Greetings
Greetings are an important factor in Algerian culture, and it is essential to understand the customs and etiquette of the people to be accepted into their society. In Algeria, it is common to greet someone using their name, shake hands, and exchange kisses on the cheeks. In addition, men usually shake hands with other men and kiss women on the cheeks.
In a more formal setting, people will use the title “Haj/Hajja” for older people or respected people, such as religious leaders or teachers. It is important to show respect and follow the culture’s conventions in all cases.
Handshakes
In Algeria, handshakes between men and women should be avoided. Instead, greetings among mixed groups are made with a respectful bow or nod. In addition, Handshakes should only occur among same-gender groups and waiting for the other person to extend their hand is considered polite.
If appropriately done, accompanied by direct eye contact and an appropriate amount of physical pressure in the handshake, it may indicate respect, which is especially important for professional encounters. Shaking hands between genders are slowly becoming more accepted in larger cities, but it is still not shared outside of them. It is also important to note that extended eye contact at close range may be interpreted as inappropriate or aggressive.
Greetings with acquaintances are made by puckering your lips and kissing on both cheeks while warily touching foreheads simultaneously (depending on familiarity). It is often accompanied by words like “W bokra” (Until tomorrow) or “Acube?” (How are you?). When greeting elders, they should be greeted first, and this should be followed by squeezing their hand lightly with both hands while bowing your head slightly lower than theirs as a sign of respect. After that, simple nods and salams (greetings) from some distance away can suffice with unfamiliar people.
Greetings from the Home
A quick exchange of small talk or casual conversation is expected before the main greeting when visiting someone’s home. Algerians are very warm and welcoming and have high expectations of social etiquette and hospitality. Therefore, when entering someone’s home, you will be welcomed warmly by those inside and praised for your presence.
Greetings among family members often involve a handshake and two kisses on each cheek, starting with the right side, followed by a hug for siblings or parents. The relationship between people presents mainly determines other greetings – those addressing close relatives may opt for respectfulness, while friends often take a more informal approach. Similarly, elders may receive additional respect in their greetings depending on their station within the family or community hierarchy.
Dress Code
In Algeria, how you dress is an essential part of showing respect for the culture and customs of the country. The traditional dress for men is a long, white djellaba robe and a white turban. For women, it is generally accepted to wear modest skirts or pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Women should also cover their hair with a scarf.
It’s important to be aware of these cultural customs and dress appropriately in a public setting.
Traditional Dress
It is not uncommon to see traditional Algerian dress in Algeria’s more rural areas, though it is becoming less popular due to the rapidly Westernizing culture of the country.
Men may wear a djellaba, an ankle-length cloak with oversized sleeves, and a hood. A gandoura is a similar item but has short sleeves and generally an embroidered front. These items are usually light cotton and cover the head and shoulders, making them very useful on hot days. Women may wear a caftan or kaftan instead. This one-piece garment typically has long, flowing sleeves, ornate embroidery, deep necklines, and intricate lace collars.
Traditional Algerian shoes typically come in three styles:
- Babouches (slippers with curved tips).
- Sandals.
- Boots are known as mags (which reach just below the knee).
Colors range from deep blue or black to striking combinations such as yellow leather with camel fur around the edges. Generally, sandals are worn by men, while babouches are preferred by women when they want to keep their feet covered but stay cool in hot weather.
Formal Dress
Traditional cultural standards dictate that formal dress is necessary for many different settings. For example, formal dress reflects greater respect for the occasion and those involved than casual attire for Palestinians and Moroccans.
Generally speaking, men should wear slacks and a button-up shirt with the option of a full suit depending on the event. Ladies should expect to wear dress pants, skirts, or dresses with a blouse; however, this may depend on whether traditional Muslim attire is expected. Please note that when attending a more traditional family gathering, religious holidays, or weddings, it is common to expect women to wear either full hijabs (Scarves) or more conservative clothing (such as long-sleeved tops).
Additionally, footwear should always be conservative and appropriate for the occasion.
Social Customs
Algeria is an Islamic country, and local cultural customs should be respected. In social settings, men and women usually do not display public affection, and the Muslim code of modesty for women should be observed. Handshakes are the standard form of greeting, although it is polite to greet people with a slight bow of the head and the phrase ‘as-salaam alaikum’ (peace be upon you). Women also greet each other with a kiss on both cheeks.
Hospitality
Hospitality is significant in Algeria, and it is seen as a cornerstone of social interaction. If a visitor is invited into someone’s home, they should not forget to bring something for the host – even if it’s just candy or flowers. Likewise, before entering a private residence, it is important to remember to take off one’s shoes.
Dining etiquette in Algeria primarily revolves around being careful with polite conversation and showing respect while eating. Refraining from talking too much during the meal is seen as a sign of politeness in Algeria, though debate and small talk can be helpful. Likewise, a guest should never refuse an offer at the table; instead, politely accept an offering and then indicate that one isn’t hungry enough to eat more by patting one’s stomach or leaving some food on their plate.
