Understanding cultural do’s and don’ts is a crucial component of diversity training in the workplace. Greetings can vary dramatically from one country to another, with specific nuances for gender and social context adding layers of complexity. To ensure a faux pas-free journey, whether for work or pleasure, it might feel like you need a field guide for international etiquette.
For those looking to deepen their cultural savvy, consider supplementing your know-how with some comprehensive cultural competency training.
Let’s demystify some of these greeting conventions.
A guide through various interesting gestures and greeting cultures
In the United States, a firm handshake accompanied by a friendly “hello” is a one-size-fits-all approach, while cheek-kissing is far less common than in other cultures.
The United Kingdom keeps it cool with a simple “hello” for friends and a handshake when making a new acquaintance. However, don’t be surprised by a quick peck on the cheek in a more casual setting.
France delights in the double cheek kiss, a gesture shared freely among friends and upon arrival and departure—a tradition even the little ones learn.
Japan is known for its respectful bows, a contrast to the casual Western handshake and the warmth of a hug.
In Arab countries, it’s common for close male friends or colleagues to exchange hugs and kisses on both cheeks. When shaking hands, the right hand is used exclusively. Be mindful of interactions between men and women, as direct contact is often discouraged in some contexts.
Hungary offers a lesson in versatility with cheek kisses among friends and firm handshakes upon first introductions.
Belgium‘s universal greeting involves a single cheek kiss, regardless of gender or familiarity.
China opts for more subtlety, with a nod, smile, or handshake reserved for formal interactions.
Russian greetings may be robust—a bone-crushing handshake for men and a softer one for women, with a potential trio of cheek kisses or even a hand kiss thrown in for good measure.
Albania and Armenia show diversity even within Europe, with everything from handshakes to cheek kisses marking different levels of familiarity and social context.
In some Pacific Island cultures, a traditional nose-pressing gesture called the ‘honi’ is similar to the Maori ‘hongi’ and signifies the sharing of one’s breath of life.
In Tibet, sticking out your tongue can be a welcoming gesture, a practice that historically ensured the person you were greeting was not a reincarnation of a cruel 9th-century king known for his black tongue.
In Inuit communities, the ‘kunik’—a form of greeting involving pressing one’s nose and upper lip against someone’s cheek or forehead and taking a deep breath—is a sign of affection typically reserved for loved ones.
Keep in mind, this is just a snapshot of global greetings. Hand gestures, too, can be a minefield of misinterpretation. For instance:
- A friendly wave in many cultures might be seen as brash or dismissive in East Asian or European contexts, where it could signify “no” or even “come here” as it does in India.
- The hand counting customs differ interestingly, as Germans and Austrians may interpret your index finger as “two,” and in Japan, a thumb signals “five.”
- Inviting someone over with a curled fingers motion is generally impolite outside of Western contexts and is often reserved for calling pets in places like the Philippines and East Asia.
- Pointing with an index finger is considered rude in many cultures, emphasizing the importance of using hand gestures judiciously. Gestures often speak louder than words, so it’s wise to be as attentive with our hands as we are with our language.
Embrace the world’s diversity with open eyes and, perhaps, reserved hands. It’s not just greetings – different cultures communicate differently as well, so don’t forget to explore global communication styles in the workplace. To navigate holiday greetings and more, subscribe to our Online Diversity Calendar.
Greetings and Customs FAQs
What is greeting in culture?
Greeting in culture is the way people acknowledge each other’s presence and initiate communication or social interaction. It’s a foundational element of social etiquette, varying widely from one culture to another, and is deeply rooted in societal norms, values, and traditions.
What is a traditional greeting?
A traditional greeting is a customary way that people belonging to the same culture acknowledge each other in social or formal settings, which often has historical significance or cultural symbolism. These greetings are part of a community’s heritage and can include specific phrases or conventional gestures passed down through generations. For instance, the Maori hongi, where people press their noses and foreheads together, or the Japanese bow, are traditional greetings that carry deep meaning in their respective cultures.
What is the most popular greeting internationally?
The most popular greeting internationally is arguably the handshake. It is widely recognized and used across various cultures for both casual and formal occasions. Despite its commonality, the way a handshake is performed—its firmness, duration, and accompanying eye contact or verbal greeting—can vary, reflecting the diversity of global customs. However, its prevalence in global business and diplomacy makes it a universally understood gesture of introduction and agreement.