Greeting is not just a gesture of politeness. For some nations, this is a whole rite. Usually the words that people say to each other when they meet, start a telephone conversation, personal correspondence, etc., contain wishes for good, peace, and health. Sometimes they express interest in how a person lives, whether everything is in order with him.
In order not to look like an ill-mannered person, you need to know how to greet correctly, behave according to etiquette in personal communication. This will allow you to show your best side, especially if you are seeing a person for the first time, and his opinion of you is just beginning to take shape.
Etiquette
There is a whole system of rules on how to say hello.
It has its own for every nation. Here they say: "Meet by clothes, see off by mind". In today's world this is called "overall image".
In economically developed countries, it is customary to form an opinion about a person not by clothes and its cost, but by focusing on how a person knows how to behave correctly when starting to communicate.
The inhabitants of our latitudes are gradually moving away from significance "overall image", paying attention to the tact and upbringing of the counterpart, losing sight of his hairstyle, the correct selection of accessories, the brand of perfume.
To a greater extent, this applies to business circles. Considerable importance was attached to etiquette at all times, but as a system of designated rules, it was formed only a little more than 3 centuries ago. Some people believe that the greeting does not convey any information.
In fact, the interlocutor with his help gives a lot of signals:
- Expression of respect for the rights and personality of a counterpart;
- Positioning yourself as a person equal to the interlocutor;
- Expression of desire and interest in further communication, regardless of the ultimate goal (business, friendly interaction, etc.).
Greetings from different nations
If you have a meeting with representatives of other countries, find out how they greet according to their etiquette. For example, it is customary for the Japanese to bow when meeting.
If you intend to visit Japan, remember that there are three types of bows:
- Saikerei. It is weighed to the address of people with a high social status, respectable elders. The tilt angle is approximately 45 degrees. As a rule, the Japanese honor the most respected guests with such bows;
- Kayrey. They greet people when they enter or leave the premises. The tilt angle is 30 degrees;
- Eshaku. This is the simplest tribute. If a Japanese greets and weighs exactly this, he implies that one could just walk past. The degree of inclination is approximately 15 degrees.
For a long time, the Chinese and Koreans also used a similar system of bows, but at present, representatives of these peoples will shake hands with a European, and greet each other with their hands clasped and raised above their heads.
Close people in India usually hug. The men pat each other on the back, and the women touch their cheeks twice. Residents of this country greet strangers by bringing the joined fingers of two hands to their eyebrows.
In France, a stranger is greeted with a handshake, but if the situation is informal, it is customary to imitate three kisses, touching cheeks.
If in New Zealand a person touches your nose with his, it means that you are very nice to him.
Do not be surprised by the hot hugs of the inhabitants of Latin America - the "hot" representatives of this country give them to everyone.
In European countries, it is customary to shake hands when meeting.
How does this happen to Muslims?
It is worth studying the traditions if you are going to a Muslim country.
Greeting etiquette is highly respected by Muslims, associating it with religion. "As-salamu 'alaikum"(“Peace be with you”) - this is their greeting, in response to which you need to answer "Wa-'alaikum as-salaam"("Peace to you too" ). This is a short version, but for a foreigner it is quite enough to express his respect to the interlocutor. But this is not all that you need to know about how, and what they want to say with this, Muslims greet.
"As-salam" means well-being, health, peace. He is not just desired from the heart, but they ask Allah to give these blessings.
The name "Muslim" comes from this word and means, among other things, a greeting. Honoring each other with this word, people seem to conclude an agreement among themselves on mutual respect for the honor, rights and life of another person.
If salam is given to one person, he must definitely answer. Otherwise, Allah will be angry, and the request for peace and health will not be heard.
When sending a greeting to a group of people, it does not matter who is the first to say hello, the main thing is that at least someone from the team answers. The answer to “salaam” should be received quickly, because delay without a good reason is a great sin.