Respect for elders is of utmost importance in Algerian culture, which applies when seated around the dinner table. Younger individuals must always defer to their elders and show respect in terms of allowing their first choice when serving food or drinks. If an elder does not accept, the offer will still be grateful for the gesture implicit within the invitation of the younger person who offered food or drink first.
Gift-giving
Gift-giving is a common form of politeness and appreciation in Algeria, and it is customary to bring a small token to the home when invited for a meal or tea. Gifts should be wrapped, though some prefer not to unwrap them right away or in front of the giver. Gifts that are generally appreciated include:
- Flowers
- Small cakes
- Sugar cubes
- Dates
- Chocolates
- Perfumes
- Other sweets
Some popular gifts from foreigners include:
- Excellent writing materials or stationery
- Souvenirs from the person’s homeland (books are usually well-received)
- Electronics such as CD players or DVDs
- Clothing
Avoid alcohol and pork products as gifts, as they will offend most Muslims. Pre-packaged items like chocolates and cakes should be sealed to ensure they are fresh. If you are invited to an Algerian home for dinner, it’s appropriate to bring pastries such as croissants or petit fours along with seasonal fruit such as grapes or pears. It’s also acceptable for men to offer a box of cigars when attending an informal gathering with male colleagues.
Table Manners
It is customary for visitors to be invited to meals in the homes of Algerian hosts. Table manners in Algeria are similar to Europe, except that food is usually taken from a shared platter. A general practice within Algerian cuisine is for each person at the table to take a portion of the food from the shared dish and place it onto their plate before eating.
When arriving at an Algerian meal, it is polite to decline initially if your host insists you have something. Wait until they gesture and indicate what they would like you to try before helping yourself, and always sample everything offered. Etiquette also dictates that you do not leave any food on your plate when done; it implies that your host did not provide you with enough.
It is acceptable for women who observe Islam to decline alcohol; however, other social norms exist among those who are secular or non-Muslim so be sure to check with your particular host beforehand. Generally speaking, guests should avoid pouring their drink – wait until someone else offers first before pouring your own and avoid drinking too much as this may be offensive in some areas of Algeria.
Religion
Religion plays a vital role in the culture of Algeria. The main religion of Algeria is Islam, with around 99% of the population identified as Muslim. The remaining 1% of the population is primarily Christian and Jewish.
It’s essential to be aware of the customs related to religion in Algeria to ensure you follow the correct etiquette.
Islam
Islam is Algeria’s main religion, and it is officially considered a Sunnite State. Practicing any religion other than Islam is prohibited by the Algerian state, although there are some religious minorities present in the country. Islam was brought to Algeria by the Muslim conquerors in the 7th century but has been deeply rooted in Algerian society for centuries since that time. Most Algerians practice Sunni Islam of Maliki school of jurisprudence and Sufism, which has heavily influenced its culture and popular customs throughout history.
Algerians are very proud of their Islamic faith and its long-standing role in their culture. Celebrations such as Eid al-Fitr mark important parts of their year, as do all five daily prayer times throughout the day, during which most private businesses will close temporarily to accommodate all religious duties. During Ramadan, pharmacies, banks, and government offices will also open late to give people enough time for fasting, feasting, and prayers without taking time off work or study. In Qur’anic schools (madrasas), children learn about religion alongside traditional academic subjects such as math and Arabic language; this type of education is available both publicly and privately throughout the country.
While non-Muslims are by law not allowed to practice their religions publicly in Algeria, they are certainly free to do so within their own homes or buildings used only by members of similar faiths; for example, Christian expatriates may be free to attend churches held privately or semi-privately. However, conversations or attempts to proselytize non-Muslim religions are strictly forbidden because they could be seen as an offense against public order and social morality.
Christianity
Christianity is the second largest religion in Algeria, with most of the population being Sunni and Sufi Muslims. According to the Central Census Bureau of 2012, Christians comprise 1.5% of Algeria’s population. Christianity arrived in Algeria through both migrants from abroad, such as French and Italian settlers, and also through some indigenous Algerian converts to the faith.
Most Algerian Christians are Roman Catholic; this includes roughly equal parts Western/Latin Catholics and Eastern Catholics from various Latin rites present in Algeria, with more members coming from Latin rites (the more extensive community). There is also a significant presence of Protestant denominations, mainly evangelical churches, and a smaller number of Anglicans. Finally, there is a small presence of left-by communities formed by Spanish or Portuguese settlers during their occupations, although most are no longer practicing the faith.
The Christian existential situation in Algeria can be considered relatively good compared to other countries in North Africa due to its lower intensity of marginalization and discrimination against believers who practice it publicly – along with legal protection granted since 2016 under law 06-03 concerning the freedom to practice any religion within a respectful framework guaranteeing full civil rights prescribed by law by global standards set forth by international organizations related to human rights matters dealing with religious freedom around the world.
