Hello! Muraho! Good morning! Mwaramutse! Good afternoon! Mwiriwe! I've been really bummed from all the goodbyes, so we're going to focus on Hellos instead!
This is going to be a layman’s guide to greetings in Rwanda. But the physical part, not the words.
If you’re greeting someone new: a handshake will do.
This is going to be a layman’s guide to greetings in Rwanda. But the physical part, not the words.
If you’re greeting someone new: a handshake will do.
If you’re greeting someone of distinction: press your left hand to your right elbow, making a 4 with your arms, and shake hands.
If you’re greeting someone who is not quite a friend, not quite a stranger: Go for a half hug with your arms on their shoulders, then a handshake for good measure.
If you’re greeting a friend: a good old-fashioned hug works – and then of course a handshake after that.
If you’re greeting a really good friend: A hug with right cheeks pressed together, then left cheeks, then right cheeks, THEN a handshake.
I hope you caught the pattern! When in doubt, (hand)shake it out!