It is not forbidden, but it is highly discouraged for a man to greet an outside woman if she is unaccompanied by her husband or other people. In this case, the woman does not have the right to answer "salaam". A woman is an outsider for a man if, according to the norms of Islam, he can marry her.
The same applies to people who are busy at a certain moment, who may not have the opportunity to answer.
"See you today"- sometimes you can hear in response to "Hello" with us. Muslims greet every meeting in order to cry out to Allah for peace and health as often as possible. This is especially true for families.
Salam is often accompanied by a handshake.
Jewish greetings
Their greeting is consonant with the Muslim (“Shalom”, “Shalom Aleichem”) and the meaning is similar - “Peace”, “Peace be with you”. Recently, most often Jews use its short form ("Shalom").
Depending on the time of day, people may say hello differently.
For example, if you need to wish good morning, they say "Bokeh of mouths", good afternoon - "Tsohoraim tovim", evenings - "Erev tov". It is considered polite to ask, “What do you hear?” ("Ma nishma?").
If, when greeting, the Jews want to show their participation, they are interested in how the interlocutor is doing - “Mashlomcha?” .
How is it done with us?
The culture of communication in our latitudes also implies a wish for health or an interest in how the counterpart is doing.
There are a number of nuances that need to be considered when greeting a person. For example, this applies to who should say hello first according to etiquette. The younger must show respect. In relation to a woman, the man expresses his respect first.
If she is sitting, she has the right not to get up in response.
But if she receives a guest in her house, it is advisable to get up. A woman who is in the company of a man should greet a woman who is not in the company of the opposite sex. Regardless of the accompaniment, the younger woman greets the older one.
In ancient times, a slave had to bow before his master.
Today, it is enough for a subordinate to be the first to greet the boss, but only the leader can initiate a handshake. The exception is the female subordinate, who must reach out first.
Events
In most parts of the world, the handshake is a universal form of greeting, expressing an emotional connection between people through a physical handshake. But in many places, greetings are accompanied by more elaborate rituals.
For example, in Europe people love to kiss each other when they greet each other, and in many countries there are rules about how often to kiss and which cheek to start on. Even shaking hands is not such a simple ritual in some countries.
And, despite the fact that most people will correctly understand the handshake, knowledge of national customs will always ensure you the location of the locals.
Handshakes
The ancient Greeks shook hands in the same way that we do now, and this was gesture of friendliness, hospitality and trust. In medieval Europe, kings and knights held out their hands to each other to show that they had no weapons and were not doing any harm to another person. This gesture is also meant equality, as opposed to bowing and kissing hands, which meant differences and dominance of one person over another. When shaking hands, both participants must be at the same level to show the same level of respect. It also reduces the physical barrier that normally separates and protects us. The other participant does the same, forming a bond mutual security.
A handshake can also be a way to appreciate someone you meet for the first time. Anyone who has ever gone to an interview or business meeting knows the value a firm handshake that means you are confident and in control, in contrast to a sluggish handshake, which expresses uncertainty and indecision.
Different types of handshake
The handshake is accepted all over the world, especially in Europe and North America. It is universal and at the same time individual, because in different places people impose distinctive features on it.
For example, in the Philippines people shake hands lightly. In Malaysia, the gesture of greeting includes shaking the interlocutor's hand, pulling the hand to your chest, and asking, "Where are you going?"
The people of Benin grab their fingers when shaking hands, lightly touch the palms and fingers, asking: "How did you wake up?".
In Grenada, the handshake is more reminiscent of punches, and in South Africa, the ritual of pinky clutching, fist shaking, and pinky clutching again has become common on many streets in the United States.
In Singapore, the date also returns the palms to the chest, leaving them on the heart to show affection.
kisses
In some countries, a handshake is not enough to show your affection towards the interlocutor, and from you expect a mutual kiss, a universal sign of deep affection.
