Greetings & Conversation

The way people greet and address each other is not universal. In fact, greetings, gestures, use of names and titles, and general rules of etiquette differ from country to country and culture to culture.
Greetings in some countries take the form of a handshake; in other countries people may bow, hug, kiss on the cheek, press fists together, or even rub noses. In some countries, people greet their friends, relatives, and business associates in the same way. In other countries, people have different greetings for people in different positions. In Canada and United States, men usually shake hands the first time they meet one another. Women may or may not do so in a social setting, although they often do so in a business environment.
The way people use names and titles also differs from country to country. North Americans usually use first names, even often in the workplace or in formal settings. People of the same age use first names and often nicknames. An employer, a teacher, a client, or an older person that you do not know very well is usually addressed as Mr. or Mrs. with the last name, unless that person invites you to use his/her first name.
In some countries titles are considered very important when addressing people, but in North America they are not. One title that is very common is Dr. (doctor). This is used to address people with medical degrees or PhD degrees.
Making eye contact when speaking to someone is considered important in North America, but in some Asian countries, this may be considered rude. Even the distance we maintain between two people when having a conversation can vary from culture to culture. It is also important to know that some topics of conversation may be acceptable small talk in one culture, but unacceptable in another. The best way to learn the etiquette of a culture is to observe the people who are a part of it.

Discuss the following questions with the members of your group.
1. How do people greet each other in your country? Do they shake hands, bow, kiss, etc.?

2. Do you use first names for close friends and family?

3. How do you address strangers?

4. How do you address people who are older than you?

5. How do you address teachers in your country?

6. Can you call your boss by his/her first name in your country?

7. Are titles very important in your country?

8. Are nicknames common in your country? Do you have a nickname?

9. Does a woman take her husband’s family name when she gets married?

10. Is eye contact important when having a conversation in your country?

11. How far apart do people usually stand when having a conversation in your country?

12. What topics of conversation would you discuss (or avoid) at a party or other social activity in your country? (e.g. politics, religion, family, money, work, etc.)