+ In addition to the devastation of the numerous wars that have taken place in Afghanistan, ethnic diversity continues to be a source of conflict, as the nation addresses how to share power equitably while meeting the needs of all groups. Thus, culture in Afghanistan varies according to tribal and ethnic group.
+ Honor is a central cultural concept. The family’s honor can be enhanced if a child does well in school or attends university. The family’s honor can be lost if a female member is treated with disrespect. This can include something as simple as an unrelated male speaking to a woman.
+ As with many tribal cultures, hospitality is considered a virtue. Visitors to Afghan homes are offered the best the family has. This honors the family as well as the guest.
+ Inshallah, “if God wills,” is an expression often heard in Afghanistan. It underlies the fatalism and sense of predestination that prevails in the culture. This trait, common in Islamic cultures, has been underscored by years of violence and upheaval, in which literally no one knew if they would survive the next day or see someone again.
+ In business, you can set a fixed time for an appointment and can generally expect your counterpart to be on time, if conditions permit. Keep in mind, though, that transportation is not reliable and can pose a major challenge to punctuality.
+ When meeting someone, the proper greeting for both men and women is to put your hand over your heart and say, “Nice to meet you.” When greeting someone you know, ask the following questions: “How are you? How is your house? How is your health? How is your family?”
+ Afghan women do not touch men, so it is advisable not to initiate a handshake.
+ If you are invited to someone’s home for a meal or tea, you will be given snacks and your tea glass will be constantly filled until you put your hand over your cup and say “bas,” meaning enough, or until you turn your glass over.
- from RW3′s CultureWizard® Country Profiles
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