Kissing rituals are predominant in Europe and can be quite complex. Parisians kiss four times on both cheeks, always starting on the left cheek.. If you are in Brittany, then they kiss three times here, on the Cote d'Azur five or six times, and in other areas of France two times are enough. Two kisses upon greeting are also the rule in Spain, Austria and Scandinavia, but In Spain, kissing should always be on the right cheek..
In the Netherlands, kissing is done three times, starting and ending on the same cheek, and several times more if you're kissing older people and close family members. Age also plays a role in Belgium, where people kiss once with people of the same age, and three times with people who are ten years older or more.
A in Oman, men kiss each other on the nose when greeting.
bows
Of course, handshakes and kisses are not the only ways to greet each other. In many Asian countries, there are different ways of bowing as a greeting.
In Arab and Muslim countries, when greeting, people put their hands together as in prayer and bow to show their recognition to the other. In many countries, it is also customary to hug close friends and family members.
Of course, it's hard enough to remember all the ways people around the world show their hospitality and respect.
When in doubt, remember that a confident but gentle handshake, usually with the right hand, a smile and openness will be accepted in most countries.
You can also just wait and repeat what your interlocutor is doing. And don't be surprised if suddenly someone starts kissing your nose or sniffing your cheeks.
How to say hello in different countries
Different countries greet each other in different ways. Traditions to greet each other vary from a simple handshake to rubbing noses and sniffing cheeks. Moreover, the greeting has its own meaning!
Russia. People at a meeting wish each other good health and exchange friendly handshakes.
IN USA to the question: “How are you” (“How do you do?”) The answer is: “Everything is fine!”, Even if far from it. To say “bad” is the height of indecency!
Some Indian people take off their shoes when they meet.
IN Tunisia When greeting on the street, it is customary to first bow, bring your right hand to your forehead, then to your lips, then to your heart. “I think about you, I talk about you, I respect you” - this is the meaning of this greeting.
Mongolia. When meeting, people say to each other, “Are your cattle healthy?”.
Israel:"Peace to you!"
Inhabitants of the country Tonga located on the Pacific Islands, when meeting with acquaintances, they stop at a distance, shake their heads, stamp their feet and snap their fingers.
IN Japan it is not customary to shake hands. The Japanese bow at a meeting with one of three types of bows - the lowest, medium with an angle of 30 degrees, or light.
Eskimos, greeting a friend, lightly hit him with a fist on the head and shoulders.
Zulus (a people in South Africa). When they meet, they exclaim “I see you!”.
Inhabitants New Guinea from the koi-ri tribe, greeting, tickle each other under the chin.
Representatives of the African Akamba people living in the south Kenya, as a sign of deep respect ... spit on the oncoming one.
Inhabitants of the Republic Zambia in Central Africa, greetings are clapped and curtseyed.
Tibet. When meeting, people take off their headgear with their right hand, and put their left hand behind their ear and stick out their tongue.
India. As a sign of greeting, people fold their hands together and respectfully press them to their chest. Also in India in the morning they may ask: “Did the mosquitoes bother you too much this night?”
China. When meeting, people bow with arms extended along the body.
IN Italy when they meet each other they say "Chao!".
Greetings from the inhabitants of the island Easter: stand straight, clench your hands into fists, stretch them in front of you, raise them above your head, unclench your fists and let your hands fall quietly.
At Greenlanders there is no formal greeting, but when they meet they always say: “Good weather”, even if it is minus 40 degrees outside and a damp wind is blowing.
IN Botswana(a small country in southern Africa, most of which is occupied by the Kalahari Desert) the traditional national “Pula” is translated as a wish: “Let it rain!”
And in ancient times the tribe Tuareg, living in the deserts, was a very complex and long greeting. It started when two more people were about a hundred meters from each other and could last as long as half an hour! The Tuareg bowed, jumped, grimaced ...
It is believed that handshakes appeared in ancient times. Then, stretching out their hands to each other, people showed that they had no weapons, that they had come in peace.
