Language/Turkmen/Culture/Greetings-and-Etiquette
In this lesson, you will learn about the customs and etiquette of greetings in Turkmenistan. Turkmen people are known for their hospitality and warm welcome. Traditional Turkmen greetings, gestures, and other customs convey respect for the other person and reflect the importance of maintaining harmonious relationships in society.
Handshakes
Handshakes are an essential part of greeting someone in Turkmenistan, especially among men. When meeting someone new, it is customary to shake hands and say a polite greeting like "Salam" which means "peace" or "hello" in English. It is essential to make eye contact during the handshake as this shows sincerity and trust.
When shaking hands, it is customary to place your left hand on your heart. This gesture signifies that you are greeting the person with warmth and sincerity. If you are close friends or relatives, you may follow the handshake with a hug or an embrace.
Examples:
| Turkmen | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Salam | səˈlæm | Hello |
Greeting Phrases
Turkmen greeting phrases vary depending on the time of day, as well as the relationship between the people who are greeting each other. Here are some of the most common greeting phrases used in Turkmenistan:
Examples:
| Turkmen | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Salam | səˈlæm | Hello |
| Eý, salam! | ej, səˈlæm | Hi! |
| Günäýdyn | ɡyˈnæːjdɪn | Good morning |
| Ikindiňiz häzir! | ɪkin'diŋɪz hæˈzɪr | Good afternoon |
| Agşam häzir! | ɑʁˈʃɑm hæˈzɪr | Good evening |
| Gijäňiz häzir! | ɡʏˈdʒæŋɪz hæˈzɪr | Good night |
Bowing and Kissing the Hand
In Turkmenistan, it is customary to show respect to older people by bowing slightly or kissing their hand. When greeting an older person, you can bow your head as a sign of respect, or you may simply reach for their hand and gently touch your forehead with their hand, symbolizing a kiss.
Keep in mind that this gesture is typically reserved for older relatives or respected figures in the community, and is not expected in casual or professional settings.
Addressing People by Their Titles and Surnames
In Turkmen culture, it is customary to address people by their titles, such as "Mister," "Miss" or "Doctor." These titles are often followed by the person's surname. This way of addressing people is considered polite and respectful.
For close friends and relatives, it is more common to use the person's first name or a nickname.
Examples:
| Turkmen | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Aka | ɑˈkɑ | Older brother (used as a title of respect) |
| Eje | eˈdʒe | Older sister (used as a title of respect) |
Greeting Manners for Different Gender Interactions
In Turkmenistan, it is essential to adhere to culturally specific manners when greeting someone of the opposite gender. Men typically shake hands with other men and may give a hug or pat on the back if they are close friends or relatives.
On the other hand, women usually greet other women with a handshake, a hug, or a cheek-to-cheek kiss depending on the level of familiarity.
When it comes to greetings between men and women who are not closely related, a simple verbal greeting and a slight nod of the head is common. Physical contact, such as handshakes or hugs, may be avoided, especially among conservative community members. It is essential to pay attention to the cues given by the other person to avoid any awkwardness or unintentional disrespect.
Hospitality and Welcoming Guests
Turkmen people are known for their generosity and hospitality, and they place great importance on making guests feel welcomed and comfortable. When entering someone's home, it is customary to bring a small gift for the host, such as a box of chocolates, flowers or a houseplant.
The host may offer you tea, snacks, or even a full meal, depending on the time and relationship between the guest and host. It is polite to accept the offer and enjoy the refreshments while engaging in conversation with your host.
When inside the host's home, removing your shoes is expected, and the host may provide you with a pair of slippers to wear. It is essential to comply with these customs to demonstrate respect for the host and their home.
Conclusion
Understanding and practicing proper greeting etiquette is an essential aspect of fitting into Turkmen culture. As a foreigner, making an effort to follow these customs is a sign of respect, and it can help you establish strong relationships with locals. After completing this lesson, you should have a good understanding of the Turkmen greeting customs and be well-prepared to greet and interact with Turkmen people respectfully and appropriately.
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- Traditional Art Forms
- Turkmen Holidays
- Turkmenistan Timeline
- Famous Turkmen Writers
- Regions of Turkmenistan
- Famous Landmarks