Courtesy an customs in Madagascar

The Malagasy people are naturally courteous, irreverent or even obsequious. Customary courtesies are copied from the European way of life and no particular rule is called for. Take care to thank and greet somebody systematically, if possible in Malagasy, to form relationship with the local people. A handshake is common but is a stamp of solemnity. Most of the time a shaking of the head and an honest smile, with which the Malagasy people are generous, are enough.

The respect and obedience to the elderly or a person of a higher rank lies at the very heart of any human relationship. For the Malagasy people, each foreigner and eminent person will be the people to whom they owe respect and they expect the same from you in return. In any small village, your presence will be often regarded as an event arousing curiosity and fear. Moreover, it is always necessary to inquire about the taboos (fady) in force before visiting a place. These taboos are very specific: pork is forbidden after such limit, one must not pass in front of such stone, it is taboo to point its finger on such place...