“The way you greet someone determines how [they] will welcome you.” (Hungarian Proverb)
It’s impossible to learn all the languages in
the world, but you can learn the basics like how to say “hello.” People
around the world greet each other in different ways sometimes due to religious
(or superstitious beliefs). Not only do other cultures use different phrases to
welcome someone, they also use different body language. The combination of the
correct phrase and action can make a great first impression. It can help to
show respect, and put someone at ease. Read below to discover how people across
the globe say “hi.”
Air kisses:
In France the standard greeting is called "bises." Bises means “kisses” in French. When
two people greet each other, they will touch cheeks and kiss the air. In most
parts of France, people greet each other with two kisses (on the left cheek and
right cheek). As they do their bises, they will say “Bonjour” (hello
in French). In some parts of France, people do four kisses.
A kiss on the cheek
is a very common greeting across the world. Places like Italy,
Spain, Portugal, Ukraine, Russia, and much of Latin America use kisses as a
greeting. In contrast, the number of kisses varies between countries. In
Ukraine and Russia three kisses is normal. On the other hand, one kiss on the
right cheek is polite in Argentina.
Bowing:
Bowing is a common greeting across Asia. Each country uses a slightly different
bow as a greeting. In Japan, your bow reflects the
other person’s social status. When bowing a person should keep their hands to
their sides and bend at the waist. A longer, deeper bow is expected for more
important and respected people. In India, people greet each other by placing
their hands in the center of their chest and bowing. They also will say "namaste" as
they do this. Namaste means “I bow to you” in Sanskrit. It is a term of
respect.
Shaking hands: In North America, you know the standard greeting is “hello.” It is usually accompanied by a handshake in formal settings. In informal situations, it is followed by a wave or an appropriate hug. Most Americans associate a good handshake with success. Making eye contact during a handshake is important. A person should make sure they don’t grip the other person’s hand too hard. Handshakes are used in business and social settings.
Handshakes
are used as greetings across the world. Countries like China, Germany, Great
Britain, and Rwanda all use handshakes for greeting purposes. The preferred
handshake of each country is a little different. Did you know in the Middle
East you should only shake hands with your right hand? Did you know that in China you should use a lighter grip?
Sticking your tongue out: In Tibet, Buddhist monks greet one another by sticking their tongue out. This tradition goes back more than
1,000 years. Legend says that there was a very cruel king who ruled in the 9th century.
The king was known for his black tongue.
The monks stick out their tongue to show they come in peace. It demonstrates
they are not the reincarnated king.
Touching noses or foreheads: Certain cultures greet each other by
touching noses, foreheads, or both. The traditional Maori greeting in New
Zealand does this. This greeting is called "hongi." Hongi means “sharing of breath”. People press
their foreheads and noses together and look into each other’s eyes. The hongi is
used across New Zealand.
In Oman, Qatar, and
Yemen people will greet each other by touching noses. It is important to
remember this greeting is only used between people of the same sex. In Arabic
cultures it is considered inappropriate to use this greeting with a member of
the opposite sex.
In North America, much of how message is received
depends on tone of voice. Tone of voice in communication is defined as “the way
a person speaks to someone.” It is how you use your voice to get your point
across. If you don’t do it right, there is a risk of your point getting lost or
misinterpreted. Your tone of voice conveys your feelings and has an impact on
how people react to you. In a business scenario, the tone of voice has a direct
effect on team dynamics and productivity.
An optimistic and positive tone of voice is always welcome. If you use a pessimistic or accusatory tone of voice in communication, the results may be negative. One of the types of tone of voice is humor. Genuine humor creates trust, hope and makes your speech memorable.
The Greek philosopher Aristotle said that you
can persuade others in three ways, by appealing to reason, emotion, or to
character. Great Greek orators used a persuasive tone of voice in
communication, which was based on a problem-solution structure. This almost
always resulted in the desired results. Other
types of tone of voice include: motivating,
informative, soft, respectful, formal, informal, factual, directive, assertive,
friendly, questioning, or conversational.
“’Hello’ is the
most inspiring word against loneliness.” (inspiringquotes.us)[i]
[i] Adapted from:
· “5 Surprising Greetings from Cultures
around the World” by acutrans19
· “Finding the Right Tone of Voice in
Communication” by Harappa Education
· “How Do People around the World Greet
Each Other” by Carla
· “WAYS OF GREETING IN
DIFFERENT COUNTRIES” by Tochi and Juli
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