According to another version, the handshake originated in the days of knightly tournaments. When the duel of two knights dragged on and it was clear that they were equal in strength, the opponents drove up to each other in order to discuss the peaceful outcome of the duel. Having gathered, the knights held out their hands for a handshake and held them like that until the end of the negotiations, thereby protecting themselves from possible deceit and deceit by the enemy. That is why the handshake is now common mainly among men.
Sociologist Spencer believes that the handshake is a remnant of an ancient custom. In ancient times, warriors did not leave alive defeated enemies. But later a man came up with the idea that the enemy can be kept as a free servant, a slave. And recognizing himself defeated and subdued, as a token of gratitude for the fact that life was given to him, the newly-made slave first fell on his face, as if showing that he was killed, defeated, then slowly rose, kneeling, and extended both palms to his master, showing that he gives himself to him.
Perhaps that is why in Latin and the words “hand” - “manus” and “submit” - “manus dare”, and later also “mansuetus” - “tamed”, “slave” are the same root.
Thus, if we paraphrase a well-known phrase about a friend, we can say: tell me how you say hello and I'll tell you who you are.
In psychology, there is Stanley Milgram's theory - “ six handshake theory“. Its essence is that any 2 inhabitants of the planet are separated on average by only 5 levels of mutual acquaintances - that is, 6 handshakes. This hypothesis has been repeatedly tested in various ways, including computer simulations and Microsoft, but has always been confirmed. She works! Surely, walking around the expanses of the Internet, you were often surprised to learn that an acquaintance of your friend has long been familiar to you! ...
Practicum on tolerance
Tolerance training for teenagers Lesson 1 TOLERANCE: WHAT IS IT? (PART 1) Goals:
- to acquaint teenagers with the concept of "tolerance";
- stimulate the imagination of participants in search of their own
- understanding of tolerance in three ways: (1) based on the development of a "scientific definition", (2) through an expressive form, (3) using an associative series.
Introduction Target: - introduction to the problem Required time: 25 minutes.
Procedure: Group rules are accepted. Then the facilitator tells the group members about what “tolerance” and “intolerance” (or intolerance) are, about their manifestations and about the consequences of intolerance. The lecture can be prepared by the facilitator independently or based on the introduction to this manual. In conclusion, the facilitator presents the objectives of the training written on the board and talks about them.
Acquaintance Required time: 15 minutes.
The facilitator invites the participants to introduce themselves as they would like to be called in the group (for example, use pseudonyms).
Procedure(possible options). Exercise "Snowball". The group members sit in a circle.
The host introduces himself first. Then the negro sitting to the left of the speaker calls the name of the leader and his own name. Each next participant calls in turn the names of all those introduced before him. Thus, the participant closing the circle will have to name the names of all members of the group.
Exercise "Neighbor on the right, neighbor on the left"
The participant who holds the ball in his hands calls the names of the neighbors to the right and left of himself, and then introduces himself. After that, he throws the ball to any of the members of the group. The person who received the ball must again name the names of his neighbors on the right and left and introduce himself, and so on.
Warm up Goals:
- creating a relaxed, friendly atmosphere in the group;
- increasing intra-group trust and cohesion of group members.
Required time: 10 minutes. Exercise "What are we like" Carrying out procedure: The members of the group sit in a circle. The facilitator invites one of the participants into the circle based on some real or imagined resemblance to himself. For example: “Sveta, please come out to me, because you and I have the same hair color (or we are similar in that we are inhabitants of the Earth, or we are of the same height, etc.)”. Sveta enters the circle and invites one of the participants to leave in the same way. The game continues until all members of the group are in a circle. Exercise "Compliments"
Carrying out procedure: The facilitator invites the participants to come up with compliments for each other. He throws the ball to one of the participants and compliments him. For example: "Dima, you are a very fair person" or "Katya, you have a wonderful hairstyle." The person who receives the ball throws it to the person to whom he wants to give his compliment, and so on. It is important to ensure that a compliment is given to each participant.
