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Cultural Etiquette
Cultural Dos and Taboos
1. Visitors should observe both Western and traditional formalities.
2. When meeting and greeting a local, use the most formal terms and titles, unless invited to do otherwise.
3. In general, dress is casual. Beachwear should only be worn at the beach. Women should be careful to keep their thighs covered.
4. Remove shoes before entering a house, church or meeting place. This practice is called "manepa" locally.
5. Because of its remoteness, amenities and services in Tuvalu often take time; patience is always the best way to handle the wait.
6. Religion is a significant aspect of the social life in Tuvalu. Sunday church service in this Christian country is practically mandatory and all daily practices, even business deals, are heavily influenced by a sense of Christian ethics. Visitors will note that religion has been integrated into almost all aspects of ethics and behavior, thus creating a special customary or cultural code.
7. As with many Pacific states, the culture is based on a complex collection of rules, which define the social hierachy, basic courtesy as well as the customs of public and private life.
8. It is not considered polite to have a conversation in a foreign language in front of others. Tuvaluans will make a point of explaining to foreigners that they will be speaking in their language or about to have a private conversation, in order not to offend visitors who do not speak the language. Visitors should do likewise and precede their conversation with such an explanation, so as not to offend or exclude locals who may be present.
9. The "feast of fatele" is a traditional Tuvaluan celebration, filled with dance, song, music and other forms of revelry. If visitors are present for such events, joining in the festivities is advisable. Shyness or protestations are not the best excuses for non-participation in this friendly culture.
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