subject: How People In Varying Countries Greet Other People [print this page] When you get acquainted with people, the first and most proper thing you must do is to greet them. Greetings are a nice way to welcome another person. Although the handshake is the most common form of greeting on earth, the execution of the same varies in different cultures. In some cultures, their greetings differ depending on the age of the recipient of the greeting, and the gender. When travelling, you will need to know the greeting traditions of the place in order not to avoid offending people you may meet, or not to be surprised by their greetings. Outlined below is a quick guide to the customary forms of greeting in different countries to help you know what to do when you are visiting other places.
When in France, you could greet someone by having the usual handshake. Familiar acquaintances will greet each other by kissing both cheeks when they meet, and when they say goodbye. Whenever greeting an older individual, show respect by using "Madamme" when addressing women and "Monsieur" when talking to a man.
When in Italy, anticipate seeing friends and family members of both genders also kissing one another's cheek, or just brushing a cheek against another person's cheek. Both men and women likewise hug in greeting when they meet each other.
Throughout Russia, expect a strong handshake between guys. Always maintain a direct eye contact when shaking a person's hand. When shaking a female's hand, the same mustn't be too strong. A female's male friend may well kiss her cheek at least two times, alternating from a cheek to another, or he may elect to kiss her hands.
When men throughout Hungary meet for the first time, it is a practice to shake hands firmly. People who know one another kiss on the cheek. While in the place, you will need to note that the custom of kissing a cheek is done from your right to the left cheek.
In the rural parts of Armenia, it is the men who should offer their hand first for a lady to shake. Hugs and kisses on the cheeks, can likewise be seen between close friends and family.
The actual greeting in the People's Republic of China is more conservative. In case you meet someone the very first time, you should nod your head at him or her and smile. If you meet in a formal occasion, you can shake someone's hands. Always remember to greet the older people first by bowing. Conversely, handshakes aren't commonly used in Japan. Instead, People bow whenever greeting each other.
When in the Middle East, you'll observe that men who are close usually hug and kiss each other on both cheeks. Use your right hand whenever for a hand shake. Bodily contact in public among the opposite sex is not allowed there, so they cannot shake hands with each other.
The handshake is commonly used in Africa. It is important to always extend your right hand whenever greeting. When in a gathering, you should shake everybody's hand.
Knowing the customary forms of greeting in varying countries is important especially when heading for other countries. Your vacation can be made more pleasant by knowing these simple greetings and using them properly.