CULTURE INSIGHT - In the home: [53]

- it is usual and considered polite by Xhosa people to
seat yourself quietly and unobtrusively, rather then wait
to be asked to sit – standing in someone’s home on
arrival is considered impolite, aggressive and implies
that you have come to pick a quarrel.
- This is interesting in its contrast to western culture,
where it is considered good manners to wait until you
are asked to be seated or offered a seat. So try to have
seating easily available for Xhosa guests, else you risk
making them feel uncomfortable. Of course, many
urban Xhosa people have long since adapted to
western ways, but showing awareness, respect, courtesy
is a great thing to all people.
- its polite to tell someone that you will be making tea
for them. They must then refuse you. To offer tea is to
put a guest in an uncomfortable position of choice.
Milk is usually cooked with the tea and then taken with
separate sugar to the guest.

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