Language/Multiple-languages/Culture/Different-ways-to-greet-in-the-world

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Who has never been confronted on a trip to the impossibility of knowing how to greet someone?

1, 2, 3 or even 4 kisses, shake hands, hug etc ... a real puzzle!

There are so many different ways of greeting each other, that they are often lost in the midst of all these cultural habits.

So that this situation does not happen to you anymore, we tell you everything below about the different ways to greet around the world when you travel!

France[edit | edit source]

What if we started with the most complicated? True puzzle for foreigners, greeting in France is never very easy to understand! Certainly, it is a kiss between young people or when we know a little, but how many kisses must actually be made? Let's try to clear things up a bit.

The number of kisses depends on where you are. Indeed, the majority of regions chose to make only 2 kisses, but irreducible Gauls still resist this trend.

Part of the southeast is indeed 3 kisses (from the Hérault to the Haute Loire), some parts of the west are mostly 4 (like the Vendée or Sarthe) and Finistère for example rather 1.

To complicate even more, you have to know what cheek to start!

Traveling advice? Make it 2 and start with your right cheek, you're less likely to go wrong!

Check the following map to find the number of kisses and which cheek to start according to the location in France :

Kiss-in-france.jpg

Thailand[edit | edit source]

Thai people are always very elegant, even when it comes to greeting their interlocutor! Just press your hands together and pray gently. This is called the "wai". The higher your hands are placed, the more you want to show your respect. Note that the tips of your fingers should never exceed the level of your eyes.

Austria[edit | edit source]

The Austrians are more formal and shake hands looking at you straight in the eye.

You can add a "Grüß Gott" or "Servus" by shaking hands.

Nowadays, it is also possible to see a man kissing a woman's hand in Vienna! Be careful not to touch your hand while kissing ...

Japan[edit | edit source]

Greeting in Japan can also be complex. The goal is to run an angle of about 15 degrees with your bust for 2 to 5 seconds. The angle and the inclination time differ according to the degree of politeness required. The more you want to show your respect towards the other, the more you have to look.

Tibet[edit | edit source]

To greet someone in Tibet, you have to pull out your tongue! Yes Yes ! This can indeed make you think of a joke but not at all! This practice comes from the belief in reincarnation. Indeed, in the 9th century, a Tibetan king named Lang Darma, known for his immense cruelty, had the particularity of having a black tongue. Tibetan Buddhists who believe in reincarnation and fear that this man has reincarnated, pull out the tongue to show others that their language is not black and they are not the reincarnation of this violent king.

Italy[edit | edit source]

Known for their friendliness and hospitality, the Italians will always make you a kiss! 2 kisses starting from the right by throwing a loud "Ciao"! It may seem a little cliche but it is in practice exactly as it happens!

USA[edit | edit source]

Who has never watched an American series wondering why the actors are constantly hugging each other to say hello? We French people do not like contact when we do not know a person very well. When you meet an American on a trip, do not be surprised if he approaches you and embraces you directly! Can also follow a "Hi! How are you doing? " It is a mark of friendship or sympathy which we accustom indeed indeed very quickly!

New Zealand[edit | edit source]

Greeting in New Zealand is very pretty! Traditionally Maori greet visitors with a gesture called "hongi". Just stick your forehead and nose to those of the other by closing your eyes. They carry out this movement in order to initiate the newcomers and exchange with them the breath of life (called "ha"). After this greeting, the person will no longer be considered as a visitor but as a member of the country throughout his journey.

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