Table manners most Nigerians disregard

(By Akinpelu Femi)

Table manners are the rules of etiquette used while eating, which may also include the appropriate use of utensils.

Many Nigerians, however, tend to disregard these rules and manners during meals.
Here are some of the table manners that
most people often forget about.

In religious households, a family meal may commence with saying a prayer, or at dinner parties. The guests might begin the meal by offering some favorable comments on the food and thanks to the host.

In a group dining situation it is impolite to begin eating before all the group have been served their food and are ready to start.

Food should always be chewed with the mouth closed.

Your knife must never enter your mouth or be licked.

Talking with food in your mouth is seen as very rude.

Licking one’s fingers while eating can also be considered not appropriate.

Eating at a medium pace is important as eating too slowly may imply dislike of the food and eating too quickly is rude.

It is also rude to slurp food, eat noisily or make noise with the cutlery. Generally it is not acceptable to burp (belch) or spit.

At family meals, children are often expected to ask permission to leave the table at the end of the meal.

Phones and other distracting items like books and newspapers should not be used at the dining table.


Urgent matters should be handled, after an apology, by stepping away from the table.
Watching of television should be suspended until after the meal.

There should always be water on the table at every meal.

Hand washing, both before sitting at a table and after eating, is important. Cleaning with cloth or paper tissue may be unhygienic.