Language/Amharic/Culture/Patterns-of-Meeting-People

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Patterns of Meeting People in Ethiopia

You may notice that introductions in Ethiopia are different than in America. It’s not uncommon to talk about a third party while they are present (example: “Does she speak Amharic? Is he an American?”), without introducing the third person or addressing him or her directly. The practice of introducing people to each other (“John, meet Mary. Mary, meet John”) is not often used. Generally, people will offer their own names to an unknown person, sometimes saying “እንተዋወቅ ïnntäwäwäk΄” (let’s introduce ourselves), rather than waiting for an introduction from someone else.

Ethiopians are generally fairly private about disclosing information about themselves, especially because it can be interpreted as prideful to boast about oneself. You may find that Ethiopians are more direct than you are used to, however, in asking questions of foreigners. Questions that might seem personal (such as those about salary, marital status, price of your house rent, where you are going or even your weight) are not uncommon.

Consider exploring these related pages after completing this lesson: Ethiopian Cuisine, Ethiopian Holidays and Festivals, Guide to Ongoing Language Learning & Ethiopian Festivals and Celebrations.