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Global Greetings...Making the Right Impression

1/31/2017

4 Comments

 
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As more people travel around the globe with increasing regularity, making the right first impression begins at “Hello.” Note that greeting practices remain localized, rather than globalized (Tweet it!). Writing in The New York Times’ “What In the World” column far-flung journalist Andrew Jacobs offers some valuable tips:
 


  • Air kisses—where lips never touch the cheek—are customary in many countries, but rules vary. In most of the Arab world, a double air kiss is obligatory, though only between members of the same sex. Argentine men will cheek-kiss one another, but only if they are friends of friends. Things can get complicated in France, as this map illustrates: Expect anywhere from four kisses (in Nantes) down to two (in Toulouse) or a single peck (in Brest).
  • Kissing or touching strangers is frowned upon in Asia. The customary greeting in Thailand involves a bow with the palms pressed together, as if in prayer; similar gestures are common from Cambodia to Indonesia.
  • In India, a limp handshake between men is fine, but don’t try it with a member of the opposite sex.
  • Tibetans have one of the most unusual traditional gestures for greeting others: They stick out their tongues. Do not try this at home!
 
We want to hear: What greeting customs have you noticed in your travels? Have they ever caught you by surprise? To join the conversation, click "comments" on our Community of Practice Forum.
 
If you would like to read more about creating a habit around masterful communication, check out our book: Be Quiet, Be Heard: The Paradox of Persuasion.

4 Comments
ann
1/31/2017 09:10:03 am

This is so very interesting. Thank you.

Reply
susan
1/31/2017 04:50:43 pm

You are most welcome Ann. Inter-cultural/global communication has always fascinated us. Maybe it's because we have learned so much from serious blunders!

Reply
Sally Rash
1/31/2017 11:02:43 am

Having spent time in Japan, I am aware that the culture is neither right nor wrong....just different. I walked into a bowling alley with my shoes on! I gave a farewell hug (ugh!) to my homestay host. But I did walk behind him when we were together.
When he and his wife visited us in Eugene we talked about the differences and learned much from each other. They are special friends. I have studied Japanese language and culture for several years and have made many boo boos but we're still friends.

Reply
susan
1/31/2017 04:52:06 pm

Thanks for this Sally. Same here regarding learning from mistakes! Seems like when there is a genuine desire to learn and understand, much is forgiven.

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