The document provides guidance on several African gestures and their cultural meanings: 1) Never use the left hand for gestures like saluting or writing as it is considered prohibited. 2) Belching after a meal is seen as polite as it signifies being fully fed. 3) Pointing is done with the chin among some groups like the Maasai as fingers are associated with tools. 4) Extended eye contact is seen as threatening so one should look slightly aside during conversations. 5) Exposing the soles of feet is impolite as feet touch the ground and are seen as dirty.

1. African GesturesLeft hand ProhibitionBelching after a mealPointing with the chinEye contact (threatening)Feet soles (dirty)

2. Left Hand ProhibitionNever salute with the left handIt does not matter if you are left handedDo not write someone’s name using the left hand

3. This is prohibited

4. Now you got it right

5. Belching after a mealIt is polite to belch after a mealIt is a sign that one has been fed fullyIt is an appreciation gesture

6. Seemingly gross but polite

7. Pointingwith the ChinSome Africans do not point with the fingersThe Maasai point with the chinFingers are always holding something, e.g. a spear, a machete or a knife

8. The wrong way to point

9. The cool way

10. Eye Contact - ThreateningEye contact is threateningAlways look slightly to the side as you maintain the conversationYou can occasionally establish a brief eye contact but it should not last long

11. Eye contact is threatening

12. Look slightly over the person

13. Soles of the feet - dirtyDo not expose the soles of your feetFeet are considered the dirtiest parts of the human body because they touch the groundThis is particularly offensive to Muslims

14. Very impolite

15. Keep your feet off view