Greeting Rituals

Country	Greeting Ritual
Mexico	Men will shake hands in greeting. Women will often pat each other on the right forearm or shoulder instead of shaking hands. If they have a close relationship, they may hug or kiss each other on the cheek. Men may wait for women to initiate a handshake. At a party, give a slight bow to everyone as you enter the room. It is customary to greet and shake hands with each individual. Usually your host will introduce you. You are expected to shake hands with each person when you leave.
Japan	The Japanese are very aware of Western habits, and will often greet you with a handshake. Their handshakes tend to be weak; this gives no indication of their assertiveness of character. The bow is their traditional greeting. If someone bows to greet you, observe carefully. Bow to the same depth as you have been bowed to, because the depth of the bow indicates the status relationship between you. As you bow lower your eyes. Keep your palms flat against your thighs.
Brazil	Greetings tend to be effusive, with extended handshakes common during the first encounter, progressing to embraces once a friendship has been established. Women often kiss each other on alternating cheeks: twice to married women, three times to a single woman. The third kiss is supposed to indicate "good luck" in finding a spouse. It is polite to shake hands both on arrival and on departure. Brazilians communicate in very close proximity. They may keep in physical contact by touching arms, hands, or shoulders during the entire conversation.
England	A handshake is standard for business occasions and when visiting someone at home. Women tend not to shake hands. A woman may extend her hand; men tend first to wait for women to do so. When introduced, say "How do you do". The question is rhetorical, and should be met with the same response.
Saudia Arabia	Westernised Saudi men shake hands with other men. Some Saudi men will shake hands with Western women. When a veiled Saudi woman is with her husband, it is not traditional for him to introduce her. A more traditional Saudi greeting between men involves each grasping the other's right hand, placing the left hand on the other's right shoulder, and exchanging kisses on the cheeks.
Thailand	Press your hands together as though in prayer, keeping arms and elbows close to your body, then bow your head so that it touches the tips of your fingers and say "Wai"(pronounced like why in English). This traditional greeting is used for both meeting and departing. Thais will shake hands with Westerners, but they will be pleased if you greet them with their traditional greeting.
US Americans	Americans shake hands only when first introduced. Women don't usually shake hands; however, it has become more common for them to do so. When meeting people the first time, they will engage in small talk, which includes asking about your trip, where you're from and what you do. The answers are not expected to be long. The initial greeting is used to find common ground, but not for intense relationships. It isn't usual for men to slap each other on the shoulder to show friendliness, but usually only with people they already know. Women tend to hug each other.
Indonesia	Indonesia has more than 300 ethnic groups each with its own traditions. Expect to shake hands only upon initial introductions, and before or after not having seen each other for long periods. Most Indonesian handshakes are more like handclasps; they are rather limp and last for some ten or twelve seconds. As special emphasis, placing your left hand over your heart, while shaking hands, can intensify a handshake. Most ethnic Indonesians are Muslim; the majority of the rest are Hindu. Traditionally there is no physical contact between men and women in these cultures, so that women and men tend not to shake hands. Do not rush. Take your time; hurried introductions show a lack of respect, this applies to all Indonesians, from the factory worker to the executive. Kissing in public, even a quick peck on the cheek is considered inappropriate.
China	Chinese nod or bow slightly when greeting another person. Handshakes are also common. Visitors to factories, theatres, or schools may be greeted with applause as a sign of welcome. The usual response is to applaud back. Introductions tend to be formal, with courtesy rather than familiarity preferred.
France	Always shake hands when being introduced or when meeting someone, as well as leaving. In general, the woman offers her hand first. In social settings, with friends, expect to the les bises : this being the touching of cheeks and kissing in the air.

Ice breaker for further discussions

Situation:

Cocktail party at an international congress. People try to meet lots of other people. They should meet and greet as many people as possible, exchanging just a few words about where they come from, and then move on to the next person. When they greet they should do so with the rituals on their role cards.

Follow-up questions:

How did you feel about the role you had to play?
⇒comfort zone
How do you think you came across to the others using these greeting rituals?
⇒ possible to play the role realistically?
If you travel to this country do you think it is a good idea to greet in this way?
⇒ appropriate as a foreigner?

Rituals are taken from a book that tries to find common features among certain ethnical groups

⇒ Danger: Stereotyping!

Weitere Follow-ups:

⇒ Bewusstmachen eigener Rituale

z.B.:

wer grüßt wen zuerst
in welcher Form
aufstehen oder sitzen bleiben ⇒ gar nicht so einfach

⇒ Rituale anderer Kulturen im eigenen Umfeld, z.B. Russland-Deutsche, Türken

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Mit freundlicher Genehmigung von:

Sabrina Mallon-Gerland
Meglishalde 6
88677 Markdorf Germany