[Lexicog] salutations and leave-takings

[Mali Translation]

Well, Wayne,

The cultures in which you and I are working seem to be quite similar
in that aspect. I must admit that that habit of visitors was a pet
peeve I had for a long time as a highly work-oriented Westerner -
until I learnt how to handle it in a culturally appropriate way.
I thought I had to make conversation until the visitor who visited me
at work finally left stating his business on the threshold. An insider
advised me and other colleagues to ask the visitor a simple question
"Dò di?" = What are the news? If are visitor is asked that
question right at the beginning (which is normal) he has the choice
between two answers: EITHER he replies "I came to greet you". In that
case you know that he only came to chat. Then you can decide whether
you have the time to chat or let him know that you are busy and agree
on another time, which is culturally acceptable. OR he replies with
stating his business right away. Then you are obliged to hear the
person out.

Fritz

P.S.: Now imagine the following true incident which I tell in self-humor:
      I tried that question "What are the news? on a visitor from a
      related ethnic group. He responded: "It is not you, but I have to
      ask that question." ...



> Cami, greetings!
>
> As you work in Africa as myself, you know the absolute importance of
> greeting someone here.  And just a short "Hi" is not enough.
> Our Western fast-paced life-style  has led us to shorten that most
important
> part of social interaction. If one does not greet
> someone first, one might as well forget about starting a conversation.
> Even if languages are not rich in greetings or in the length of greetings,
> there must be at least a non-verbal way of
> acknowledging a person one meets, like eye contact.

Ah, yes, now you are getting into communication, Fritz, of which language is
a subset (and we linguists sometimes forget that). The Cheyennes will
sometimes sit and visit for an hour or two before getting around to the
point of their visit, which might be to ask to borrow some money.

Wayne Leman

>
> Blessings,
>
> Fritz





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