Mali Rules & Etiquette

Rules & Etiquette

The greetings are very important. One should learn the greetings in French, better Bambara. Even if one wants to buy fruits or a bread, the vendors should be greeted in a proper way. It's very important to show a general interest in the other person, so it should be asked after the family, the work, kids, and so on. The answer is simple: always "ça va" (everything is okay). The other must not answer in a negative way! Example: "Bonjour (good morning), ça va (how are you)?" "Et la famille?" (...and the family?) "Et les enfants?" (...and the kids?) "Et le travail?" (...and your job?) ...