The main content of the lesson Exercise "What is "tolerance"" Goals:
- enable participants to formulate the “scientific concept” of tolerance;
- show the multidimensionality of the concept of "tolerance".
Required time: 20 minutes. Materials: tolerance definitions written on large sheets of paper (see Annex 1.2).
Preparation: write the definitions of tolerance on large sheets and attach them to the board or to the walls before the start of the lesson with the back to the audience.
Carrying out procedure: The facilitator divides the participants into groups of 3-4 people. Each group will have to brainstorm their own definition of tolerance. Ask the participants to include in this definition what they think is the essence of tolerance. The definition should be short and concise. After discussion, a representative from each group introduces the developed definition to all participants.
After the end of the discussion in groups, each definition is written out on the board or on a large piece of paper.
After the groups present their wording, the facilitator turns the pre-prepared definitions “face” to the audience. Participants have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the existing definitions and express their attitude towards them.
Discussion: The facilitator asks the following questions:
- What makes each definition different?
- Is there something that unites some of the proposed definitions?
- What is the best definition?
- Is it possible to give one definition of the concept of "tolerance"?
Keep the following points in mind as you discuss:
- The concept of "tolerance" has many aspects.
- Each of the definitions revealed some facet of tolerance.
Reflection lessons
- Some of you are familiar with the concept of "tolerance" for the first time. Which of the definitions of tolerance resonated with you the most?
- Do you think the topic of tolerance is relevant, and if so, why?
Lesson 2 Tolerance: what is it? Warm up Exercise "General Rhythm" Goals:- Increasing group cohesion. Required time: 5 minutes.
Conduct procedure. The participants stand in a circle. The leader claps his hands several times at a certain speed, setting the rhythm, which the group must maintain as follows: the participant standing to the right of the leader makes one clap, followed by the next, and so on. It should feel like one person is clapping in a given rhythm, and not all members of the group in turn. This exercise rarely succeeds the first time. After several trial laps, participants who break the general rhythm gradually drop out of the game.
The main content of the lesson Exercise: Emblem of Tolerance Goals:- continuation of work with definitions of tolerance; - development of fantasy, expressive ways of self-expression. Required time: 20 minutes. Materials: paper, colored pencils or felt-tip pens, scissors, adhesive tape.
Conduct procedure. At the previous stage, the participants developed their own definitions of tolerance and got acquainted with the existing ones. The facilitator notes that the discussion took place on an intellectual, abstract level.
The next exercise will allow you to approach this from the other side - the participants will have to create an emblem of tolerance. Everyone will try to draw on their own such an emblem that could be printed on dust jackets, national flags. The drawing process takes 5-7 minutes. After completing the work, the participants examine each other's drawings (you can walk around the room for this). After getting acquainted with the results of the creativity of other participants, they should be divided into subgroups based on the similarities between the drawings. It is important that each participant independently decides on joining a particular group. Each of the formed subgroups should explain what their drawings have in common and put forward a slogan that would reflect the essence of their emblems (discussion - 3-5 minutes).
The final stage of the exercise— presentation of the emblems of each subgroup. Exercise "Pantomime of tolerance" Target: the same as in the previous exercise. Required time: 15 minutes.
Materials: several definitions of tolerance written on separate sheets of paper; everything that can be useful for pantomime - a coil of rope, ribbon, drawing supplies.
Conduct procedure. All participants are divided into 3-4 (3-5 people each). Each subgroup receives from the definitions of tolerance posted on the board. The task is to pantomimically depict this definition in such a way that the other participants guess which definition is being referred to. To prepare a pantomime - 5 minutes.
Discussion. The facilitator asks the following questions:
- Which pantomime was the most "unambiguous" and did not cause any difficulties in guessing?
- What difficulties did the groups encounter in the process of inventing pantomime?
Exercise "Basket". work with the concept of "tolerance" with the help of an associative series; development of imagination, creative thinking. Required time: 10 minutes. Materials: a basket or a bag with small items (for example, toys from Kinder Surprises, badges, etc.). The number of items must exceed the number of group members.
