Hello!
Howdy!
G’day!
Bonjour!
Hola!
Guten Tag!
Konnichi Wa!
Nî Hao!
With 196 countries in the world and a different greeting in almost all, it’s worth learning
a few if you like to travel.
Being able to greet a local in their own language is a fantastic way to break the ice and earn
their respect, but it’s not only about the words.
For some, it’s about their customs or rituals, handshakes, kisses, hugs, bows, nods, fist
bumps…and they all depend on the situation, is it a more formal or casual setting?
Of course, we cannot talk about greetings without mentioning the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic
and how it changed the world’s thinking on unnecessary physical contact.
People (though mainly strangers) are less likely to bother with handshakes nowadays
and accept more of a nod or gesture towards each other…and this seems to have been welcomed
as the ‘new normal’, whereas pre-pandemic, it would be considered rather rude if a business
meeting did not kick off with handshakes or pats on the back all round.
The Brits are quite famous for their awkward greetings, and not only when making new acquaintances,
even within their own families.
It’s all about keeping a stiff upper lip and maintaining boundaries, so often a firm
handshake or just a “nice to meet you” is enough…although, the younger generation
are much more huggy-kissy types than ever before.
In America, Canada, and Mexico, this is also the norm where physical contact is an essential
part of communication.
Hugs and kisses are a way of showing affection, warmth, appreciation, or congratulations,
especially if there has been a significant length of time between meetings.
In most European countries, a kiss (or two, or sometimes even three) on the cheek is the
norm, regardless of familiarity.
On the other side of the world, most Asian countries are known for their formal greetings
- a handshake, a nod or a bow (and in most company meetings, a very specific way of exchanging
and handling a business card).
The angle and duration of a bow is meaningful, depending on social status and the relationship
between two people, and hugs are almost unheard of in Japan, especially amongst family members
where they are viewed as highly inappropriate.
Don’t even go there with a kiss!
In India, within the Hindu community, the most common greeting involves joining the
hands in front of the chest and bowing the head slightly whilst reciting “Namaste”
(literally “Greetings to you”).
This is also common in Thailand and is a polite and respectful way to greet, though there
are many variations in India, some which involve touching the feet of elders or those in authority
to show respect.
In a similar gesture, Filipinos take the hands of their elders and press it to their foreheads
as a show of respect upon meeting.
Possibly the most unique greeting award goes to Tibetans who stick their tongue out to
greet people!
In conclusion, it’s impossible to learn all the languages of the world, so next time
you’re thinking of travelling or meeting someone from a different background, take
a moment to learn about their greeting’s customs.
It will go a long way to building respect and communication, and maybe even help to
forge new friendships.
See ya next time.
Aurevoir.
Sayonara.
Hasta manana.