Let's try it!

How Do We Greet People?

When meeting someone for the first time, it is usual to shake the person’s right hand with your right hand. People who don’t know each other generallly do not kiss or hug when meeting. When you first meet someone, it is polite not to talk about personal matters.

Many Australians look at the eyes of the people they are talking with. They consider this a sign of respect, and an indication that they are listening. Do not stare at the person for a long time.

You can address a new acquaintance using their little and family name. you may use their first name when they ask you to or use it in the introduction. In the workspace and among friends, most Australians tend to be informal and call each other by their first names.

Belize

Press first together (Make a fist. Look for another person with the same. When you see someone doing the same thing, press your fists together).

Japan

Bow from waist. Look for another person doing the same

Russia

Kiss three times, on alternate cheeks… left, right, left. This is an old tradition. (Just kiss in the air and look for someone who is doing the same).

  

Egypt

Kiss three times, on alternate cheeks … left, right, left. (Just kiss in the air and look for someone who is doing the same).

Note

Michele Bondesan from Italy informs us with this statement: “I’m an Italian Boy and I would like to inform you that what you say about kissing in Italy is uncorrect. I’ve never seen any Italian people kissing four times; usually we kiss twice or, more recently, three times (young people mostly kiss three times).”

New Zealand (Maori)

When the Maori people greet each other, they press their noses together. This custom is called hongi. (Find your partner by pressing your nose in the air … figure out a way to do this).

Bolivia

The Aymara women in Bolivia says hello to a friend with a trip of her bowler hat. (Tip of your hat to find your partner who is doing the same).

Ecuador

An Ecuadorian woman greets her friend with medio abrazo (“half embrace”) like a partial hug. (Extend your left arm out to the left and look for a person who is extending the right arm).

Mexico

One kiss on the cheek. (Kiss in the air to the left or right).

U.S.

Businesswoman/women usually shake hands when meeting each other. (Do a handshake with your right hand to find your partner).

South Africa

The Zulu of South Africa say, Sakubona when greeting friends. (Say Sakubona to find your partner).

Italy

In Italy, friends greet each other by saying Ciao. (Say Ciao to find your partner).

Fiji

Men are expected to say oooo when greeting their chief. (To find your chief say oooo).

Afghanistan

It is traditional for women to be more reserved in their greetings  than man. When meeting a stranger, a man will say  manda na bashi (may you not to be tired). A Ghilzai woman will raise her hand to cover her mouth. (To find your partner, put your hand over your mouth. Your partner will be saying manda na bashi).

US. And Europe

The high five originated among American college basketball players in the early 1980’s. It soon spread to other sports and became fashionable among young people. (To find your partner, raise your hand to show your high fives).

Zambia

To find your partner, nod, slightly bend knees, and shake hands, right hand extended, with left hand under right elbow.

Portugal

Bomdia means hello in Portuegese. (Say bomdia to find your partner).

Ghana

Ming-gah-bou Ga means “hello” in Ghana. (Say Ming-gah-bou Ga to find your partner)

Turkey

Merhaba means hello. (Say Merhaba to find your partner).

U.S. Military Cadet

Salute to find your partner.

Madagascar

People used to greet nobles by saying Tsara Va? Which meant are you well? (To find your partner say Tsara Va?)

France

In France, peoople say Bon Jour (Good Day) during the day and Bon Soir (good evening) in the evening . (Say Bon Jour to find your partner)

South Africa

The Afrikaners of South Africa say Goeie more in the morning, Goeie middag in the afternoon, and Goeie naand  in the evening. (to find your partner say the appropiate greeting).

Cyprus

Telephone greeting : In Cyprus, people answer the phone with Ano (Yes). To find your partner, ring your phone and listen for Ano.

Czech Republich

Telephone greeting : In Czech Republich, people answer the phone with Prosim (ready). (to find your partner, listen for a phone ring and say Prosim).

Germany

Telephone greeting : In Germany, people answer the phone by saying their last name. to find your partner, listen for a phone ring and say your last name.

Greece

In the exotic Greek language, Kalimera (Good morning) is said. (To find your partner, say Kalimera)

Vietnam

Hello in Viatnamese is different depending on whom you are addressing. To an older man it is Cha ong.  To an older woman it is Chao da. To a younger man it is Chao anh. To a younger woman it is Chao co. To small children it is Chao chau. (To find your partner, use an appropriate greeting, you probably have to try different greetings)

Vietnam

Since hello in Vietnamese varies depending on whom you are addressing, say Bach co khoe kong? (How are you) to find your partner.

(Adapted from www. Hawaii.edu)