Conduct procedure. The leader passes in a circle with a basket in which there are various small objects. participants, without looking into the basket, take one item. When everyone is ready, the facilitator invites everyone to find some connection between this subject and the concept of tolerance. The story begins with the participant who first received the toy. For example: “I got the ball. It reminds me of the globe. I think that tolerance should be spread all over the world.” To give an idea of the features of a tolerant and intolerant personality and the main differences between them. Reflection lessons
- What new did you learn about the concept of "tolerance" in comparison with the previous lesson?
- What aspects and aspects of tolerance best characterize this concept?
Did you know that different nations greet each other in different ways when they meet. For example, an ordinary handshake, in addition to that adopted by us, can be found in Central Africa.
Knowledge of the traditional culture of behavior not only makes it possible to communicate normally with representatives of other nationalities, but also teaches to respect other people's customs, no matter how strange and absurd they may seem at first glance.
In Africa, the handshake is most common, but you should not squeeze your friend's hand. The handshake should be looser than is customary in the US and Europe. This conveys special respect for the interlocutor. If a handshake is made with both hands (the left hand supports the right one), it means the absence of aggressive intentions, the disposition towards the interlocutor, emphasizing social closeness with him.
In the Akamba tribe in Kenya, as a sign of deep respect, imagine spitting on the oncoming one. Also spitting greet in the Maasai tribe. True, they spit on their own hands, and then shake hands with another.
A resident of the Gambia will be mortally offended if he is given a left hand instead of his right hand. Such a gesture of greeting is unacceptable.
In the Congo River basin, there is a custom to give each other both hands and, bending down, blow on them. The inhabitants of Easter Island, to say hello, stand absolutely straight, clench their hands into fists, stretch them out in front of them, then raise them up above their heads, open their fists and finally let their hands fall freely.
The people of New Zealand do not need hands at all to greet someone. When greeting, they lightly rub their noses, moving their heads up and down or from side to side.
New Zealand Aboriginal greeting, Maori. Get ready for a little gymnastics. When meeting, the Maori first shout out words in a fierce and staccato manner, then slap their hands on their thighs, then stomp their feet with all their might and bend their knees, and finally puff up their chests, bulge their eyes and stick out their tongues from time to time.
Some Malays, when greeting, put their fingers together and lightly clap each other, first on one and then on the other side of the hands. After that, they put their hands to their lips or forehead.
Among the tribes living on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, the greeting begins with the meeting clapping each other on the stomach, then clapping their hands and shaking hands.
The Egyptians and Yemenis greet each other with the same gesture, reminiscent of the salute of the Soviet military, with the only difference being that in the Arabic gesture, the palm is applied to the forehead and turns to the one who is being greeted.
The Chinese in the old days, when meeting another, shook hands with himself, in modern times he makes a slight bow or nod of his head, or shakes hands if he greets a foreigner (according to the Western model).
In Japan, when meeting, a verbal greeting is accompanied by a ceremonial bow, the depth of which depends on the age and position of both parties. Three types of bows are used - saikerei (the lowest), medium bow - with an angle of thirty degrees and light - with an angle of fifteen. The most respected and wealthy people are greeted with the lowest bow.
The Ainu (the oldest population of the Japanese Islands) fold their hands at a meeting, raise them to their forehead, turn their palms up and slap themselves - men on their beards, and women on their upper lip, after which they shake hands.
The famous phrase "Memento more", it turns out, was also a greeting: this is how members of the Trappist order greeted in the Middle Ages. The monks reminded each other that a person must live with dignity in order to avoid punishment for sins in the next world.
In Korea, the greeting is often accompanied by a ceremonial bow. The depth of the bow is determined by the social and age status of the person greeting and being greeted. Now the handshake is becoming more common (especially in the North). Moreover, the elder gives his hand first, the man - to the woman.
