understand some of its etiquette, customs and taboos. We must know how to do as the Romans do, so that we can have a better journey!