Greeting people can be awkward enough: Do you shake hands? Go in for a hug? Kiss?
But if you toss in a new culture, meeting someone can turn into a completely unseemly experience.
Save yourself from embarrassment on your next trip and come prepared for an appropriate greeting.
Here's the ultimate guide to greeting people in 19 ｃountries around the world.
Italy, Spain, and Portugal: Kiss on each cheek
A quick kiss on each cheek — usually right, then left, though reversed in Italy — will suffice in Italy, Spain, Portugal, and much of Europe.
Most of the time, rather than pecking, it's common to brush cheeks and make a kissing sound. Just don't be surprised if you find an Italian with wandering lips.
Germany: A firm handshake
Most Germans despise lippy introductions. In fact, they hate it so much they've tried to abolish it.
Stick to handshakes. It’s more efficient, as is the German way.
Japan: Bow
The bow is the standard greeting in Japan. Depending on the formalities, bows differ in duration, declination, and style.
Among peers, the bow may be subtle, but don't dare bow that lightly to elders.
France: Kiss on the cheeks three or four times
In France the cheek-to-cheek — or cheek-to-cheek-to-cheek — kiss is as regional as the ｃountry’s wines. In the same way you wouldn’t order a Merlot in Burgundy, you wouldn't want to kiss twice when, typically, they kiss four.
In Paris, the standard is two, and, on Corsica, they're practically making out with five kisses.
The Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland: Kiss three times from right to left to right
Vague acquaintances stick to handshakes and uncomfortable silence, but, if you're anything more than complete strangers, you'll kiss three times: right-left-right.
Thailand: Press your hands together and slightly bow
There's only one correct way — or wai — to greet in Thailand, and that's to press your hands together in a prayer like fashion and slightly bow to your acquaintance.
Brazil: Kiss closely one to three times
Much like its neighbor, Brazilians don't shy away from physical contact.
Depending on the region, you'll kiss one to three times however, the single ladies tend to give an extra smooch —try not to blush.
The United Kingdom: A handshake
One thing that unhinges Brits more than disorganized queues and people who “stand on the left” is a kissy greeting.
A handshake, preferably with little eye contact and some incoherent Hugh Grant-like mumbling, is ideal
UAE and Saudi Arabia: Touch noses
In the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and a number of Persian Gulf ｃountries, the go-to greeting isn't a handshake or kiss on the cheek, but rather it's touching noses.
While a kiss can be intimate but a nose, a “nose” is merely a handshake using other means, right?
Greece: A kiss and a slap on the back
Nothing says “nice to meet you” quite like getting slapped on the back.
At least Greeks tend to give two kisses to ease the pain.
Argentina: A hug and kiss on the cheek
Male, female, old, young, it doesn't matter: Whether you want one or not, you’re getting a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
India: Place your palms together and say “Namaste"
Most westerners get a handshake, but, if you're looking to seem less touristy, it’s all about Namaste — something yogis might remember.
Place your palms together like a prayer, tilt your head forward, and say “Namaste,” which means, “adoration to you.”
China: Bow or shake hands
In formal settings, the Chinese bow, but, in recent years handshakes have become the norm.
When introducing yourself, don't be surprised if you're expected to list your profession and the company for which you work. It's normal.
United States: Handshake, fist bump, hug, or wave
There's the handshake, fist bump (Thanks, Obama), hug, bro-hug, “the nod,” and the ever-endearing, half-excited wave. Take your pick.
Article Source:http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-greet-people-around-the-world-2016-8/#united-states-handshake-fist-bump-hug-or-wave-14
Image Source: http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/57bc92f9dd089595158b4837-1200/china-bow-or-shake-hands.jpg
VOCABULARY WORDS:
1. Suffice (v.) ~ be enough or adequate
2. Peck (v./informal) ~ to kiss briefly and casually
3. Despise (v.) ~ feel contempt or a deep repugnance for
4. Subtle (adj.) ~ making use of clever and indirect methods to achieve something
5. Acquaintance ((n.) ~ a person one knows slightly, but who is not a close friend
6. Unhinge (adj.) ~ to disrupt or unsettle
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1. How do Koreans greet family members? Friends? Acquaintances? Business associates/ work colleague?
2. Do you think that it’s important to greet the people from another ｃountry in the way they greet each other? Discuss your answer.
3. Why is it important to understand other ｃountry’s culture?
4. When 2 people from different ｃountries greet each other and they have different ways of greetings, which kind of greeting should they use, the host's or the guest's? Explain your opinion.