Iranians shake hands at a meeting, then put their right hand to their hearts (moreover, the youngest or lower standing on the social ladder, if he was not greeted with a handshake, only puts his hand to his heart) - a sign of greeting and deep respect.
In the Middle East, respect and deep respect for a high-ranking person is expressed as follows: the palm of the right hand covers the left hand, both hands are lowered and pressed to the body, which is slightly tilted forward, the head is lowered.
In some Indian tribes, it is customary to squat at the sight of a stranger until the stranger approaches and notices you.
In most Latin American countries, in addition to shaking hands at a meeting, one can observe a stormy expression of joy, hugs, especially among acquaintances. Women exchange kisses on the cheeks, but at the first meeting - only a handshake.
Latinos embrace.
Greetings from the inhabitants of Easter Island: stand straight, clench your hands into fists, stretch them out in front of you, raise them above your head, open your fists and let your hands fall quietly.
Residents of Tibet, when meeting, take off their headdress with their right hand, put their left hand behind their ear and stick out their tongue.
Representatives of the New Guinean Koiri tribe tickle each other with their chins when they meet.
In Samoa, you will be misunderstood if you do not sniff your friend when you meet.
The Eskimos, as a sign of greeting, strike a familiar fist on the head and shoulders.
In France, when meeting and parting in an informal setting, it is customary to kiss, touching each other's cheeks in turn and sending one to five kisses into the air.
Samoans sniff each other.
A resident of the Andaman Islands sits on the knees of another, hugs his neck and cries.
In Singapore, the greeting can be in the Western manner - a handshake, and typical for China - a slight bow. In Thailand, it is not customary to shake hands when meeting: the hands are folded in a “house” in front of the chest, and the person bows slightly. But in the Philippines, shaking hands is traditional. The handshake is typical among men and in Malaysia; but when greeting a woman, especially an elderly one, they make a slight bow.
In Saudi Arabia, if a guest is invited home, then after shaking hands, the host puts the guest's left hand on the right shoulder and kisses on both cheeks. If the owner’s wife is at home at this moment, then you will be introduced to her, you need to be friendly with her, but restrainedly, it is not customary to shake hands with a woman.
In Australia, the handshake is quite vigorous.
In India, when greeting and parting, men often shake hands. Women do not shake hands. When greeting a Hindu woman, you should bow slightly with your hands clasped in front of your chest in a “house”. The traditional gesture of greeting in India is the exchange of bows and the folding of the hands with the palms up on the chest.
It is customary for Europeans to shake hands when greeting (today it is also a sign of respect), but even here there are some nuances. The British, unlike Russians, very rarely give each other a hand when they meet (they limit themselves to a slight nod of their heads forward) and almost never do this when they say goodbye. Hugging is generally not accepted in England. English police officers do not welcome people who turn to them for information or help.
In Spain, a greeting, in addition to the traditional handshake typical of business meetings, is often accompanied by hugs and a loud expression of joy (among friends and good acquaintances); women kiss each other on the cheek. Italians love to shake hands and gesticulate. The French greet each other with a light handshake or a kiss.
In the US, the handshake is more common on formal occasions than in everyday life, and is also used as a greeting when making acquaintances. Usually, a handshake is not observed between people who see each other often or know each other on business. Women shake hands if they meet for the first time, and one of the interlocutors is an honored guest. If a man meets a woman, they may or may not shake hands, but the woman extends her hand first. Sometimes there is an awkward pause due to the fact that people of the opposite sex do not know whether they should shake hands.
If two Americans meet who know each other, then they have such a moment of greeting as a “flash of eyebrows”; this movement is, as it were, a signal to approach each other, and not just to look and pass by. Usually the greeting starts at a distance of about 12 feet (but may be more in deserted places). Typical behavior of an American at a distance: he waves, turns, greets, and the greeters go towards each other, then extend their hands for a handshake (if they are friends or acquaintances), some men and women kiss, close acquaintances or relatives who have not seen each other for a long time hugging. An American may smile at an unfamiliar person who accidentally makes eye contact with him, wink at an acquaintance (in the cities and towns of the South and West, where people are more connected to each other), nod his head (in rural areas). In American culture, a kiss as a sign of greeting is accepted only within the circle of family or very close friends (but not between men), you can kiss a woman who is older.
