Thursday, March 20, 2008

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Meeting and Greeting Customs

There are many different greeting customs around the world. Here are some.

Chile
People usually shake hands when they meet for the first time. When two women first meet, they sometimes give one kiss on the cheek. (They actually "kiss the air".) Women also greet both male and female friends with a kiss. Chilean men give their friends warm abrazos (hugs) or sometimes kiss women on the cheek.

Finland
Finns greet each other with a firm handshake. Hugs and kisses are only for close friends and family.

The Philippines
The everyday greeting for friends is a handshake for both men and women. Men sometimes pat each other on the back.

Korea
Men bow slightly and shake hands to greet each other. Women do not usually shake hands. To address someone with his or her full name, the family name comes first, then the first name.

The United States
People shake hands when they are first introduced. Friends and family members often hug or kiss on the cheek when they see each other. In these situations, men often kiss women but not other men.

(New Interchange - Book 1)