Language
Arabic is the official language in Algeria, with French also widely spoken. English is used in business, and other professional settings but is not as common as in other parts of the world. Therefore, knowing a few phrases in Arabic will be significantly appreciated by Algerians. It’s also important to understand how to adequately address someone, which includes proper titles, salutations, and proper forms of address.
Let’s take a look at the different cultural customs and etiquette in Algeria:
Arabic
Arabic is one of Algeria’s most commonly spoken languages and the country’s official language. As a result, Algerians are proud of their language, and it is important to take the time to learn some words, phrases, or customs that might be useful when communicating with them.
The Arabic language used in Algeria is derived from classical Arabic but also includes a variety of indigenous Berber and French influences. Those familiar with modern standard Arabic will not struggle to understand Algerian dialects but may require some adjustments to pronounce particular words. Learning basic greetings before your visit can leave a lasting positive impression on locals.
Greetings such as As-salam alaykum (“peace be upon you”) often start conversations, while phrases like Shukran (“thank you”) and insh’Allah (used when talking about doing something at a later date) are both helpful in showing respect for cultural customs. An Algerian-specific dialect also differs from that spoken in other countries across North Africa. This dialect may drop certain sounds from certain words or alter sentence structure completely depending on region or origin.
French
Algeria is a multilingual country, with the primary language being Arabic. However, about half of the population is also bilingual in French due to France’s previous colonization.
France was Algeria’s colonizer from 1830 to 1962. It allows modern-day Algerians to converse fluently in both French and Arabic. In certain areas, such as Algiers, Oran, and other coastal cities, due to their proximity to Europe or large expatriate communities, French is even more widely used than Arabic.
The various dialects spoken in Algeria are often quite distinct from one another, and using a combination of standard colloquial Arabic and French helps bridge these divides – it ought not to be assumed that everyone speaks some form of one language (typically either Arabic or French). Thus, communicating fluently in both languages can prove highly beneficial when interacting with Algerians.
In terms of business and official administration, French remains the lingua franca for many operations, though Arabic is the official language. However, in educational facilities outside of Algiers, minimal emphasis is placed on learning either language, with priority given to English as a global language in international communication.
Business Customs
There is a strong respect for elders and traditions in Algeria, which is critical to consider in business settings. Business attire should be formal and conservative, and arriving at meetings on time is essential. The Algerian practice of shaking hands and talking while standing is expected when meeting someone. Additionally, small gifts are often exchanged when first meeting someone or closing a business deal.
Business Meetings
Business meetings in Algeria typically involve a formal process wherein it is not uncommon for people to ask questions and challenge your answers. Therefore, it is essential to present yourself as knowledgeable and capable and show respect for the collective opinion of all participants in the meeting.
When entering a room, greeting everyone individually before starting the meeting is polite. Business greetings in Algeria tend to be quite formal and long and often involve a combination of a handshake with both hands, kissing on both cheeks, and many Arabic expressions such as “As-salam Alaikum” or “Khuda hafiz” when leaving. It is also important to arrive punctually; delays can be viewed negatively.
It is expected that conversation topics will revolve around business topics or something related to domestic issues, such as family or current events. Avoid discussing politics or religion since these can often cause tension in some discussions. Similarly, do not rush into any decisions—show patience during talks even if you feel the other participants are taking too much time for negotiations. The Algerian business culture takes its time when making decisions at meetings so everyone’s opinions can be considered before anything is agreed upon. Questions should always be asked politely, which shows respect towards those involved in decision-making processes—it also allows conversations to remain productive without creating tension between the parties by being direct or aggressive.
Business Etiquette
When doing business in Algeria, it is important to follow its cultural customs and etiquette. Business can be conducted formally or informally, but guests should still be aware of the traditional roles of men and women in Algerian culture.
Business meetings should occur after religious and non-working hours, generally from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. A handshake is the appropriate greeting for both men and women. Business cards are usually exchanged during introductions. It is also recommended that visitors familiarize themselves with Islam before attempting to understand business customs in Algeria. Dress should be formal, conservative, and professional for both men and women when attending meetings or conferences. Small talk about non-work-related topics can take place before the business discussion begins; however, questions about a person’s private life should be avoided at all costs, as this could be considered inappropriate in certain circumstances.
Business negotiations may take longer than expected as Algerians like to feel personally comfortable with those they are working with before they commit to anything. Suppose a visitor prefers that their trip result in an immediate resolution regarding a project. In that case, they should come prepared to discuss various proposals, as this would give them something to think over while they wait for an answer from the other party. In addition, discussing topics outside of work, such as culture or religion, can help both sides become more relaxed, improving prospects for successful negotiations later.
Business Gifts
Gifts are common in business settings, and you should be prepared to receive and give one. However, it is polite to accept a gift with both hands, and it is not expected that the gift will be opened.
When selecting a gift for an Algerian business associate, choose something from your home country that represents your culture, such as a book or music. Avoid giving items related to alcohol or pork, as those are against Islamic law. It is also advisable to make sure that gifts are of equal value when exchanging with Algerians for you to show respect for the relationship.