If you are invited to a Cameroonian’s house:
- Dress well – this demonstrates respect towards your hosts.
- Shake hands with each guest individually starting with the most senior people present.
- Do not discuss business during a social function.
- The home is private. Do not ask for a tour.
- Cameroonians are somewhat formal and believe good table manners demonstrate respect.
- When in doubt, watch what others do and emulate their behaviour.
- In traditional homes, men eat first, then women, and then children. A foreign woman will generally be invited to eat with the men since she is a guest.
- In many homes, a washing basin and soap is brought out before the meal so that guests may wash their hands.
- Expect to have your own shallow bowl and to take food from a communal bowl.
- Hierarchy dictates that the eldest person is the first to take food from the communal bowl.
- Many Cameroonians eat with their hands, although foreign guests may be offered cutlery.
- If you use your hands then use the right hand.
- As a guest, you will be offered prized delicacies such as chicken gizzards. This is considered an honour. If you cannot eat them, thank your host profusely and request that it is more appropriate that it be given to the eldest person present.
STAY SWAGGISH