Afghanistan🕣
State in the southwest of Central Asia. Official name – the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Population – 40.5 million (as of 2020). Capital – Kabul. Official languages – Dari and Pashto. Government type - unitary state with republican form of government (until the events of 2021). Main religion – Islam.
Afghanistan
Greeting
The accepted form of greeting is the handshake. The ritual of greeting in general is an important part of the meeting and is traditionally given a lot of time in this culture.
When starting a business meeting with an Afghan colleague, do not rush to jump right into discussing business matters. On the contrary, invest time in the greeting procedure. This will help to strengthen your relationship.
The traditional Afghan greeting in formal situations is a gesture with the right hand, which the speaker places on the chest in the heart area. At the same time, the speaker tilts his head slightly, as if bowing to the other person. With this gesture the speaker expresses his sincere feelings and respect towards the interlocutor.
Foreign women should wait for a man to take the initiative before extending a hand to greet them. The same applies to foreign men, who should pay attention to the woman's behavior in this situation.
Body contact as well as eye contact between the sexes is not accepted due to the Muslim traditions that are strong in this state. As part of formal communication, a man may greet a woman with a traditional gesture with his right hand in the heart area.
Men who are friends may hug or pat each other on the arm, shoulder, back. With foreign colleagues quite formal and polite relations are maintained for a very long time.
A handshake is necessarily accompanied by a verbal greeting, which is also accepted in the Arab world: As-salamu alaikum, which means Peace be upon you. In response, one should say Wa'alaikum al-salam, which means Peace be upon you, too.
When greeting an Afghan colleague for the first time, show the utmost respect and deference.
Introduction
Most Afghans do not have surnames, limiting themselves to first names only. However, if necessary, they can choose a surname, which is usually done by the middle class, city dwellers, and those with higher education.
In choosing a surname, Afghans are guided by their father's name, their kinship with a particular clan, family, tribe, or even an adjective that characterizes a person. As ...
Exchange of Business Cards
Business cards should contain all necessary standard information, including full name, title, company name, and current contact details.
If you have academic degrees or titles, such as master's or PhD, mention them on your business card. Your status will certainly be enhanced, as education is highly valued in Afghanistan.
In Afghan business practice, business cards are not alw...
Small Talk: Overview
Small talk is of great importance in Afghan business practice and is a kind of prelude to the actual negotiations. First, it is important to talk about general topics, for example, asking where you are staying (if you are a guest) or how you got there, whether you are satisfied with everything, etc. Only then can you move on to discussing business matters.
It is important for Afghan bus...
Preferred Topics
Family issues are traditionally an important topic of conversation in Afghan society. Take a personal interest in your partner, ask about his health and the family. Avoid mentioning female family members.
At the same time, share information about yourself. It will be important for your partner to know about your background, education, experience, qualifications, etc.
Travelling,...
Taboo Topics
Family is generally a popular topic in Afghanistan, but questions and conversations about the female part of the family - wives, mothers, sisters, and especially daughters - should be avoided.
A very sensitive topic is the political situation in the country. Afghans talk a lot about it, taking different positions. A foreigner should refrain from making any judgments.
Religion ...
Personal Space
In this culture, the distance of comfortable communication is shorter than, for example, in Central and Northern European countries or the USA. they feel comfortable communicating at a distance of less than half a meter from the interlocutor.
Do not regard this as offensive or even aggressive behavior. Try not to increase this distance, for example, by taking a step back, as this will b...
Communication Specifics
Afghanistan is a multinational and multi-ethnic state, inhabited by more than 20 nationalities, the largest of which are Pashtuns (sometimes called Afghans). Your partners in Afghanistan may include Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras, Uzbeks, or other national and ethnic groups. Do not refer to everyone as Afghans, as this may be painfully perceived by those who do not identify themselves as Afghans. (A...
Any questions? Contact us.
Ask a Question