Russians greet each other by the hand and say “hello” or “good afternoon”.
Arab countries. When meeting, people cross their arms over their chests.
Mongolia. When meeting people say to each other "Are your cattle healthy?".
And in ancient times, the Tuareg tribe living in the deserts had a very complex and long greeting. It started when two more people were about a hundred meters from each other and could last as long as half an hour! The Tuareg bowed, jumped, grimaced...
The Russian peacekeepers in Yugoslavia were greeted in a very original way: during the NATO bombings, the locals said to ours instead of “Hello” - “S-300”, hinting that it would be time to start retaliatory strikes.
By the way, in the thirties in Germany, some, risking their freedom and life, shouted at rallies instead of Heil Hitler "Halb liter", that is, half a liter.
How people say hello depends a lot on where they live. This is a way to show respect for others, so it's worth learning about the unusual customs of other countries before traveling, so the locals will treat you with more sympathy. In addition, it is always useful to understand the traditions and customs of different cultures. So, how do people from different countries behave when meeting? Let's find out!
Philippines
The people of the Philippines use a beautiful gesture called mano to show respect for elders. They take the older man's hand and press their forehead against it in a gentle motion. Considering that many Asians profess Confucianism, where elders are of great importance, the essence of such a greeting becomes quite clear. 
Japan
The Japanese greet each other with a bow. Depending on the situation, the duration and angle of the bow may be different. For Japanese culture, ceremonies are of great importance, so you should definitely understand all the intricacies of bowing if you have to communicate with the Japanese. 
India
People in India say the word "namaste" and raise their hands in front of their chest, clasping their palms and pointing their fingers up. If you have ever practiced yoga, you are probably familiar with this position of the hands and this phrase. 
Thailand
The greeting in Thailand is similar to the Indian one, it is called wai. This is a gesture reminiscent of a prayer, which is accompanied by a slight bow. A bow allows you to emphasize a respectful attitude towards the interlocutor. 
France
In France, people prefer to kiss on the cheeks when they meet. Of course, this applies to cases when people have not seen each other for a long time and are going to talk, when meeting with a neighbor, it is enough just to say hello, as in other European countries. 
New Zealand
Maori from New Zealand greet each other with the traditional hongi gesture, for which two people need to press their noses and foreheads together. It turns out a very cute and unusual gesture. 
Botswana
In Botswana, you need to follow a series of simple movements to properly greet someone you know. Extend your right hand forward and place your left on your right elbow. Touch the hand of another person, stretching your thumb towards him, and then return to the starting position. After that, you should say “lae kae”, this is a way to ask about business. 
Mongolia
Guests in Mongolia are given a special ceremonial khada scarf. It should be received gently, extending both hands and bowing slightly to show respect. 
Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, people use the handshake and the words "as-salamu alaikum", which means "peace be upon you." Usually after that they touch noses, putting one hand on the opposite shoulder of another person. This is how men greet men, Muslim women, of course, do not enter into such close contact with the interlocutor. 
Tuvalu
The traditional greeting among the inhabitants of the Polynesian island involves a deep breath with cheeks pressed to the gums. 
Greece
A common Greek greeting is a pat on the back or shoulder of a familiar person. 
Kenya
Maasai warriors from Kenya greet newcomers with a dance ceremony in which they stand in a circle and compete to see who can jump the highest. 
Malaysia
Residents of Malaysia touch the fingers of both hands, and then put their palms on their hearts. 
Tibet
Tibetans stick out their tongues slightly when greeting to show that they are not the reincarnation of a ruthless Tibetan king who lived in the ninth century. He was rumored to have a black tongue.
