- If you are invited to a Moroccan’s home bring sweet,
nuts, figs, dates or flowers to the hostess.
- A small gift for the children is seen as a token
of affection.
- Gifts are not opened when received.
- Expect to be served mint tea whenever you meet someone,
as this demonstrates hospitality.
- Expect a fair amount of bargaining, Moroccans not
often see an offer as final.
-
When Moroccans greet each other they
take their time and converse about their families,
friends, and other general topics.
-
Who you know is more important than
what you know, so it is important to network and
cultivate a number of contacts who may then assist
you in working your way through the serpentine bureaucracy.
-
Handshakes are the customary greeting
between individuals of the same sex.
-
Once a relationship has developed,
it is common to kiss on both cheeks, starting with
the left cheek while shaking hands, men with men
and women with women.
-
In any greeting that does take place
between men and women, the woman must extend her
hand first. If she does not, a man should bow his
head in greeting.
-
Always shake hands with the person
to your right and then continue around the room
going from right to left.
-
In business it is extremely important
to verify anything that has been agreed to in front
of others as it may not have been a sincere agreement
and the person may have no intention of following
through.
-
Moroccans prefer to do business with
those they know and respect, therefore expect to
spend time making a personal relationship before
business is conducted.
-
Since Moroccans judge people on appearances,
dress and present yourself well.
-
Appointments are necessary and should
be made in advance and confirmed a day or two before
the meeting.
-
It is best to avoid scheduling meetings
during Ramadan since Muslims cannot eat or drink
during the day.
-
Never try to schedule meetings on
Friday between 11:15 a.m. and 3 p.m. since most
companies close for prayers.
-
Companies are hierarchical. The highest
ranking person makes decisions, but only after obtaining
a group agreement.
-
Moroccans always look for long-term
business relationships.
-
Do not use high-pressure tactics as
they will work against you.
-
Business cards are given without
formal ritual. Have one side of your business card
translated into French or Arabic.
- You should remove your shoes when you entering a
Moroccan's house.
- Be well dressed, doing so demonstrates respect
towards your hosts.
- Check to see if your spouse is included in the invitation.
Conservative Moroccans may not entertain mixed-sex
groups.
- Shake everyone’s hand individually.
- Food is generally served at a knee-high round table.
- The honor guest generally sits next to the host.
- A washing basin will be brought to the table before
the meal is served. Hold your hands over the basin
while water is poured over them. Dry your hands on
the towel provided.
- Do not begin eating until the host blesses the
food or begins to eat.
- Food is served from a communal bowl.
- Eat from the section of the bowl that is in front
of you. Never reach across the bowl to get something
from the other side. As an honored guest, choice cuts
will be put in front of you.
Eat and drink only with the right hand.
- Water is often served from a communal glass. If
you want your own glass, ask for a soft drink.
- The washing basin will be brought around the table
again at the end of the meal.
- Expect to be urged to take more food off the communal
plate. Providing an abundance of food is a sign of
hospitality.
-
The capital of Morocco is Rabat.
-
Classical Arabic is Morocco's official
language, but the country's distinctive Arabic dialect
is the most widely spoken language in Morocco. In
addition, about 10 million Moroccans, mostly in
rural areas, speak Berber either as a first language
or bilingually with the spoken Arabic dialect.
-
French, which remains Morocco's unofficial
third language, is taught universally and still
serves as Morocco's primary language of commerce
and economics; it also is widely used in education
and government.
-
Many Moroccans in the northern part
of the country speak Spanish.
-
English is still far behind French
and Spanish in terms of number of speakers, but
it is rapidly becoming the foreign language of choice
among educated youth.
-
The country is 98.7% Muslims, 1.1%
Christian, and Jewish 0.2%. Islam governs their
personal, political, economic and legal lives. The
Quran and the actions of the Prophet (the Sunnah)
are used as the basis for all guidance in the religion.
-
The family is the most significant
unit of Moroccan life and plays an important role
in all social relations.
-
The individual is always subordinate
to the family or group.
-
The elderly are revered and respected
and often exert a great influence on the rest of
the family.
Sources
A summary of this information can be
found at kwintessential.
For more information go to:
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk
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